Ducati Monster Forum

As I was looking out the window today at work  I swear I saw a Norton Commando at the stop light. Does any one know if these bikes are available, and if so has any one had a chance to ride one? The bike looked amazing. Wish I had my camera on hand to take a couple of pics.

Did you see an original '60's - '70's Commando or one of the new 961's(I think?)?

There are a fair amount of old Commandos running around.  My buddy from PA trailers his out here to WI every spring to run around on uncrowded roads with it.  They are fun to ride - The shifter on the right and upside down takes some getting used to though.  A lot of things on the bike are maybe not the coolest by modern standards, but at least the one I have ridden was one of the smoothest shifting bikes I have ever rode. 

It really looked like the new one that is suppose to be out, but im not really familiar with older Norton models. The bike looked brand new.

(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0fZSFXGGokFvHRLffdE2Ey16S0yNmjA51peRfXFKt0lzVCRU&t=1&usg=__S_0s8UGmI8mBVv6KWHFp_RpAtUo=)
Norton 750 Commando

I'm pretty sure there's at least a few of Kenny Dreer's prototypes running around.  There's one here in Portland that shows up pretty regularly; maybe you saw one of it's brethren:

(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/8901154/122_0501_Norton_01z+Norton_952_Commando+Full_Left_Side_View.jpg)

I bought a restored '73 850 Interstate for $4K a few months back and love it.  A well sorted Commando is practical as a everyday bike, will keep up w/ modern traffic, can be made reliable, and parts availability is excellent...so much so that brand new original design bikes are for sale.  Have not seen the new version yet but most reviews seem to be positive, hoping to check one out soon as one of the three dealers is supposed to be in S.F.   Thay are pricey though at 15-20K IIRC

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__NFgdGmMpBU/TE9XcYudWCI/AAAAAAAAAR4/y-9iMC3jrXQ/s1152/bcn3.JPG)

Nice Norton Victor.  Sounds like you got a great deal on it too.

They is an article in the current Cycle World magazine about the new Norton Commando. I pretty sure they stated that none had made to the U.S. yet. They still have to get emissions certification here.

How many other people here "get" Victor's user name?


I loved my 69 Commando Fastback.  I was too young and dumb to take care of it properly then (1971).

raises hand ;D

Most of us old folk. 

From my run out to the Rock Store a few weeks ago.  I think it's the right model under all that gear.

(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll176/nordog59/BSAVIctor441.jpg)

looks like it...

First bike I crashed in the snow. ;D

That thing is beautiful!! I couldn't afford though, it is too rich for my blood!

It's amazing that we used to think those were dirt bikes. I guess if you weren't racing they were.

thanks, I got lucky on my Norton, was in the right place at the right time.  This week I read here http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/17/7967/Motorcycle-Article/Norton-Commando-961-First-Ride.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/17/7967/Motorcycle-Article/Norton-Commando-961-First-Ride.aspx) that there will be dealers in S.F, L.A, and NYC  (so far Norton's site only shows the LA dealer and the owner of that one (Matt Capri) gets some very mixed reviews to say the least)

(FWIW did have a BSA 441 Victor at one time, just used the name here on a whim)

See....  :-\ ...this I dont much like..... too.....um.. contrived..
(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/8901154/122_0501_Norton_01z+Norton_952_Commando+Full_Left_Side_View.jpg)

But this  ;D... is a thing of beauty  8) Wish I could get my hands on a nice one for twice what you paid.....
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/__NFgdGmMpBU/TE9XcYudWCI/AAAAAAAAAR4/y-9iMC3jrXQ/s1152/bcn3.JPG)
I'm old enough to remember when Coppers rode around on those....  Fabulous  [thumbsup]

I was working in a Yammi/Norton/Ossa shop when the 850 electric start model was released.

We called it 'The Electro-Leak'. ;D

[laugh] [laugh] AKA the Spark Puddle.  In those days I mocked 'em.... but looking back thru misty eyes....  I kinda like em.

Hindsight is always 20/20.

The Norton's were the smoothest, best handling bike of it's time.

They were also very British and came with all the trappings. ;)

Somewhere around here someone posted a pic of a jar of OEM Lucas Wiring Harness Replacement Smoke.

 [laugh]

Bugger of a job getting that smoke back in again once it escapes tho ...  I guess if you own(ed) any Norton, BSA or... Leyland Marina you'd be good at it eventually though, eh?  [laugh]

Joseph Lucas work very hard to earn his reputation.

CRAP. That means I am old? I need a nap

Nap?  Sounds like a good idea ;D

Naps and Craps.  When you get older you wish you could do more of both.

Back on topic:

I like the new Norton, but haven't been following the on again off again story.

So, is it a go?  Anyone actually making these yet?

lets hope they come here soon.  I love that bike.

Looks like there is now a blacked out SP version of the Norton 961 Cafe Racer.

This video isn't much of a review, but you do get hear the exhaust note and it sounds wonderful.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/videos/2011/January/jan1211-video-norton-commando-sp-vs-triumph-thruxton/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/videos/2011/January/jan1211-video-norton-commando-sp-vs-triumph-thruxton/)

Mmm - OSSA's were some of the best trials bikes when I was growing up. Been a heck of a long time since I've seen one.

The bikes are back in production at Donington Park.  The American and British magazine articles I've read compared the new Norton favorably to Ducati Monsters.  It seems the bikes share similar riding positions and engine characteristics.  I think the Nortons have metal tanks, eh-hem.  

So far, Norton's website (http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/ (http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/)) lists only the US distributor.  I asked the owner of my favorite Brit Bike shop whether they were going to become a dealer and he said Norton was still working on US certifications.  

-Jeff

Joseph Lucas.......Lord of Darkness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Norton commandos I ownes 5 over the years the best British big twin bikes  i have owned 3 750s and 2 850s wish i still had one ....

I rode a Kenny Dreer 360degree engined Commando in Oregon 5 years ago it was brilliant .

I have  ridden a Norton 961 commando belonging to a friend in UK ..the bike is of fantastic quality and very similar to an air cooled Monster in performance and feel as the engine is 270 degree crank so it fires like an L twin ......and thats what put me off the bike I want a 360 parralle twin not a V twin .........dont get me wrong i love the New commado but if i was going to spend $20,000 I would get a Brand new Old one built instead.