Pretty sure I read that same story somewhere Colin, and it seems kinda logical too..?

I guess after WWII the Japanese were in the process of rebuilding their industries and incorporated new ideas and machine tools, perhaps a bit like the Germans may have done too..? I remember my Triumph/Honda dealership pal telling me of a visit to Meriden in the seventies and seeing a woman using an old screw press to press bearings into wheel hubs, the press looked as if it came from Victorian times. My pal also visited Honda in Japan around a similar time which blew his socks off by comparison, as one might imagine..

Last Norton I rode was a kick start 850 Commando, a very nice machine I lapped the island a few times on that though it`s handling became a little squirrelly near the top end. I suspect the isolastic engine mounts may have played a part in that, dunno for sure..?