The Manx Commando concept that my Norton eventually developed into - black primary and brake drums, ace bars, drilled components, Manx number plate/windscreen, solo seat, etc. - came about during an all night drive back from the San Jose BSA Clubman Show, about 1993 or '94. Kenny and I were good friends back then. The sleep deprived drive developed a drug-like effect on us two vintage crazed individuals, all hopped up on the exposure of the show. In our hyperactive minds, we designed the perfect Manx Commando. We had it built in our minds before the sun came up. I don't claim to have any effect on the success of Kenny Dreer. He is an ambitious, work driven perfectionist; a craftsman, his own man. He was a good teacher and I was eager to learn. I later went on, about a year, to spend time in the barrel working for Kenny, building many Nortons, Triumphs, and BSA's from my home shop.
I designed Kenny's original Vintage Rebuilds and Restorations brochure, as a trade for a core bike and all the parts and services at cost. I did all the upgrades Kenny had developed at that time. I don't claim my Norton as a Dreer bike and I wouldn't truthfully call it the prototype, but you get the idea. It's the likeness of an idea. Kenny has no true prototypes. It's a process of evolution. I built my Norton myself in my shop with the tutelage and support of Kenny. I suppose one day when I decide to sell my Norton, I will identify Kenny's name with it more closely, in the desire to wring as much value out as possible. George Kraus
* Disclaimer: Neither OVM nor George Kraus makes any claim that this bike is a true prototype of the Nortons built and sold by Kenny Dreer. It is, however, an important part of the evolution of the bikes Kenny Dreer sold under the name Norton America, and we stand by the veracity of George's description of the events leading up to the concept of the "Kenny Dreer" Norton. The bike speaks for itself. We have documentation regarding when it was created. 