Shed dwelling engineers are forever shoehorning alien engines into welcoming frames in the pursuit of individuality. A Triton or Tribsa are probably the best known of the motorcycle amalgamation specials, but ever more untried combinations crop up. Through Norvin's, Norzuki's, Kawazuki's, Norcati's and Ducton's there are dozens of inspiring hybrids out there. But a Burton? I thought it was the chap's surname.

Following in the tyre treads of the AC Cobra is the machine you see here, chosen to integrate some serious American grunt with British chassis engineering. An engine from a Buell X1 meets a Norton featherbed wideline frame. The concept had been forming for owner, Ed Jonkler for some time. "I have had sports bikes for a while, but had a Bonneville a while back, and really enjoyed the feel of that too so wanted something that would have a bit more grunt than most of the modern classics out there, look as authentic as possible, and still be relatively useable. I enjoy air cooled v-twins (had a monster 1100 a year or so ago), but wanted something a bit different".

Instead of opting for the ubiquitous Harley Sportster motor Ed decided to try a Buell X1 mill, he tracked down a donor with a tuned unit which, courtesy of various performance parts delivered over 100 bhp. It was ready to rock but Ed had yet further plans for the motor. "Steve Piper motorcycles took the whole thing apart then got it bead blasted, stove enamelled the barrels, polishing various bits, and reshaped the cam cover. He then converted it to carb from EFI, installing a Mikuni HSR42. The donor bike was a complete riot to ride, literally laughing everytime I was on it!" Ed sensibly dispatched the riotous American motor to build master Steve Hillary at Redmax Speedshop to be married to its new partner. "He got the engine into the frame, added an R6 front end, got hubs/wheels built (we initially had trouble finding someone to build spoked wheels that could take the torque). Twin 320mm discs up front with Brembo calipers from a 999R, and Hagon adjustable shocks on the rear, adding to the performance side of things."

Next, Steve integrated a motogadget M-unit, and their RFID system inside the yoke, electricity comes via a tiny Shido LTZ battery. The under seat tray houses a road-angel tracker, as the bike will be spending it's days in the notoriously light fingered centre of London. The tank was made by TAB classics. "They do a lot of the norley stuff; it’s a 3.5 gallon rather than the usual 5 gallon or sprint tanks, which I think may have been done to death a bit."

A custom seat was made featuring an integrated tail light and just enough space for a pillion who is further accommodated with removable pegs. The exhaust is a custom made megaphone unit. "It may be slightly less extreme than most of the Norley style manx builds, but hopefully with higher performance and more useable."

Ed's Anglo American amalgamation is a beautiful and highly competent machine that brings together the best bits of two very different motorcycling cultures. And as for that unique name? "Usually I know these are called Hartons or Norleys, but with the Buell, I fancied something different, so the Burton was born!"

Credit: Ross Sharp from bikeshedmoto

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