The Norton Commando Arrives
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ค. 2024
- The Norton Commando arrives!
I take collection of this British made, 961cc and 77hp bike, and have a first ride and walk around.
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The bike: 2023 Norton Commando 961
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There is a 1973, 750 Commando sitting in my Dads garage. He rode it at least once a week until about a month before he passed at the age of 92. My brother-in-law rides it now and smirks when he sends me pictures. He's 71.
That's so great to hear your dad rode his bike to that age. Inspiring indeed 🇦🇺
amazing 🤟
You’re in a waiting game bro.
You showed the Norton in its natural environment. Round the block for a coffee and a pose.
What do you expect from a bike that costs 17k and only has 77HP?
78..brought me from Germany.. trough Canada and USA and back in 1988..with a cb 750 HONDA..!!
No not Coffee but a danty cup of tea with your pinky sticking out in the wind as your riding the bike .
@@jeffmullinix7916 You aren't British are you?
Dude, the way you talk is just a pleasure on its own, regardless of the content. (But we all know the way you talk is _because_ of the content)
Sorry, quality hand made should not have quirks. We were taught to make it right or don't make it. Even screw head slots had to align. A lock that is not centred is not a quirk it is bad workmanship. To be honest I find the bike less than impressive and certainly not up to the original's standard. A good way to start and argument would be to ask which bike ruled the road in the fifties and sixties, it wasn't the Norton Commando.
What was it then?
@@joedimaggio3146 Whatever bike I was riding at the time.🙂
@@Brink109 It is a joke, Everyone in the 50s and 60s considered their own machine the best. I was no exception to that. My Goldie was tops.
Hand made things are imperfect. That’s the point. Perfection is an illusion.
Honda Cub outsold every bike ever made, started in the 50's.
Hi Freddie interesting video, always enjoy watching your videos, 97 years on my 1927 Norton 16h flat tanker is still here still being ridden I rode her through last winter an same for my 1967 Norton 650SS (one of the finest British twins ever made as Phil Reed said in the 1964 brochure handling from the featherbed frame as good as a Manx! when he won production races on the 650ss) I'm also restoring a ww2 Norton 16h and a 1968 Commando.
I daily rode for 4 years n 4 winters the Norton 650SS through thunderstorms an winter's which outlasted alot of modern bikes, an provided total reliability until a nerve injury stopped me kickstarting for a while (none bike related). Just sticking a few videos up filmed on that over the past 7 years or so.
I'm actually restoring one of the first 70 Norton Commando's at the moment from 1968 an it has to be said they are so so so smooth to ride when the Iso's are set right an that was with mine having an engine fault when I bought it due to a mistake by the previous owner.
The original concept of the Norton Commando was to make it super smooth via the revolutionary Isolastic system, it actually won Motorcycle of the year for 5 years on the run by Motorcycle News in the 60s and 70s. A design that Harley went on to riff off with the Electra Glides, a former Norton employee was inoled with that.
The First Norton Commando was actually made by Norton as Norton Villiers LTD an the later by Norton Villiers Triumph. Then they had amazing success with the F1 Rotaries later on which is often forgotten about.
For something marketed at 17k it's a shame they are still fitting such low end bits like the indicators an still making the mistake with the infils, an seat it's a shame that they still are not thinking about those of us that use bikes regularly, the seat on the 650ss and Commando are all day comfortable something that's missing from alot of bikes, I think that's something that's really missing from the current Norton range proper all day comfort an bikes for being ridden year round not just looked at.
I nearly bought a 961 in the SG era one of the sport models an luckily I didn't alot of people were absolutely exploited both on bikes that never turned up or bikes that were stripped for parts one of my friends only ended up with his frame back, and the pensions (which you got a details wrong on) an were then left high an dry by TVS one of the largest companies in the world to produce motorcycles.
A company of there size although there was no obligation to could have been sorted out for me these things shouldn't be brushed under the carpet as I know who were truly left with no help.
Luckily theres a great independent specialist in the 961's by Stu Motorvated who got left with no support.
Leaves a bitter taste in alot of peoples mouths and would stop me from buying one as it stands. I do hope they make a go of it,
One worry recently was a V4SS that was a current build bike delivered 23/24 that went at a well known auction house for 22k an hadn't been ridden.
For me it's hard to move away from the original Commando's absolutely epic sound from a 360 degree engine and so so easy to work on with great parts availability.
I really really hope as someone you cut in half would say Norton that they don't forget the ethos from Pa Norton, to paraphrase, from one of the 1920s brochures although we have the high performance ohv models these will remain a low production bike, The Norton although for the expert always had a bike like the Big4 in the range Pa Norton's favourite for the everyday rider as Norton termed it in the period, which people would use to take the family out on the weekend or go to work on.
For me the core of the Norton Brand was a 360 degree twin an a good long stroke sporting single.
I hope they don't forget that or the newer younger riders alot of my friends are riding Royal Enfields. I think it's important to capture the riders earlier on.
I can't belive this is a TH-cam comment. You sir, are certainly passionate about motorcycles.
@@narayangauda1533 thank you Narayan :) hope you are having a good weekend.
Its not even got an led headlight but my goodness its utterly beautiful.
I can't bring myself to buy anything that hasn't got led lighting now car or bike. Headlights that are not led in 2024 is ridiculous. Besides most cars now you can't even get to change the Headlight bulbs without removing the entire front bumper
@@chrishart8548 This is the one area I wouldn't criticise Norton for. LED headlights are damn dangerous as they frequently blind oncoming traffic, especially older drivers, I have an H4 yellow bulb in my RnineT.
@@hgm8337 I do agree with the yellow it helps stand out now 99% of cars have DRL's now
I love that they didn’t go LED! I think the old yellow ones have a charming look.
@@chrishart8548 I don't think it has cup holders either, count me out
Another great video. One comment - (I grew up in London during the 50’s and 60’s and started riding bikes long before I was legally allowed to 🤫) - I never met anyone during that time who rode a Norton because of the comfort factor. They “suffered” riding a Norton because it was a Norton. 😁🇦🇺👍
Very interesting! So the new Commando’s stayed true to form from a comfort point
The roads were smoother in those days and the Norton Featherbed bikes were as comfortable as any others despite the short roadholders damping.
My 74 Commando 850 was as comfortable as most other bikes of the time.
@@splodge5714 Bikes of the 70s up till the early 80s were made to be comfortable touring bikes.
I was blessed to own and enjoy 5 Nortons. An ES2 single made in 1955, an Atlas model from 1965, 3 Commandos -1970, ‘73 and a very short term stent with a ‘75 electric start. Overall, a wonderful experience that cemented my loyalty and fondness for this iconic marque. Memories are hinted on each ride on my substantially modified Royal Enfield Interceptor.
Everyone forgets about the Triumph Thruxton, another great modern classic bike
And they quit making them because there is no reasonable market for an uncomfortable bike.
@@jamesschneider3828 yes, the main market for retro cafe racers is people who now struggle to ride them for more than a few miles.👍
@@jamesschneider3828 I just checked Triumph's website. They still sell em?
The Thruxton really isn't that uncomfortable with it's raised clip-ons.
In my opinion it's more a rider issue than a bike issue, as you do need some level of fitness and willingness to adapt the proper riding style for any sports bike.
If you're a healthy individual with no conditions or injuries, there is no reason you couldn't live comfortably with a sports bike/cafe racer as your daily machine.
@@andrewhayes4246 Many people say that but I have no problem riding the Thruxton R for several hours at a time ... guess I must be one of the lucky 5'9" 64-year-olds it was designed for :)
I knew you would be grinning ear to ear with this one, Freddie. The exhaust note is superb. Real character.
But does it sound better that the original Commando with peashooters? I've got a MKIII 850 Roadster, and it looks and sounds like nothing else. And rides pretty well too, if I may add. I hope this new Norton will be a success. And, I wish I had those brakes, and those Öhlin parts on my old bike, that would have been something... 😊
I'm sorry: that thing is simply gorgeous. Gorgeous looking. Gorgeous sounding. Screw the flashers. Glorious.
I was thinking the same thing…so beautiful 😮
There is no beauty without flaws
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think it’s a stunning looking bike
Are they quirks - or are they faults? They are faults.
I’ve always wanted to like the “new” Nortons, but I can’t help thinking the company is taking the “P” out of us!
A great example Freddie…. Yes - they look like Ali Express indicators. £3 a pair! The bike definitely has flashes of beauty but….. we are constantly being reminded of the history of a completely different company that has long gone. I want to like it, but sadly I just can’t.
I agree. You might as well put handlebars on the Mona Lisa.
Looks great but unrideable
Sad but true!
That is what I like about you, Freddie. You tell it like it is... Cool looking bike.
That is quite likely the best sounding bike engine i've ever heard. The pegs are rearset because it's a cafe' racer. That also explains the seating position. It's a retro performance bike, that's all it's 'sposed to do. This one isn't for 2 up riding, or touring. It's for riding to work on nice days and going for a ride to the cafe' on warm, sunny Sunday mornings.
Its a nice bike, I too found that tank shape strange and not too comfortable. You should try an original Commando, I think you would be pleasantly surprised. I bought one 42 years ago and still ride it regularly. I used to commute to work on it as did another colleague of mine and somebody a friend was talking to didn't believe they could be used as commuter bikes as he believed they were too unreliable. Mine now has a 100,000 miles on it😂
Greetings from Germany Freddie, stumbled upon this video and utterly loved your Britishness (new word) way of presenting this great looking bike 😃
Would be great to see a Norton history deep-dive like your BSA one
I grew up in a small village in a small western european country. At the far end of this village, on the edge of everything, almost in the fields, was a little bike shop. The small and most simple showroom was full of beautiful bikes. I cannot count how many times we stopped in front of the showroom or the open repair shop to spend time there with the other boys. At age 8, I fell in love with Norton. The most beautiful mechanic constructions there are. The shop still exists today and has not changed a bit for the last 40 years. It is not in England. I cannot afford one of this old beauties. Maybe I should try and get one of those?
Sounds like you're describing Fritz Egli's place in Bettwiil, Canton Aargau, Switzerland! His place is still full of desirable bikes and he has a museum that's worth a visit. All the best, Rob in Switzerland
@@RobWhittlestoneGood country, wrong village. Isn’t Fritz’s place in the heart of the village?
Other guess? 😉
To me it looks like a home made parts bin special.
My friend called it a "crashed satellite" 😂
Supposed to be harsh on longer journeys .
Too many flaws for that price .
Homemade, never
Now that’s accurate
It's British made! What does that really mean? When workers are done assembling it, there are parts leftover. 😁
@NoToBigBro What I mean is, it looks like someone's made it out of parts from 5 written-off bikes. Gold forks, carbon mudguard, 1990's suzuki lights etc. The tank is a work of art though and it sounds amazing. Norton aren't the only manufacturer who's fallen into this trap though. Bmw and Triumph spring to mind straight away. They get so close very often and then make a schoolboy error with one detail like the wrong display or forks, and instantly lose 40% of people who may have otherwise pulled the trigger. My Triumph Speedmaster is a good example. Lovely bike to ride and look at but instead of using the same gorgeous clocks as the Bonneville, they go and put a cheap black plastic speedo on which looks like something from a 1990's 125. It's a first world problem I know but it's like they hit the post with the last kick of the match. I just wish they'd employ designers and engineers who had at least some knowledge and affection for the heritage of bikes.
Thank you TVS for steadying the reins, but letting the ride be and the rider exalt.
Indeed.
I'd take a Triumph Thruxton over this. But, that Norton is gorgeous!
Very special bike, you are very lucky to get your hands on such a machine. Well done ❤
I feel extremely lucky, thank you😀🙌🏻
Thanks for the video. What gorgeous bike. Amazing craftsmanship. Bravo ❤
Love your delivery Freddie, and your enthusiasm for quality bikes.. this is a fantastic video and for sure Norton are back and will make a huge impression
This bike looks and sounds so good.
I borrowed one from Krazy Horse BSE last year. Best looking Retro and the sound of. So uncomfortable though. Loved every second riding it.
Beautiful bike!!
I've been binge watching your videos, truly a fan of your style and content.Great work!! Pure Class💯💯
Norton styling is so amazing.
I sort of get garage special build vibes from that, looks beautiful, sounds great, not quite finished, but when you're riding it none of that matters.
Looks beautiful. British made - excellent. Nortons ruled in the 20s and 30s. A lot of fuss was made of the Commando in the 70s ans 80s. Triumphs ruled in the 50s and 60s. Lot of money for a name.
The leg on tank fit is no small issue regarding your comfort; only! my shorter leg would fit this beauty no problem!
It's been almost to the day 50 years since I last rode a bike daily, but that looks stunning, and I almost feel I should go out and buy one! One of my pals had the 750 and chopped it in for the 850 and both those (as I recall) were stunners with performance to match. I love your passion for bikes and it's great to see we can still produce something of real merit.
the sound is just stunning
Oh there are quirks with my 2022 HD Pan Am and a lot of character since I fitted the V&H muffler. I've had it for just over 1 year and I love it. I ride practically everyday. I do wish Norton would sell the Commando in Australia again.
Cracking review Freddie! Norton is back and tugging at the heartstrings ❤
I remember my Uncle Brian had a die cast model of the original on his mantle piece back in the early 80's. I loved the model, this reissue hits the spot. Beautiful.
A proper bike. I would have one. Thanks Freddie.
That's a beautiful bike but it is a far cry from my 1968 750 Commando fast back. The 820th production Commando ever made. She's still in bits in the garage but it will come back to running condition and sit proudly beside my 2022 Kawasaki W800.
Cheers form Canada.
My brother owns a fully restored Norton Commander. He is also rebuilding another one into a cafe racer. The bike is still amazing to ride.
Commander or Commando?
@@sallhame Sorry for not being specific enough. The bike is a Red 850 Commando. He has another one partially restored to a cafe racer. Has all the part but hasn’t finished the work. Last time I counted he had part of 19 motorcycles in his garage.
That is perfection I could look at that all day hope it rides as good as it looks
Very cool shot of you starting the bike,circling around and riding out of the garage. Good editing!
Sounds and looks super 👌 Another fab video 👍 thank you 😊 🙏
Absolutely gorgeous!
Beautiful bike and wonderful sound, much as I hate to admit it, it does outdo both my Thruxton and my T120!
Absolutely filmmaking art. What I love about your videos Freddie is that you never fail to capture the ethos of the bike itself! Lovely.
The one and only 'Norton Commando' . The 'state of art' British naked bike. It also looks perfect on you!^^ Peace!👍❤️🍀
Loved it that much, bought one, one of a few bikes i have owned that makes you feel ur riding something special.
Perfect for costuming, forward controls and ape hangers, cool bike freddie😮
Beautiful
Freddie checking the fume aroma like a master chef
Now that old son, would put a horn on a jellyfish!!!! 😊
wow what an amazing bike. gorgeous.
I had a 1972 commando,at the time love of my life . We went coast to coast living in North Carolina
Ohh boy, its that sunday again. My bike is waiting for me but first I need to watch this video for a real good start into this day.
Quote: “it accentuates the pain of the seat” Freddie makes it sound as if it was the best one could hope for.
Nice looking bike, its good that you point out the flaws!. hopefully Norton will take on what you have pointed out, cheap indicators, the ignition key barrel alignment and and the fuel tank and seat.
Love it I will have one one day to go with my Enfield & BSA the good thing is the cheap indicators etc can be swapped out and customised which also I enjoy to do👍
Love the tool roll on the front.
I toured the factory, test rode a bike and purchased a Cafe Racer. Its brilliant. After careful running in, it runs really well, better than the test bikes i tried. Vibrations are not that big a deal and are part of the charm. Braking and handling are modern, and the 80 odd horsepower is enough to get around quite briskly. With bar end mirrors, the Cafe Racer looks really cool. I rarely go out for a ride without someone commenting on it. Off to IoM TT on it in a few weeks.
This post certainly generated a lot of comments….Marmite bike obviously! Personally I liked the overall looks….apart from the indicators, reservoirs, gold forks, alum alloy beginning to corrode (easy to resolve with decent anodising).
A bit of history: I had two Nortons in the 60’s, a 350cc Navigator (lot of noise but not much go!). I changed it in ‘63 for a 650ss (£343!), loved that bike (fast, comfortable & stunning looker). They won several 24 hour races beating Bonnevilles. I was never able to fix oil leaks though! Also had to return it to the factory (Bracebridge Street Birmingham) as the tappets went out of adjustment constantly; the complete cylinder head was replaced. STILL LOVED IT THOUGH).
Freddie…..would be great to see you do a review on a 650ss!
Stunner.
The crankshaft, QC has been sorted out since TVS bought Norton. Well done to the owner of TVS, a rare breed of person who has been so honourable and good in bringing in help for those ripped off by that villain Stuart Garner. Now I believe its the best commando ever made with TVS improving the quality and reliability of parts, machining and better value than any bike made even at 17K quid. Ohlins forks, brembos and the superb fit, finish doesnt come cheap but its a great bike to ride, proper, real old school bike and a beautiful parallel twin just as the 1950s BSA twins.
What a marvelous bike!!!
Nice. Those of us, older riders, who have waited decades for Norton to return to the arena might get on with the weight on the bars riding position, but many won't. Should a Commando come my way from the past though, and HeartIand hasn't raised the value to crazy...it wiII be mine.
Lovely bike but comfort is so important, enjoy the bike.
For a warm bike it seemed remarkably reluctant to start immediately. Given you can smell fuel I would suggest it is not set up very well. A tune would probably be of immense benefit.
What a beautiful (or should I say handsome) motorcycle! I'm excited to see what Norton does now with finally having the resources they'd been deprived of for years, although I didn't expect them use indicators that look like they're borrowed right from the TVS XL100 hahah
The bike isn't type approved like all vehicles for CE [UKCA] approval but individually approved, I think its called, hence why its loud and you smell fumes from the exhaust
What an elegant looking bike. The detail on the tank and around that lower engine cover is second to none! When I was a kid, I used to long to own one of these and I am sure I had one that looks quite similar. Only issue was that it was matchbox size. 😂👍
Great review!!
I rode pillion on a Norton 650 (not sure what the model name was now), back in the 1970's. At that stage I'd only ever ridden 250's so it was a extraordinarily exhilarating. I was determined to get one when I passed my test, but I stopped riding altogether for quite a while afterwards. Thenj decided to go back to biking in the '90's and Norton was no more. But I've always been very happy with Trumpy's.
I love seeing you take on this bike Freddie. I’d already decided that I would be purchasing one once (if😢) they make their US debut. Such a great looking machine
Very lovely jacket and feeling a little jealous.
Snorton Norton. I've loved these since I was three years old. Sounds soooooo good.
Thats one beautiful bike.
It looks how a motorcycle should look, great video Freddie 👌🏻
Norton is now owned by TVS which is an Indian two wheeler brand who manufactures fuel efficient bikes , mopeds , auto rickshaws ,also they make some performance bikes like TVS RTR 310 . TVS motors have collaboration with BMW also and now they have Norton as one of the feather in the Hat
TVS took over Norton back in 2020, but it doesn't seem like they're in any hurry to get Norton bikes made or sold here in India.
If the Norton buy-out is anything like when they collab'ed up with BMW, then they began that partnership in 2012-13, it took them ages to finally get the Apache RR 310 which is exactly the BMW GS 310 out in 2023. And TVS further made cool tweaks to the Apache RR 310 engine, turning it into the Apache RTR 310 with slightly better engine performance and a cheaper price tag; and despite that, it's still not flying off the shelves like they hoped.
So, don't expect an Indian version of TVS Norton before 2030. And let's be real, by then, India might have moved on from gas-guzzlers to fully electric anyway. TVS's investment in Norton is possibly their worst ever decision; but I am willing to be proven wrong in time.
Ah look a tvs salesman. 😂 bhai take it easy you're looking cringe here. BMW is a partnership, and BMW DESIGNED that 310 engine that tvs is using in their "performance" bikes like the rr310 and now the rtr 310 (both of those bikes I can smoke on my gen 1 Duke 390 though, very easily 😂). So stop with your natinalisatic vomit here and just enjoy bikes man.
My, that is a good looking bike!
It's really gorgeous ❤
Looks great - like a love child between a thruxton and nine T. And this is its competing market, which presents an opportunity with the thruxton discontinued and the nine T losing its DNA and becoming cheaper.
Also, you are sitting on the bike wrong. Once you slide your butt back and assume a sports bike position, the knees will likely fit. You don’t ride this like a cruiser.
My goodness, that bike sounds incredible! I think it looks a lot like a Thruxton, but even more handsome. I hope the quirks can get worked out and the consistency in quality parts (i.e., the indicators, seat). Norton could be a serious market contender if they listen to you, Freddie! :-)
Also, excellent editing,Monika! Especially the audio, noting at 11:31, synching the pause in the musical piece as Freddie came to a stop, resuming as he accelerated off. Exquisite!
Stunning want one
what a gorgeous bike
I agree with Monica and her mum. Combined with the sound, at first glance it's breathtaking, something about the name Norton that oozes cool 😎 Thank you Freddie for another history class. Good day!
I saw one at the Norton stand at London Excel show and thought it looked stunning .
Cheers Freddie. Thanks for helping me decide......I'm definately sticking with my '02 Guzzi California 😂
I'm right there with you pal. I feel the same about my 2 Guzzi's. Cheers!!
Gorgeous bike but those imperfections are tough to deal with especially considering the cost ...but Its a statement piece definitely. BTW, I love how much joy you get from your bike reviews it truly is lovely to watch.
These video's just keep getting better 😎👍
That’s very kind of you to say so, thank you🙌🏻
I love the bike! The look is appealing from a favorite past era. I’m in my 60’s so I can relate
As many with me, I have sort of followed this "reborn Norton saga" thru all the financial hassle and various money troubles to where they are now with, for example this product here. It´s been a rocky ride and far from perfect (but then... what ever is? Maaaaybe your videos). This just demonstrates that big talk and promises of "made using the best possible materials" just don´t cut it if the end result is less that satisfactory. This one look the business but as you demonstrate, the devil is in the details. No "mid control" foot peg option here? It makes great noice though and it looks amazing! Thank you for this video Freddie!!!!
What. A. Bike. Beautiful personified
Definitely agree the looks need refining with regard to the indicators, carbon front mudguard and the colour of the olin suspension they just don't gel with the rest of the bike.
Now that's a Motorcycle that worths to be featured on your channel Freddie.
Morning Freddie! Beautiful tank and crank case, and sounds great. But the forks and rear fork gas cylinders... should be silver or black imho.
Top of my "Bucket-List" bikes!!! Bar None! Had owned a Commando 750 a number of years ago...and as cool as that bike was... this new 961 is just so much more "over the top"! Too bad they are so much money! I've owned 70 bikes since 1969...the 1st being a 1966 Triumph T120TT/Special (an ex-flat track racing bike...I had refurbished into a street bike). I always keep several bikes in a small collection...all plated & insured and I ride them. Some of my current and past owned bikes have been Triumph bikes and some other European...but mostly Japanese. The Triumph Daytona series of the 1990's were very nice...interesting...unique and well built. I wish I had kept 2 of the ones I had owned...a 1995 Daytona Super III and a 1995 Daytona 1200. But...too little space and too many others I continually see and want. I call it an "addiction"! Now...If I could easily afford (or just bring myself to having it make economic sense to own one of these new Norton 961's)...I'd have one. But...for this kind of money...I can and do typically own 3-5 other (used...previously owned) nice condition big bore bikes! Maybe some day I'll find a nice...low mileage 961 and full-fill my wish!
I’m currently on a Halcyon Grey Royal Enfield Classic 350 - absolutely love it! But the king of classics for me is the Bonneville T100. Referring to the pre-water cooled models. I have some issues with the newer models, as nice as they are.
Oh and this Norton is absolutely stunning 😍
Kawasaki w800 and W650, yamaha XS650 and royal enfield mk2A interceptor are great bikes. Norton commando and BSA A10 650 pre unit are wonderful machines. Even the single carb BSA A65 is a great bike and rolling chassis. Only the timing side bush was a weakness but with todays superb oil tech theyre far more reliable crankshafts.
F‘in love the overall raw look. My back probably wouldn't put up with it though…
And I'd get a migraine headache after 10min from the noise 😅