@RC Nelson I don't know about that. Norton Commando engines were forward leaning. This forward leaning of the engine was relatively easy as the engine was "pre-unit", that is, the gearbox was not integral with the crankcase, and the change gave three benefits: the center of gravity was moved further forward; this allowed more space behind the carburettors for the airbox; and it gave an attractive raked appearance to the motorcycle.
Wow.............I feel like the best year of my life ('68) was yesterday when I look at this bike! I remember the Thunderbolt single Carb (Black paint), the MKIV Spitfire and the Lightning with all the georgeous chrome..............it's too bad they leaked tons of oil and vibrated like hell. But, BSA when out of business(rightfully so) and Triumph (which I really never liked) now rules. I did like the 1968 Norton Commando with isolastic contruction..............smoother than the Bolt.
It does look a little off, though, doesn't it. I asked another BSA owner the same question and he answered the same way as Tony does. Must be better than those eight-inch long front fenders on some of the new bikes for keeping crud off the bike.
It's funny, the standard today is to ride a Japanese bike., but in Japan, if you are a real bike enthusiast, you ride a big old British bike, BSA, Triumph or Norton.
