I've ridden this bike a fair bit and I think it's a tough sell. It feels like an old motorcycle. I'm guessing some people will like that. It doesn't excel at anything in particular. It's expensive, underpowered, uncomfortable and not very reliable. On my friend's one, the gear linkage snapped twice, it was a horror to start. And the battery is under the petrol tank! The riding position is quite strange with the foot pegs out wide from the frame and the knees in tight to the tank. It's vibey and doesn't feel happy until you're in the mid rev range. Then it feels great. Positives: the looks, the character, the sound of the twin exhausts and the ohlins suspension. I think you would really need to fall in love with this bike to forgive it's shortcomings, especially when you could buy a Triumph Speed Twin for a fraction of the price and have a much better riding experience. I was hoping the new ownership of Norton would reboot the Commando but it seems identical to the old model. For true Norton fans only.
I see bikes like this as expensive watches. The essence is that it still just tells the time, however, owning a fancy watch makes you feel something and it's different from a 'normal' watch. At least, that's my take.
Just ordered one. Yes, it is pricey - there is a fantastic deal I could not ignore out there! Love the retro look and I am happy with its power output and performance!
@@Rajvirdee check the dealers. £69 deposit, £69 per month for 2 years. 0%. finance plus a deposit contribution. It's a no brainer. If I don't like riding it, I can just stare at the art!
I enjoyed test riding this bike and the Cafe Racer version. Unlike “Modern Retros” which in essence are modern bikes dressed up in classic looks, the Norton Commando with its air cooled engineering gives a true old school riding experience, it’s just a shame it’s so expensive.
@@logangodofcandyIt’s not a question of them being better for it, I wouldn’t dispute that modern motorcycle engineering is far more advanced, my point is if you want to experience a bike that’s retro in more than just looks alone, the Norton, for me, is all the more enjoyable because of its old school air cooled engine rather than despite it.
My first "legal" street bike was a 1973 850 Commando. I was 15 years old. No age limits here in the States. Imagine that thrill. Now at 68 I would love to come full circle and have a 961. Not available here. Just have to carry on with my FTR.
If you were 15 in 1973, which I was, you would be 66 today. Don’t worry about the fuzzy math. I bought my 1968 Norton Dominator 600cc in 1977 in Rhodesia and rode it all over the place during the Bush War. If I come across a good used Norton again I’ll pull the trigger and buy it. Currently riding a ‘22 1290 KTM Super Duke R EVO. Merry Christmas to all!
@@mtkoslowski Yes, my math is also fuzzy. Back then the "new" 73 models were released in early summer 1972. Then in August 72 I turned 16. If I had the money, I agree with you about a good used Norton. I would then buy a New Norton and do comparisons just because. That KTM you have must rock. I have to settle with an FTR 1200. It rocks 40 HP less. Stay safe and Merry Christmas to you.
Really a very good video and a very good motorbike I do like the looks of the bike and the engine sounds very good but I think most people would pay the money for the bike but it’s not one for the motorway or anything like that but definitely a very good video
I just love the looks and power delivery is just right for the roads i like to ride on. They are not for everyone. Thankfully there is alot of choice of different types of motorcycle to suit us all .
Andy over 'The Missenden Flyer' took one of those for a ride a year or so ago, and he was far less charitable than yourself, in how he reacted to the machine. It's certainly a blast of nostalgia for those of us with long enough memories, but one thing a long life has taught me, is that the past is past, and maybe that's where it belongs.
Great video Dan and oh that weather! Also very jealous of the roads you have locally - not so much the bike though, looks good and love the idea of Norton but one of the worst bikes I’ve ever ridden, so disappointed in it….many seem to love it though, so all is well! Merry Christmas mate!
TMF, this is the second time on a Norton review your name pops up and you give the bike a bad name. I like your channel and content, but is this really necessary? I agree, all bikes are not very every one and Dan mentions this. I personally like a wide spectrum of things and we all realise this isn't for everyone. I recommend you leave at that mate. Merry Christmas too.
Fantastic review of an iconic bike Dan Norton really nailed it with the looks as for being expensive I don’t think it’s overly expensive if you were to build this bike yourself it would be double your riding a icon I’d buy one tomorrow if I had the room for another bike your review really did her proud well done dan 👍
![CB500X louder sound [MIVV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4S5WiJ0Xujk/mqdefault.jpg)
I've ridden this bike a fair bit and I think it's a tough sell. It feels like an old motorcycle. I'm guessing some people will like that. It doesn't excel at anything in particular. It's expensive, underpowered, uncomfortable and not very reliable. On my friend's one, the gear linkage snapped twice, it was a horror to start. And the battery is under the petrol tank! The riding position is quite strange with the foot pegs out wide from the frame and the knees in tight to the tank. It's vibey and doesn't feel happy until you're in the mid rev range. Then it feels great. Positives: the looks, the character, the sound of the twin exhausts and the ohlins suspension. I think you would really need to fall in love with this bike to forgive it's shortcomings, especially when you could buy a Triumph Speed Twin for a fraction of the price and have a much better riding experience. I was hoping the new ownership of Norton would reboot the Commando but it seems identical to the old model. For true Norton fans only.
I see bikes like this as expensive watches. The essence is that it still just tells the time, however, owning a fancy watch makes you feel something and it's different from a 'normal' watch. At least, that's my take.
Where is the filming location please, with the big stately home?
Is that national trust?
My guess even though just ordered one - it’s a stop gap until new models are launched!😊
Could it be that Norton are using up all the current stock of parts ?
Once used up, maybe they'll do an over due redesign (?)
Just ordered one. Yes, it is pricey - there is a fantastic deal I could not ignore out there! Love the retro look and I am happy with its power output and performance!
Tell me more as I'm tempted please !
@@Rajvirdee check the dealers. £69 deposit, £69 per month for 2 years. 0%. finance plus a deposit contribution. It's a no brainer. If I don't like riding it, I can just stare at the art!
Are you sure you don't want to test ride it again? Maybe for a few hours.....
Great review Dan. Looks a nice motorbike plenty of character.
I enjoyed test riding this bike and the Cafe Racer version.
Unlike “Modern Retros” which in essence are modern bikes dressed up in classic looks, the Norton Commando with its air cooled engineering gives a true old school riding experience, it’s just a shame it’s so expensive.
Almost every Harley and Indian is air cooled. They aren't better for it
@@logangodofcandyIt’s not a question of them being better for it, I wouldn’t dispute that modern motorcycle engineering is far more advanced, my point is if you want to experience a bike that’s retro in more than just looks alone, the Norton, for me, is all the more enjoyable because of its old school air cooled engine rather than despite it.
Crackin' looking bike. Sunday run to the coffee shop for sure.
With all its down sides, it’s still one of the best looking bikes out there.
And 76 bhp is more than enough.
Like my triumph bobber for £4k less. The the slow version of the triumph twin
It's beautiful!
@@logangodofcandy Agree
Beautiful looking and sounding bike and fair review as always thank you. The house just needs a lick of paint really 😂
Have a great Christmas Dan! 🎄
Great of the Norton, was wondering if you had a chance to ride & share . I appreciate all bikes. 125 yrs, wow!
Expensive bike with cheap looking brake and clutch master cylinders,dials and mirrors.
I'll stick to my r nine t thanks.
My first "legal" street bike was a 1973 850 Commando. I was 15 years old. No age limits here in the States. Imagine that thrill. Now at 68 I would love to come full circle and have a 961. Not available here. Just have to carry on with my FTR.
If you were 15 in 1973, which I was, you would be 66 today.
Don’t worry about the fuzzy math. I bought my 1968 Norton Dominator 600cc in 1977 in Rhodesia and rode it all over the place during the Bush War. If I come across a good used Norton again I’ll pull the trigger and buy it.
Currently riding a ‘22 1290 KTM Super Duke R EVO.
Merry Christmas to all!
@@mtkoslowski Yes, my math is also fuzzy. Back then the "new" 73 models were released in early summer 1972. Then in August 72 I turned 16. If I had the money, I agree with you about a good used Norton. I would then buy a New Norton and do comparisons just because. That KTM you have must rock. I have to settle with an FTR 1200. It rocks 40 HP less. Stay safe and Merry Christmas to you.
Wow, I couldn't even afford to buy a bus ticket when I was 15 and you could afford a motorcycle!
I started working when I was 12 milking cows. I had a plan. It worked.@@Geshmaal
norton has been made into a boutique brand which simply isnt going to last.
Really a very good video and a very good motorbike I do like the looks of the bike and the engine sounds very good but I think most people would pay the money for the bike but it’s not one for the motorway or anything like that but definitely a very good video
I just love the looks and power delivery is just right for the roads i like to ride on. They are not for everyone. Thankfully there is alot of choice of different types of motorcycle to suit us all .
Well said!
Over priced under powered, Norton’s reputation left the building a long time ago. Far better retros out there for a lot less money
But they’re not Norton.
Who makes a air-cooled engine with more power at similar cc ?
I'm sure Aldi do a better value option
@@mtkoslowskiand???
@@Achilles22
🥱
Andy over 'The Missenden Flyer' took one of those for a ride a year or so ago, and he was far less charitable than yourself, in how he reacted to the machine. It's certainly a blast of nostalgia for those of us with long enough memories, but one thing a long life has taught me, is that the past is past, and maybe that's where it belongs.
To each their own, I really enjoyed it.
Is it retro,
Or just old?
Dan what brand and model are your gloves?
Richa Cruiser 2 gloves.
Looks lovely. I'd be interested in getting one... but I have no idea about the reliability and customer care... although I haven't finished the vid
Depends, are you in England or not?
i'd take the kawa 900RS any day over this. looks better, sounds better and 7k cheaper.
900RS is nice, but a totally different experience.
Great video Dan and oh that weather! Also very jealous of the roads you have locally - not so much the bike though, looks good and love the idea of Norton but one of the worst bikes I’ve ever ridden, so disappointed in it….many seem to love it though, so all is well! Merry Christmas mate!
TMF, this is the second time on a Norton review your name pops up and you give the bike a bad name. I like your channel and content, but is this really necessary? I agree, all bikes are not very every one and Dan mentions this. I personally like a wide spectrum of things and we all realise this isn't for everyone. I recommend you leave at that mate. Merry Christmas too.
Thanks Andy. Yep horses for courses and all that. Merry Christmas to you and yours! 😊
Sounds like he watches other people's reviews as well. Not every watches his channel, so his input should be acceptable here
Looks great, but considering you could get a Suzuki sv 650 for 10,000 grand less. It more status symbol than anything else
10,000 grand is a WHOLE lot of money! 😅
Your abode will require a few Honda Lawnmowers I bet😊
Fantastic review of an iconic bike Dan Norton really nailed it with the looks as for being expensive I don’t think it’s overly expensive if you were to build this bike yourself it would be double your riding a icon I’d buy one tomorrow if I had the room for another bike your review really did her proud well done dan 👍
I'd buy one if I had enough money! Loved it! Thanks!
Cool bike. Not the fastes or best handing but the look & style work for Me. 🤘😎
Agreed!
Looks good but I wouldn’t want to own one
Brilliant video tho
Love your outfit period correct! ❤❤❤❤❤ she looks S T U N N I N G!
Wow! I like it. Stunner.
Hope you dont have bad joints!
I do!
forbidden fruit not available in the USA
It would be true to the original Nortons by having the gear lever on the right and the rear brake on the left.
But that’s just me.
I would rather have the Triumph Speed Twin 900 for £9k less or you could even get the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 for £5k less
Fair enough!
Looks and sounds beautiful! Would be fun to ride this and Kawi W-800 back-to-back.
Exhaust system looks like it's on the wrong bike.
Bling fork sliders? Nah.
Your chin camera was annoying, at least stop wobbling your head about so much. Bike is good & bad, depends how badly you want one.
Chin cameras are wobbly. Maybe go watch some cat videos.
@@Englishbikerdan other vloggers seem to manage ok