Should I buy an antique Norton Commando?

[Garandman]

The Commando was the "King of Cool" when I was in HS and college.

I've heard both horrifying and gratifying accounts of owning one. There are a number for sale in the general area, from beaters to "riders" that are a bit rough but run well, to fully-restored models. Rough price range is $3,500 to $8,000.

Opine.

[2v2Ducati]

I've always wanted one, if you have the time and the change go for it!

[JohnnyV]

I've wanted a commando fastback since I was a little boy..... Do it!

[Slyder]

I'm holding out for a Vincent Black Shadow.

[nhbubba]

Doooo eiit.

Life's too fawkin' short not to.

That's all I got.

[G21forme]

Only if you want to brake when you want to shift and vs vs.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[SprintPoser]

Me, I'd give my first born son to get back my 1975 T160 Triumph Trident. I gave it up when he was 3, and still miss it. If you ever come across one with the serial number EK03944 on the motor, let me know.

As for a Norton, keep your eyes open for the later 850 models. They had stronger left side cases and better (disk) brakes. If you would rather do a "modified restoration" and upgrade, that wouldn't much matter.

The left side brake/right side shift thing ended in 1974, another reason to look for a later model.

[jasnmar]

No. Buy a new one.

http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/bikes/

[backinthesaddle]

Get it if for no other reason than they had the best bike ads ever.

[JohnnyV]

Get it if for no other reason than they had the best bike ads ever.

Yep, the red fastback on the right is the one that sold me so many years ago.

[Wislon]

My local moto cops used the 850. They ran the STAR rider courses, and after I graduated the "Gold" level (equivalent to Institute of Advanced Motorists) they let me join their rides.
They were uncatchable. I tried with a Honda 400/4, thrashing & screaming (me and the bike) then with BMW R100RS, then with Laverda Jota. No good. They still just kind of... went away.
So it's been Moto Guzzi & Ducati for me ever since.
A little understanding TLC, contact with parts fabricators, you'll be just fine!

[breakdirt916]

I don't no nothin' bout no norton commando...what's so great about these?

[Chippertheripper]

I don't no nothin' bout no norton commando...what's so great about these?

It's basically a dr200 in prettier clothes.

[Falko]

It's a bike you buy for yourself with no intentions on impressing anyone but aficionados. They are cool bikes, no doubt, a real core type bike.

[SprintPoser]

It may seem like impressing aficionados to some but for an Olde Farte like me it would be more about trying to relive my younger riding days.

[Falko]

My comment was more aimed at the "It's a bike you buy for yourself." And there is no better reason.

[markbvt]

At some point in the indeterminate future when my finances are in great shape and I have a nice workshop set up in my barn, I would love to get a Norton Commando (unless, like Corey mentions, I can get my mitts on a Vincent Black Shadow -- but I won't hold my breath on that one). If you have the opportunity to get one now -- and the patience to own one -- do it.

If you need a good resource for parts/restoration, you want to talk to The Classic Bike Experience in Essex, VT. They're the authority on classic Britbikes and have been featured on the Cafe Racer TV show and in a Youtube video that went viral in which a guy pilfered his dad's old Norton out of his basement right under his nose, had it restored by CBE, then gave it back to his dad for Christmas (great vid -- it'll bring a tear to the eye of the most cynical, hardened biker out there).
http://classicbikeexperience.com/

Here's the video:


--mark

[whynot]

Yes.

But ask your questions on the britbike forum, a great resource:

http://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

... and join http://nneno.org/

My Triumph 650s are "ride anywhere, anytime" bikes.





And the BSA is coming along, too

[Garandman]

It may seem like impressing aficionados to some but for an Olde Farte like me it would be more about trying to relive my younger riding days.

[brady]

a Youtube video that went viral in which a guy pilfered his dad's old Norton out of his basement right under his nose, had it restored by CBE, then gave it back to his dad for Christmas (great vid -- it'll bring a tear to the eye of the most cynical, hardened biker out there).
http://classicbikeexperience.com/

Here's the video:

awesome!

...but did they say the restored bike rolled off the back of the truck on the way back?!

[markbvt]

...but did they say the restored bike rolled off the back of the truck on the way back?!

I was assuming that must have been a joke. That bike looked way too pristine to have fallen off the truck and skidded along the highway on its side.

--mark

[whynot]

PS -- if you join the britbike.com forum, check the posts of user "magilla" -- he asked many questions last year before buying a Norton, and received many good responses.

[markbvt]

I'm holding out for a Vincent Black Shadow.

Funnily enough, a Vincent popped up on Craigslist today. Not a Black Shadow, but a Rapide is pretty awesome too.
http://burlington.craigslist.org/mcy/4131846953.html

Anyone have 65 grand I could bum?

--mark

[Paul_E_D]

My buddy has 2 black shadows that he has owned since new. They are unrestored and in excellent condition. One is stock, and the other was done up as a bobber as was the style back in the day. Together they must be worth 175,000 bucks! The stock is a heartstopper. That bike has more soul than anything I've ever laid eyes on.

[Imbeek]

That video where they give the restored bike to their dad was awesome!