What’s the deal with Norton Commando?

[Sheepdog]

I had a ‘74 Commando Interstate, also. It was a looker and drew crowds whenever I parked. Mikunis were once the answer for easy tuning and reliable running. However, Amal now offers Concentric carburetors in a “Premier” version. It deals with the idle mixture problems and wear that was the norm with the originals. Mine never stranded me...even on tour. The photo below is from 1980 and was taken at the Military Police motor pool at West Point (I was the armorer there).

[guzzista]

Asides from bevel Ducatis the other motorcycle addiction that lingered on for most of my life has been Commandos. Rode one at the tender young age of 16 and it was downhill from there. I have owned a few and worked on a bunch more. I could talk all day long about  Isolastics, layshaft bearings, Superblends failed and replaced, rewiring electrical systems , worn Amal slides and endless fettling......
At the end of the day it is an emotional thing, the way machine affect our lives and from that perspective  it comes down to the old biker ditty: If I have to explain it you wouldn't understand.

[Lannis]

I had a ‘74 Commando Interstate, also. It was a looker and drew crowds whenever I parked. Mikunis were once the answer for easy tuning and reliable running. However, Amal now offers Concentric carburetors in a “Premier” version. It deals with the idle mixture problems and wear that was the norm with the originals. Mine never stranded me...even on tour. The photo below is from 1980 and was taken at the Military Police motor pool at West Point (I was the armorer there).

My Commando Interstate has never stranded me on any trip, long or short.   Rich Stone rides his Commando from Nebraska to North Carolina almost every spring and it gets him 1200 miles each way.  Don and Shirley Danmeier rode their Commando two up from California to Virginia and back for the last National Rally and it did fine for them, almost a month on the road.

It appears to me that most of the smack on Commandos is either of the nature of "I had one once and it was crap" - could be that it started out as crap from a previous owner beating on it.   Or just the normal anti British stuff "Bastard Stopped Again" "Notrun" "Warm beer Lucas Refrigerators" yada yada yada ad infinitum.

It's OK to just not like them on principle, or to say "I know someone who had one and it never seemed to run", but the fact is that if you take one and treat it like a 50-year-old bike needs to be treated in order to get you where you are going, replace the worn out parts, upgrade the parts that can be upgraded (mine is still using the original Amals and the original Zener diodes), and become part of a community of Norton folks the same as we do here for Guzzis,  it will allow you to have a lot of fun and go a long way.  They're a torquey, good handling, comfortable design.  I've gone a long way on them, and I know a lot of others who have too.

Lannis

[Lannis]

Part of the problem was the way it vibrated below 3000 rpm,

What were you doing down there anyway?   Just like a Guzzi, you don't operate a Norton (nor any other old Brit twin) below 3000 RPM.    Shouldn't take but a second or two to accelerate away from idle to up where it belongs .... ?   

Lannis

[blackcat]

It appears to me that most of the smack on Commandos is either of the nature of "I had one once and it was crap" - could be that it started out as crap from a previous owner beating on it.   Or just the normal anti British stuff "Bastard Stopped Again" "Notrun" "Warm beer Lucas Refrigerators" yada yada yada ad infinitum.

It's OK to just not like them on principle, or to say "I know someone who had one and it never seemed to run", but the fact is that if you take one and treat it like a 50-year-old bike needs to be treated in order to get you where you are going, replace the worn out parts, upgrade the parts that can be upgraded (mine is still using the original Amals and the original Zener diodes), and become part of a community of Norton folks the same as we do here for Guzzis,  it will allow you to have a lot of fun and go a long way.  They're a torquey, good handling, comfortable design.  I've gone a long way on them, and I know a lot of others who have too.

Lannis

Yep. 

Lots of Norton's sold over the years and there is a very enthusiastic following which is why Andover can make brand new headlights,etc. of high quality because they know there is a large crowd out there who are willing to maintain their bikes.   Try finding brand new non-engine,transmission,final drive parts for any 90's,80's,70's Guzzi.

[swooshdave]

I only wish that Guzzi had a supplier like Andover Norton. The reproduction parts coming out of that company are really something.

www.andovernorton.c om

Those are technically not reproduction parts from Andover. Andover is the parts company that split off from the factory when the factory closed. So they are technically still factory parts.

And the coverage for parts is insane. There are two bikes you can build from new parts these days, Vincent and Norton (the Vincent parts are managed buy the club and yes, it will set you back a small large fortune).

[kirby1923]

I have a '81 CX100 and I have to say that I have never owned a moto that I have had to work on so frequently as in hours to ride  verses hours to fix!

I have had u joint problems transmission problems clutch problems instruments fail wheel bearings failed ignition failed carb problems  etc....you get my drift.

I'm a boomer and we grew up when these things were part of the experience of a motorbike.

But...
Every time it has got me home somehow, and every time I get back on it after a bit of time it does put a smile on my face 'cause it is primitive, raw machine, just straight two wheeler, motor wheels and...me..bugs on my teeth.

The old Brits and old HDs are the same, made during a time when you didn't expect to be coddled on your ride, just made to go see whats over the next hill.

:-)

[swooshdave]

The Production Racer replica is currently undergoing an engine rebuild after throwing a rod. Not the fault of the bike, owner (me) made a modification that I shouldn't have.

The Interstate is currently in NC and will be coming home to Oregon. I bought that in the early 90s and aside from eating a cam is mostly original.

The only people who don't understand the Commando have never ridden a good one.

At least they don't have chrome bores. 

[blackcat]

Those are technically not reproduction parts from Andover. Andover is the parts company that split off from the factory when the factory closed. So they are technically still factory parts.

And the coverage for parts is insane. There are two bikes you can build from new parts these days, Vincent and Norton (the Vincent parts are managed buy the club and yes, it will set you back a small large fortune).

Yes & Yes.

Dave, nice bikes.

[JJ]

As far as classic Brit bikes go, it is one that you can ride like a modern bike; fast enough for the highway,  smooth with the rubber mounts for less fatigue, and for garage art, they are one of the best!  A well sorted Commando is a joy.

Agree with Dave on all points. 

This is me in the early 1990's in Dallas, TX with my award winning 1975 Norton 850 Commando Interstate MK III (restored...)   It's nickname was "The Beast" for many reasons...I miss that bike...

[kirby1923]

Drag Specialties...

They have two catalogs, one about 4" thick and the other close to 2' think(that one for the "old" stuff,
And you can take these catalogs and build a complete HD of just about any year from the Flat heads on up.

$$$$

:-)

[Rough Edge racing]

What were you doing down there anyway?   Just like a Guzzi, you don't operate a Norton (nor any other old Brit twin) below 3000 RPM.    Shouldn't take but a second or two to accelerate away from idle to up where it belongs .... ?   

Lannis

  I don't like drilling through town at 3000 rpm in the lower gears...Riding solo on level ground even my 750 Triumph is content to cruise along at  as low as 2000 rpm in the lower gears .The bike needs to be tuned correctly and the rider needs some mechanical consideration..The lugging stories are over stated..The engine is not luggling if slightly opening the throttle gives engine response and no pinging....When I owned the Norton I was living in a city...the shaking was annoying in traffic... If I only used it in the country or on trips it may have been a different story...
 

[swooshdave]

  I don't like drilling through town at 3000 rpm in the lower gears...Riding solo on level ground even my 750 Triumph is content to cruise along at  as low as 2000 rpm in the lower gears .The bike needs to be tuned correctly and the rider needs some mechanical consideration..The lugging stories are over stated..The engine is not luggling if slightly opening the throttle gives engine response and no pinging....When I owned the Norton I was living in a city...the shaking was annoying in traffic... If I only used it in the country or on trips it may have been a different story...

The shaking is just part of the character, you're telling me your Guzzis don't shake from side to side? Or you've never notices the shaft drive?

A well set up Norton shakes like crazy at idle, sometimes you swear the front wheel is going to bounce off the ground. But then is smooths out like glass as you get going and you forget all about it. Until you stop again. 

[larrys]

I had a '70 Commando and have ridden many others.  I think the thing to bear in mind with them is that they utilize vintage bike technology, meaning pre WW II.   

So true. I went to the Norton factory in Wolverhampton and the Triumph factory in Meriden. It was like going back in time 100 years. No wonder that the British bike industry died. They were still using tooling from the 1920's...
Larry

[swooshdave]

Drag Specialties...

They have two catalogs, one about 4" thick and the other close to 2' think(that one for the "old" stuff,
And you can take these catalogs and build a complete HD of just about any year from the Flat heads on up.

$$$$

:-)

But it wouldn't be a Harley when you were done. It would have an S&S engine and probably not one Harley part on it. It would look and sound like a Harley but it would just be a replica.

[kirby1923]

True that, but allot of HDs have so many after market parts they are only "part " HD pun intended.

Same as a Norton that has a bunch of new manufactured stuff.

My point was that there are other machines that have a tremendous amount of after market  "new" parts.

I could rebuild my Pan with a Drag S cat. and sorta keep the engine  "original HD" and advertise it as such.

:-)

[nc43bsa]

My 850 Commando was happiest when cruising at 3200-3400 rpm. 

[LowRyter]

Beautiful bikes, I would like to ride one.

[swooshdave]

Beautiful bikes, I would like to ride one.

Where you at?

[lrutt]

My 73 850 has been a joy to own. Never a problem except for wet sumping if left sitting too long. As for carbs, the new Premier anodized slides are the secret there. Or just a whole new set of Premiers. Better than conversions. My only complaint is that it is a bit of work to start. Always on the first or second kick but it's a lot of motor to turn over. I have to put it on the center stand. I can see a CNW e-start conversion in my future when I can't kick the old gal any more.

As for performance, it will keep up with or walk my 06 Triumph Scrambler. No bike I've owned short of a big single has that low end pull like the Norton. Fantastic motor.

Mine was a barnfind about 20 years ago, only 4500 miles. Still sporting all the original electrics, paint, chrome, seat. I put new tires on, painted the frame, rebuilt the front brakes, and a new original clutch (barnet clutch sucked).

[Motormike]

I think the Norton 850 Commando is the best looking motorcycle ever made.  But I've read enough Peter Egan to know better than to own one. If he couldn't keep one running I sure couldn't.  As one grizzled rider once told me, "Lots of motorcycles will take you places, I want to ride a motorcycle that will bring me back."

[swooshdave]

My 73 850 has been a joy to own. Never a problem except for wet sumping if left sitting too long. As for carbs, the new Premier anodized slides are the secret there. Or just a whole new set of Premiers. Better than conversions. My only complaint is that it is a bit of work to start. Always on the first or second kick but it's a lot of motor to turn over. I have to put it on the center stand. I can see a CNW e-start conversion in my future when I can't kick the old gal any more.

As for performance, it will keep up with or walk my 06 Triumph Scrambler. No bike I've owned short of a big single has that low end pull like the Norton. Fantastic motor.

Mine was a barnfind about 20 years ago, only 4500 miles. Still sporting all the original electrics, paint, chrome, seat. I put new tires on, painted the frame, rebuilt the front brakes, and a new original clutch (barnet clutch sucked).

Treat it like a single, push the kickstarter until you have it just past TDC and then kick through. Tons of flywheel to assist from there. It pains me to see people jumping on that kickstarter. That is a horrible abuse on that gearbox.

[swooshdave]

I think the Norton 850 Commando is the best looking motorcycle ever made.  But I've read enough Peter Egan to know better than to own one. If he couldn't keep one running I sure couldn't.  As one grizzled rider once told me, "Lots of motorcycles will take you places, I want to ride a motorcycle that will bring me back."

With all of these old bikes it use to be horrible to keep them going. You either hoped there was a club or a dealer that was not a cranky old fart (they all were) to help you.

The internet changed everything. Think of all the nuances you have learned here on Wild Guzzi. Think of all the people you can ask now through the forum.

Peter never had that. You would think he would have all the resources in the world but for some reason he didn't use them.

[Gino]

My wife and I have 7 Commandos between us, fantastic bikes , great fun, I did a 5000 mile road trip on one 10 years ago, a month ago we did a 1200 mile weekend trip to the very South of Ireland BUT, I always ride it like a grenade who's pin may fall out at any time and that's after over 40 years of ownership. Fantastic bikes but then again so are Guzzis

[Dave Swanson]

Most will know this video already, but just in case you haven't seen it do yourself a favor and watch it.  It is great.  The best Norton Commando video you will ever watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82iVMONcwss

"Norton rules!"

[oldbike54]

With all of these old bikes it use to be horrible to keep them going. You either hoped there was a club or a dealer that was not a cranky old fart (they all were) to help you.

The internet changed everything. Think of all the nuances you have learned here on Wild Guzzi. Think of all the people you can ask now through the forum.

Peter never had that. You would think he would have all the resources in the world but for some reason he didn't use them.

 The Contaminator Twin story was about an almost new Commando in 1975 (?) . When he wrote the story he insinuated it was an old motorbike , he revealed some years later it was a new bike .

 Dusty

[Tom]

Good vid.  I enjoyed it. 

[guzzista]

As much as I enjoy Mr Eagan as a writer I don't think  his column is /was a compendium of how to maintain a Norton, Ducati, etc or 4 wheel vehicle (add your favorite brand name) , but a fun, entertaining column with a  smattering of related facts that made it resounding to the audience.

[Siamese]

Back in the day....1972, that is, I was 18, and had a Honda CB750.  A real game changer of a motorcycle.  Powerful, well-sorted out, and RELIABLE.  There was no way I'd have traded it for a 750 Commando of the same vintage.  Amal carbs, English electronics, and oil stains under it wherever you park?  I don't think so. 

And, I would say my bike riding pals on their Japanese bikes felt strongly the same way.  In our circle, British bikes were for chumps.  You rode one because you got it cheap or you just didn't know better.   

BUT...if I was to pull my 750 Honda into a parking space at our local hangout, and if a black, Norton Commando was to show up, the Honda is where the guys might hang their jackets while they gathered around the Norton.  Go figure.  It's just a sexy beast. 

I had recently sold my Kawasaki Versys 650, and started riding a Yamaha XT250, and then I was foolish enough to visit the Barber Motorsports Museum in Alabama.  WOW!!!!!  All those vintage bikes under one roof.  After most of a day spent there, I had to get a new road bike with the vibe of the bikes from a previous generation.  Short list of bikes with the Triumph, Norton, etc. vibe were the new Triumph Bonneville, maybe the Kawasaki W800, and couple others not worth mentioning, and the MOTO GUZZI V7III.  I think I made the right choice with the V7III, as it has the vibe without the hassles. 

[Dave Swanson]

I was lucky to receive all the documents with my Commando.  It was purchased by a GI that was stationed in England.  He bought the bike in London at Elite Motors, which from what I understand was the largest Norton dealer in the world.  He then had it imported to the States at the end of his hitch.