If it was built by Kenny Dreer, it's a treasure like a mid 60's Shelby cobra or mustang, amazing how close we came to having an American Norton Motorcycle Works, deep respect to Kenny.
I mentioned in another comment on the 69 Bonnie vid that my friend had his 69 Bonnie restored by Kenny. At the time when we picked it up he had 3 Commandos up on the life and said he was building them up for some customers. I seem to remember him mentioning that Ford color for one of them. I will have to see if I can dig up the pics of the three bikes on the lifts. Kenny was a good guy. We called him when I purchased my 1980 Moto Morini 3 1/2 sport and fired him up and played a game called "Name that Twin." After giving him a hint that it was a 350 V Twin he immediately guessed what I had purchased and was correct! He also mentioned that for not much money I could pick up a Ducati Paso 750 and it would be a good reliable bike. Years later I came across one and purchased it from a friend. He was dead on, the Paso was quirky, but very reliable. Great video, the pics of Kenny bring back many memories!
Glad you liked it Bob! And there are still a few more to come. Fancy a visit sometime?? We also haven't had a visit by our mutual friend yet 😉 You will have to work on him when you see him next when you're flying 😉 Oh, speaking of which, we had a fantastic ride over to Aurora and came across a Boeing Stearman. It was incredible and I got it all on camera for an upcoming episode! Cheers, Mike
The Mighty Garage I just was out flying R/C airplanes with Geoff today and we talked a bit about your channel and bikes at large. He told me of the Aurora ride, so I’m looking forward to it👍👍. I don’t know if you knew of his recent surgery to have his gallbladder removed, but he is back to 90+%. I wouldn’t mind a visit at all to see your garage, but my current bike (Honda 2018 CB500X) would not be of interest to your subscribers.
On my 1971 750 Commando I swapped out a pair of Amal 30mm Concentric carbs for a single 32mm Amal, the engine ran loads better and did not lose power anywhere in the rev range, in fact at low rpm it gained power.
Never did meet Kenny Dreher on my one trip back to Oregon in the nineties where he was putting together bikes around Portland. I did meet Cliff Majhor aka the Sandy Bandit when I pulled into his store out of curiosity. He knew Kenny well and thought he was great for the Norton community although he wasn’t a great fan of his business venture. Anyway ended up back at Cliffs house with a salmon later in the day and had a pleasant time with him and his wife. Still have a half dozen or so Commando’s in the garage but I don’t get out on them much anymore. I
What a treat.Love the colour scheme and rims and stainless fasteners.The header pipe insurance wiring looks like experience borne!Like the minimalist controls and old school no indicators.Beautiful.
Lovely 750 and another great back story Mike...Just back from a spin on my 850 this morning ... after 40 years of owning & riding commando's it's (when properly fettled) still my favourite machine... safe riding to all..
Love Bruce’s bike very different it looks great. It’s great you guys out there are so enthusiastic about the Norton’s. These days over here in the uk Norton has not been good. Bad people got hold of the Norton brand and they have despot. Enormous amount of people have lost there life savings do very sad that people can do this. Thank you for sharing these great bikes with us.
Thank you RL. We have all been following the Norton story with horror and dismay! It has been so bad. I've read some heartbreaking stories of guys who have lost so much and one image in particular of a poor guy and his mates who pulled the remains of his beautiful new bike from the works after it had been dismantled for its parts. It was terrible. I truly hope that the new owner of the Norton brand, TVS Motor, in India will do a great job in restoring the integrity of the brand. If they will be anything like the new Royal Enfields, it could be a great new chapter!
Great bike! It would be something to see what else Kenny Drew (?) came up with amongst the bikes you have already shown us or just still riding around Oregon. As most owners take on the rebuild to restore their bikes themselves you forget that others have purchased theirs from dedicated restorers who make a living from it.
Hi Kym, thanks a lot for your note and I loved your point about the dedicated professional restorers. I'm not aware of any other Kenny Dreer Norton's or other brands in the area, but will definitely put the word out. Best wishes, Mike
Yes, what a wonderful sound this engine has! I just think why on earth did some manufacturers abandon the 360 crankshaft (or did not develope/manage to develope it to full extent)... Thanks for the nice video!
Thanks for another visit Bruce, once again the 'bike story' is so interesting to hear. A real 'looker & sounds a treat', reminds me of my first bike a TR5 Trophy in Polychromatic Blue. Front brake a good stopper mm I'll bet? atvb Thanks for all you put into this Mike, as always stay safe. t ..
Mike - that is my favorite non-standard bike you've shown on your videos. A perfect blend of traditional + modern....and visually stunning. That polished alloy - to die for. Brilliant episode and you are one lucky fellow to know people with such amazing bikes.
Thanks very much for your great note. I consider myself very lucky to have such great friends, especially during this crazy time. These visits have been like therapy! Best wishes, Mike
Hi Mike what a lovely bike. Off to France again with GoPro in hand this time so hopefully can get some footage of the bike and the rides in Haute Vienne. Look forward to the next vid from you N
Thanks Nige! Yes, I imagine that most of the Commandos built were exported to the USA in response to the need for more powerful bikes. We have a lot of Commandos in our Oregon Norton Enthusiasts club (around 75) in various states. But there are more on their way over to the cul-de-sac! 😉
I would have to agree with ur guest on riding more now at the older age. About 7 years ago I had a car pull out in front me & slammed into the driver's side rear door. Even after rebuilding the bike - I think I rode it maybe 4 or 5 times in 2 years. Sold it - decided I best wait until my girls are out of highschool. Well my youngest is a senior now. So my search is ON !!!! Plus in contact with afew friends from my youth whom have bikes as well. I plan to put many miles on some bikes. Will probably end up with acouple. Can never have just one. Too many choices !!! Til next time - good day !!!
If you are looking at a new bike with retro styling at a good price try the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Imo it looks great has similar performance to the Brit twins and if you fit a good set of silencers it sounds good too. No it will never be a Commando but nothing else could be 😊
Haha, the rougher ones are in my garage 😊 Every time I see one of these bikes I think I must clean mine or make them look a little nicer, or stop them rattling so much, or get them running smoother, an so on, haha! Yes, thanks for asking. This video was from before the wildfires but the skies have finally cleared a couple of days ago. Best wishes, Mike
Thank you Ryan! The RE Interceptors are such great looking bikes. I think RE did a terrific job with them. I would love to ride one sometime. Best wishes, Mike
Lovely bike but I'd have a new pair of Amals on it, the company still make them in England. I have a new monobloc on my 1960 BSA 650, it looks good and runs fine.
Hi Nicholas, I'm working on another video that I hope you will like. In the meantime, a 66 Atlas was spotted in the cul-de-sac a few months ago. Cheers, Mike. th-cam.com/video/9wZUBBq9ozQ/w-d-xo.html
I realize I shouldn't be but am always interested in how much these rebuilds actually cost .I have had a couple of commandos and 650SS s but these days they are dreadful value for money in the UK ...£9000 for a commando I;ll pass thanks
![A really Cool Commando! [visit 28 of 31]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Cxrga5Ehgmw/mqdefault.jpg)
![A really Cool Commando! [visit 28 of 31]](/img/tr.png)
If it was built by Kenny Dreer, it's a treasure like a mid 60's Shelby cobra or mustang, amazing how close we came to having an American Norton Motorcycle Works, deep respect to Kenny.
I mentioned in another comment on the 69 Bonnie vid that my friend had his 69 Bonnie restored by Kenny. At the time when we picked it up he had 3 Commandos up on the life and said he was building them up for some customers. I seem to remember him mentioning that Ford color for one of them. I will have to see if I can dig up the pics of the three bikes on the lifts. Kenny was a good guy. We called him when I purchased my 1980 Moto Morini 3 1/2 sport and fired him up and played a game called "Name that Twin." After giving him a hint that it was a 350 V Twin he immediately guessed what I had purchased and was correct! He also mentioned that for not much money I could pick up a Ducati Paso 750 and it would be a good reliable bike. Years later I came across one and purchased it from a friend. He was dead on, the Paso was quirky, but very reliable. Great video, the pics of Kenny bring back many memories!
This Norton sounds very healthy and looks stunning! thanks Mike@
Thanks for your note Gene, that truly is a great bike. Best wishes, Mike.
That golf announcer voice you open each video with is very soothing.
Nice bike, excellent choices from the owner.
The perfect old guy format you have going, the bike, the information the sound of the machine ,love it.
This channel is a pure gold mine. Love the info, bikes and owners. Great work mate.
Many thanks! Much appreciated! Cheers, Mike
A beautiful blue Norton and a beautiful blue sky! It's great to see both of them.
Gorgeous.
That bike is a looker! Thanks to Bruce for making the ride to the cul-de-sac!
Kenny Dreer is the "guru" of Norton. This gentelman has a beautiful and unique bike!
Thank you Pablo! Best wishes, Mike
Bruce has an endless amount of beautiful classic motorbikes .
Thank you for sharing.
Wow those pipes sound great, and that cafe seat is just the ticket for that bike.
Good to see the sky is blue again
Great video fantastic bike stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻
Nice bike and the I love the color. 😃
sure is "different" - and sure is a BEAUTY !!! amazing rebuild
That's a stunning bike and with that special color it really stands out. Thank's for sharing.
Amazing bike and story.👍👍
Glad you liked it Bob! And there are still a few more to come. Fancy a visit sometime?? We also haven't had a visit by our mutual friend yet 😉 You will have to work on him when you see him next when you're flying 😉 Oh, speaking of which, we had a fantastic ride over to Aurora and came across a Boeing Stearman. It was incredible and I got it all on camera for an upcoming episode! Cheers, Mike
The Mighty Garage I just was out flying R/C airplanes with Geoff today and we talked a bit about your channel and bikes at large. He told me of the Aurora ride, so I’m looking forward to it👍👍. I don’t know if you knew of his recent surgery to have his gallbladder removed, but he is back to 90+%. I wouldn’t mind a visit at all to see your garage, but my current bike (Honda 2018 CB500X) would not be of interest to your subscribers.
Great bike, great guy.
On my 1971 750 Commando I swapped out a pair of Amal 30mm Concentric carbs for a single 32mm Amal, the engine ran loads better and did not lose power anywhere in the rev range, in fact at low rpm it gained power.
Nice try.
Really interesting story and a nice bike to boot.
great guest, great story, great bike !
Thanks very much. I agree. It has been so much fun, Kevin. And there are a few more in the works too! Best wishes, Mike
Never did meet Kenny Dreher on my one trip back to Oregon in the nineties where he was putting together bikes around Portland. I did meet Cliff Majhor aka the Sandy Bandit when I pulled into his store out of curiosity. He knew Kenny well and thought he was great for the Norton community although he wasn’t a great fan of his business venture. Anyway ended up back at Cliffs house with a salmon later in the day and had a pleasant time with him and his wife. Still have a half dozen or so Commando’s in the garage but I don’t get out on them much anymore.
I
Thanks a lot for sharing a great story Anthony. Just let us know if you would like us to "exercise" your Commandos some time 😀👍 Cheers, Mike
Exciting colour and a good back story.
You are slowly going in to your blue phase 😀
Have great week Mike 👍
Hehe, there will be a change of color this next week 😉 Best wishes David
Lovely looking Norton
What a treat.Love the colour scheme and rims and stainless fasteners.The header pipe insurance wiring looks like experience borne!Like the minimalist controls and old school no indicators.Beautiful.
Great video again. There are some wonderful bikes in your area.
Christ that is gorgeous.
Paint is a fantastic colour.
Edit,
Prolly the prettiest stock-ish Commando i've seen in a very long time.
Hehe, thanks Michael. Glad you enjoyed the vid. Best wishes, Mike
Lovely 750 and another great back story Mike...Just back from a spin on my 850 this morning ... after 40 years of owning & riding commando's it's (when properly fettled) still my favourite machine... safe riding to all..
Thank you very much Dave. Great to hear you were able to take a ride. It is like therapy, isn't it! Best wishes, Mike
Love those drum front brakes.
Another fine Cul de Sac Tale. I saw the bike at See See and it really is beautiful. Thank you both.
Thank you Dave!
Just awsome, thanks for sharing.
Thank you Marty!
So, nice, that cycle ..
Apart from the lovely bike it was very nice to hear Bruce’s story saying he is riding more since he retired! 🇬🇧🏍
Thanks gents, such a well done bike and it looks fresh and new. The color to me is just perfect.
Miles and miles of smiley! Will be the sentence !
Great video!
what a stunning norton i have a 72 but not as clean as that thanks kenny for showing it
Love Bruce’s bike very different it looks great. It’s great you guys out there are so enthusiastic about the Norton’s. These days over here in the uk Norton has not been good. Bad people got hold of the Norton brand and they have despot. Enormous amount of people have lost there life savings do very sad that people can do this. Thank you for sharing these great bikes with us.
Thank you RL. We have all been following the Norton story with horror and dismay! It has been so bad. I've read some heartbreaking stories of guys who have lost so much and one image in particular of a poor guy and his mates who pulled the remains of his beautiful new bike from the works after it had been dismantled for its parts. It was terrible. I truly hope that the new owner of the Norton brand, TVS Motor, in India will do a great job in restoring the integrity of the brand. If they will be anything like the new Royal Enfields, it could be a great new chapter!
Lovely Mike. Its amazing how modern it looks with a colour added instead of just black..
Great guy wonderful history. You have a fantastic community in Oregon.
Thank you Bernie! You're most welcome if you ever get the chance to come up to Oregon! Cheers, Mike
Great bike! It would be something to see what else Kenny Drew (?) came up with amongst the bikes you have already shown us or just still riding around Oregon. As most owners take on the rebuild to restore their bikes themselves you forget that others have purchased theirs from dedicated restorers who make a living from it.
Hi Kym, thanks a lot for your note and I loved your point about the dedicated professional restorers. I'm not aware of any other Kenny Dreer Norton's or other brands in the area, but will definitely put the word out. Best wishes, Mike
The first thing that struck me is the paint work it looks great a real head turner of a bike I'm so envious. Another great video old chap thanks.
Yes, what a wonderful sound this engine has! I just think why on earth did some manufacturers abandon the 360 crankshaft (or did not develope/manage to develope it to full extent)... Thanks for the nice video!
Thanks for another visit Bruce, once again the 'bike story' is so interesting to hear.
A real 'looker & sounds a treat', reminds me of my first bike a TR5 Trophy in Polychromatic Blue. Front brake a good stopper mm I'll bet?
atvb Thanks for all you put into this Mike, as always stay safe. t ..
Thanks very much Terry. Glad you liked the video. It sure is a fine looking bike, isn't it. Best wishes, Mike
WOW! Stunning motorcycle and Bruce has the wisdom that can only be had through experience.
Great job again Mike. Your editing and audio gets better and better. The drone work really adds a lot and takes your work to the next level.
Many thanks Jerry. I really appreciate it. I hope all is well with you and your family. Best wishes, Mike
what a beauty, love the colours riding a bike is away of life
That's just gorgeous !
Mike - that is my favorite non-standard bike you've shown on your videos. A perfect blend of traditional + modern....and visually stunning. That polished alloy - to die for. Brilliant episode and you are one lucky fellow to know people with such amazing bikes.
Thanks very much for your great note. I consider myself very lucky to have such great friends, especially during this crazy time. These visits have been like therapy! Best wishes, Mike
Kenny really liked to polish stuff!
Beautiful, and to think I used to have one.
Stunning!!
That’s one beautiful bike❤️
Hi Mike what a lovely bike. Off to France again with GoPro in hand this time so hopefully can get some footage of the bike and the rides in Haute Vienne. Look forward to the next vid from you N
Great news Nick. Good luck on your trip! Best wishes, Mike
What a great looking Norton and great story. Would be great to have a group like ONE in the Houston area.
Hi Charles, do you see many vintage bikes in the Houston area? Cheers, Mike
There’s a really strong club in North Texas. But I know that’s far away.
Lovely bike
what a bike 😜👍
Lovely. I see the pattern has been changed to down for first gear. Very sensible, if an owner of other bikes.
Beautiful look and sound. Yet another classy classic I never realised there were so many over in the US.
Keep em coming Mike 👍
Thanks Nige! Yes, I imagine that most of the Commandos built were exported to the USA in response to the need for more powerful bikes. We have a lot of Commandos in our Oregon Norton Enthusiasts club (around 75) in various states. But there are more on their way over to the cul-de-sac! 😉
Awesome, as always!
Thank yo uvera much Alex! Best wishes, Mike
I would have to agree with ur guest on riding more now at the older age.
About 7 years ago I had a car pull out in front me & slammed into the driver's side rear door. Even after rebuilding the bike - I think I rode it maybe 4 or 5 times in 2 years. Sold it - decided I best wait until my girls are out of highschool.
Well my youngest is a senior now. So my search is ON !!!!
Plus in contact with afew friends from my youth whom have bikes as well. I plan to put many miles on some bikes. Will probably end up with acouple. Can never have just one. Too many choices !!!
Til next time - good day !!!
If you are looking at a new bike with retro styling at a good price try the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Imo it looks great has similar performance to the Brit twins and if you fit a good set of silencers it sounds good too.
No it will never be a Commando but nothing else could be 😊
Have all your friends got nice bikes? Mine haven't. Looks like the sky has cleared up? All the best, Lenny, Leicestershire, UK.
Haha, the rougher ones are in my garage 😊 Every time I see one of these bikes I think I must clean mine or make them look a little nicer, or stop them rattling so much, or get them running smoother, an so on, haha! Yes, thanks for asking. This video was from before the wildfires but the skies have finally cleared a couple of days ago. Best wishes, Mike
Greatmotorcycle, and love the kick start. Only where are the youngsters??? Don't they ride these bikes anymore?????
Thanks. I'm working on asking some of our younger friends and club members to come over to the cul-de-sac 😎
Beautiful bike.got a royal Enfield interceptor 650 2018 and try keeping the aesthetics to be just like this right here.beauty❤️
Thank you Ryan! The RE Interceptors are such great looking bikes. I think RE did a terrific job with them. I would love to ride one sometime. Best wishes, Mike
It have the electronic ignition update? I guess this shows if they are rebuilt right they are dependable as anything else.
Lovely bike but I'd have a new pair of Amals on it, the company still make them in England. I have a new monobloc on my 1960 BSA 650, it looks good and runs fine.
Those flat slides can make some power when dialed in. But I think the Amals look better.
That's the only thing I'd change. Those carbs don't look right on a classic Norton. Great bike though.
Kenny = Norton Wizard -
No trouble torquing off the line despite the tall gearing !!
Hey whats brand is exaust on this northon ?
Beautiful-Bike . I much-prefer the-look of the Flat-slide Keihins over Round-Mikuni's on a Classic-bike , I believe they would perform better too .
"Not the smoothest ride in the world" he said....... Thats what mom's minivan is for... Ill take the Norton !
Can you do a review on a 60's Norton Atlas?
Hi Nicholas, I'm working on another video that I hope you will like. In the meantime, a 66 Atlas was spotted in the cul-de-sac a few months ago. Cheers, Mike. th-cam.com/video/9wZUBBq9ozQ/w-d-xo.html
Look like it just came off the showroom floor.
Now THAT'S how a "bitsa" SHOULD look!
👍👍
Not a spot of oil behind ---I am curious my ’71 is an artist at heart.
I realize I shouldn't be but am always interested in how much these rebuilds actually cost .I have had a couple of commandos and 650SS s but these days they are dreadful value for money in the UK ...£9000 for a commando I;ll pass thanks