March 2016 Bike of the Month |
Norm Cain with his 1962 Panther M120
Make: Panther
Model: M120
Year: 1962
Country of Origin: England
Engine: 645cc Single
Transmission: 4 speed
Owner: Norm Cain
City: Huntington Beach
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Congratulations to Norm Cain of Huntington Beach for winning Bike of the Month with his 1962 Panther M120.
Norm won a Mr. Pete's Grill gift certificate provided by Mr. Pete's Grill. This was Norms first time to our meet with his M120.
I've never heard of a Panther motorcycle. They were built by
Phelon & Moore in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, England from 1904 to 1967 according to Wikipedia Norm told me the 1963 model was the last year of production.
Norm has only owned the bike since January when he bought it at the Mecum auction in Las Vegas.
The unique wet sump 45 degree sloping single 650 engine is a stressed member of the bike. The small lever on the side is a compression lock. Move it up for half compression.
It also has a manual advace/retard lever for the magnito on the handlebars.
Norm said Phelon & Moore were like the Frank Sinatra of motorcycle building... "I Did it My Way"
Judging by his accent, Norm came from across the pond too, unfortunately I didn't get much more of his history.
Thanks Norm for bringing it to our meet. See all the photos in our March Gallery. |
The Bike of the Month contest is held monthly at the Vintage Bike OC meet. Qualifying motorcycles must be 30 years old or older. Former Bike of the Month winning bikes are not eligible to win again.
Anyone attending the meet is eligible to enter a qualifying bike in the contest and vote for
their favorite bike. The winning bike is chosen by a popular vote and is featured on the Home page for one month and in this feature article. The Bike of the Month articles are permanent content on the site.
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Bike of the Month Gallery
Photo gallery of all the Bike of the Month winners.
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