2023 Norton Commando 961 SP & CR First Ride Review!

[@Gen-XRider]

Thank you TVS India for keeping Norton alive 👍

[@justinmcginty26]

I'd buy one, if I had the money. Motorcycles are not just statistics, they are art.

[@savage22bolt32]

Absolutely true!

[@deathscythegaming1690]

Can't get a better definition on a bike mate

[@mstelios4259]

Art is inspiration, not imitation. This bike is just a copy of the past.

[@justinmcginty26]

​@M Stelios I disagree. It is a variation on a theme, not a copy. Should we all be driving around in Model T Fords? No. The bike has modern parts, is reliable, and safer than the original. Still it has a classic style, which still has appeal.

[@shirsoghosh4238]

​@@justinmcginty26😂😂😂

[@davidbeattie4294]

Old fart here. When I was a teenager a Snortin' Norton was THE bike. Style, sound, performance, heritage. It had it all. Reliability maybe not so much. I love the look of the new one and hope its a success.

[@OSOFLHP]

When I was a teenager I had one, 73 850,

[@savage22bolt32]

My bud let me ride his Commando.
I had a BSA & a Triumph, so I was familiar with right foot shifting.
While accelerating through a sweeper, I forgot that the pattern was reversed.
So planning on shifting 3rd to 4th, I shifted 3rd to 2nd!
So happy I kept the rubber side down.

[@TucsonDude]

Maybe, you need to buy one to help with their success?

[@david_sdiego]

I got to assemble them from the crate at Dad's shop when I was 15 in '71.

[@savage22bolt32]

@@david_sdiego got any left? Like one unopened crate way back in the barn & covered with dust?
Let me know, we can strike a deal!

[@messenger8279]

It looks great. It's not all about speed and gadgets. In the 70s I had a neighbour who had an 850Norton command interstate parked outside his house. It looked quite similar to this. As kids we would stand in silence starring at the Norton it was so awe inspiring. I hope its a success.

[@mikecartlidge5355]

TVS are doing a great job of keeping the Norton name alive, firstly by taking on a mark that was in big trouble, having the money and the tech to rectify design faults and even look after customers who bought new machines from the old company. Indian companies have brought back names such as BSA and Royal Enfield and now Norton giving riders both young and old a chance to own a bike with a famous name.

[@desmo54]

I owned 3 Norton Commando’s that were made before the factory closed in the 70’s. One was a factory production roadracer that I used to amateur race in California. The older bikes had a sound and a feel that was unique. The 360 crank and long stroke gave the bike a torquey throttle response. I put about 40,000 road miles on my Norton’s. Rode them pretty hard. They did require a lot of fiddling to keep them running at their maximum potential. Many nice memories riding them on the northern coast of Calif. Am happy to see the new company building bikes. What a struggle it has been for Norton, but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this great brand of motorcycle.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Those would be some very nice memories👍🏻

[@farleymusclewhite411]

@@sweetdrahthaar7951 I had a Norton "back in the day". The only memories I have are of me pushing it in the rain and being late for school. Oh, also the time it seized up going up a long hill. The guy that sold it to me "It has a rebuilt motor" gave me my $ back no questions asked. He was dating my gorgeous sister.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

@@farleymusclewhite411 Some not so nice memories of the Norton that actually ended well👍🏻

[@Chase_N]

Harley-Davidson riders would like to welcome all the new Norton Commando riders to the "Why would you buy a bike that's so expensive & makes so little horsepower while being devoid of tech?" club. We understand, there's just something about that kind of bike.

[@khaccanhle1930]

Exactly how I feel about my V-twin. Why do I like a bike so heavy and "under powered". It's just makes me smile.

[@TheHKwiz]

I read this and almost wet myself…

[@Claude1100]

Basically Welcome to the PVC.. Poor value for cash club ...

[@Chase_N]

@@Claude1100 I don't know, the bikes seem to hold their value pretty good. My HD dealer can't even keep used 10+ year old bikes on the sales floor. I traded in my 2013 dyna Fat Bob in for $12K last year, I only paid $9K for it. The dealer put it up for $15K (what it cost new!) and it sold in less than a week. I think it's because like old tractors, people look at these simpler bikes as "easier" to work on. As specially with an uncertain economic future, do you really want all the wiz bang gadgetry that, if it breaks, will cost you a big $$ not just for the parts but for the labor too. Don't get me wrong, I like gadgets. I've been eyeing an Aprilia Tuareg as a 2nd bike. I know that if it breaks out of warranty though, it's gonna hurt like a SOB😉

[@Claude1100]

@@Chase_N Thanks for sharing your experience, and a really nice post , much respect to you ...👍🏼

[@Ritalie]

OMG. You're understating how beautiful and how well made this Norton Commando is. Every piece and part looks like it's machined out of solid billet blocks by hand. It has Harley Davidson level of fit and finish to the parts, it looks absolutely high quality. I am sitting in awe of how nice it is. So now I consider the Norton Commando to be the best modern retro bike. It captures the hand made, vintage look, but somehow manages to put all the modern levels of suspension performance on it. What a genius design. The polished high quality engine cases are just incredible.

[@alanfenick1103]

I had two Norton’s in the 70’s! Had a Norton 750cc Interstate Commando and a Norton Dunstall 810 based on the Commando Interstate. I had these bikes while in the US Army while at Fort Gordon in Augusta Georgia. Having enough rank I was able to ship my Dunstall to Eritrea/Ethiopia. Reliability was OK only if you did frequent preventive care! Only problems I had
was the cyclinder jugs developed pinhole leaks and the carbs weren’t the greatest, though I didn’t really mind the smell of gasoline on my hands! The suspension was a lifesaver and I hope they kept the concept of the original suspension! Parts were really no problem! Found a dealer who would ship parts from the UK and my dealer in the US. Norton’s also we’re head-turners! The Dunstall conversions increased power, extended range with a larger gas tank and the suspension as well as the vibration was better controlled. What I want in a bike is basic reliability, good performance and handling! I’m not interested in technology,flashing lights and bells and whistles. Welcome back Norton! In an email from Norton they are concentrating on UK spec bikes, but are working on US spec bike’s and importers/dealers.

[@MrPotatochips4]

@@andersd8956 you know, spreading democracy an stuff. Close order drill, showing the flag, handing out candybars to the kids. Maybe some light refueling yeah, that's the ticket.

[@mattwilliams9758]

Nice! Shout to you and the channel for being first out with this one.

[@mikeharrison72]

To me their bikes are just a wee bit blingy for my liking but I think hats off to TVS as they’ve put their money where their mouth is and honoured previous ownership orders which can’t be understated so well done. I hope they go from strength to strength.

[@MrPotatochips4]

agreed, the gold anodizing I would polish off. After I put 20,000 miles on it, or when it needed new seals.

[@stevenguajardo6049]

That's a nice lookin ride man. I like the analog gauges, the simplicity of this bike. I can tell they really did their homework on these rides. Who cares what happened at Norton,what matters is you move ahead give it a new look, and a chance.

[@RHP9898]

It's a 10+ year old model, there are many secondhand bikes available, go save a fortune.

[@josephbailey4463]

In 1980 I got off of my Triumph and rode my friend’s Norton and was amazed at how well that Norton could bend a corner. The new ones will have to produce that same feeling to justify their price.

[@OSOFLHP]

I had both 69 bonney, 73 commando no comparison.

[@MrPotatochips4]

Used to ride the road to Mt. Palomar CA every Saturday, from Camp Pendelton. It was like flying at ground level.

[@delbertreno8089]

When I was a kid I had a 750 Norton Commando. It was a year old when I bought it! The first owner was sitting on it when the kickstand broke and it fell over and it broke his ankle, That is where I came into the package. I loved the Bike!!! It was Quick!! It had the rubber mounted engine so no vibration to the handlebars. It would run with the New and big deal Honda 750 4s. Until it hit close to a hundred and the clutch would start slipping. It would run off and leave the Honda on a twisty road, until you pushed it too hard and the Handlebars gave you the death wobble. Lets not forget the Joys of tickling the Amal Carbs! Okay to you newbies, It had twin carbs each one had a button on top where you pushed down on it, It pushed down on the float and you flooded the carb and gas ran out all over the carb and your fingers. Find Neutral, Pull in the Clutch run the starter through a couple times to separate the disc, so it didn't grind the gears the first time you tried to shift. Kick, Kick , Kick and hopefully it was off and going. It was a blast! I made the mistake of pricing it to a guy, Dang if he didn't buy it! I really didn't want to sell it but when you open your mouth there is usually someone there to stick their foot in it! Don't know what ever became of it! But it was the most beautiful bike I think I have ever seen!

[@geraldmerkel7145]

Yo MOTOBOB, I was 1st exposed to the Norton brand in the mid seventies in California. Suzi Greenway President of the International Norton Owners Association is a friend/neighbor. I have helped her push her 73 Norton Commando 750 Interstate to get it started at local gas stations. I know their quirks I hope this new company Grow the Brand and becomes a Top Notch Motorsickle Company

[@motobob]

Let’s hope! Definitely better than the last owners already 😬

[@marvinbanka7592]

I love it. It has more than enough power for me. I really like that it doesn't have all those electronics of others.
Gorgeous bike.

[@svt9480]

When I first started riding, I had a Honda 125. My buddy, then, had the Norton 750 Commando. One Friday evening, he took me for my very first 100 mph + ride with me on the back. We went a ton! I'll never forget that experience. I would buy the new Norton just for that nostalgia.

[@harrystone8847]

I had a 72 commando, with the combat engine. Wonderful bike, especially after waking it up with a cam and electronic ignition.

[@lonelybikr]

When I purchased my 2015 monster I had my eye on a commando I was willing to give up my monster purchase just for the style and charisma the Norton has but the reliability issues really threw me off. 35 000 problem free kms and two sets of tires on my ducati and I don't regret my purchase for a moment. 890 adventure r on order for my more adventurous off road side. Really enjoying your video's keep them coming. 🇨🇦

[@TheKevphil]

I remember thumbing the ads in Cycle World for the Norton 750 when I was in High School. (Yep, I'm _that_ old.) It looks very similar, and I hope it can be sorta competitive again in the not too distant.

[@rcnelson]

Same here. My dad had the Commando with the Combat engine. It was the funnest motorcycle I ever rode, while of course in years later faster motorcycles were made. It was smooth, torquey, fast, and sounded great.

[@jimcockburn4652]

I sincerely hope that the new owners of Norton Motorcycles are successful in their venture. Wishing Norton Motorcycles much success now and in the future.

[@moto_hero2809]

I love this so much, but I can understand why some people would be deterred by the price. My guess is that by 5-10 years Norton will make something more competitive both performance and price, but the looks are out of this world. Love your videos from Aus 🇦🇺

[@buzzinbritain8222]

They'll be dead and buried by then................ not producing the Atas range will kill them off or they'll be rebadging Chinese small bikes for the Asian Market....... just making over priced shite poseur bikes at the moment - always thought the new Commandos looked shit personally, no comparison with a Thruxton.............

[@harduka9126]

I do like this bike,,,definitely classic in style and sound,,,don't know if I'd buy one just yet, see how that goes.

[@shadow_realm47]

It's a handsome collector's Item for sure. Ducati 1200 and Trident over this though, can't live in the past forever.

[@johnniethepom7545]

I'm seriously considering returning to motorcycling at the age of 60 . Biggest worry would be collision with a Wallaby or Kangaroo . Been 20 years too long without a bike in my life . Personally £17 k isn't a deterrent , just look at what you're getting for your money . Not everyone wants to go 50 million miles per hour , I know I don't . I'm looking for handling , being able to service it myself and how much my kids are going to be able to sell it for when I pop my clogs .
I'm hoping it's akin to a poor man's Vincent . A 6 speed gearbox would be the clincher . Bloody impressed they honoured the lost deposits that the previous company took , that will inspire more confidence on the brand than the actual cost to the new company .

[@savage22bolt32]

@@johnniethepom7545 You don't stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.
I started when I was a kid. Had a couple of decades with no bikes.
68 & I have 6 of them!
Different bikes for different purposes.
Favorite road bike is a 2016 Moto Guzzi V7ii.
Simple. Torquey. 6 speed.
Edit: had my heart set on a Triumph / Metisse, but they aren't taking orders right now.

[@avitarmageddon1721]

Looks like a very nice retro bike,probably worth £8 or £9k against the competition. At £16k it's a (small) niche product and they'll struggle to get their £100M back imho.

[@leefield5461]

Really good to see Norton back on the map. Beautiful looking bikes too. They still has a way to go to catch up with say a Bonneville T120 which is cheaper & more powerful. I wish them all the best. 👍

[@manofweed1]

Loved the Commando, its styling, it's performance and general aura of specialness..............In 1972 !

[@tmr626]

TVS did an awesome job! Those Norton 961's are super nice and the V4SV is exceptional, but costly. If the 961's are slightly underpowered
Norton should offer supercharger options much like the ones used on the Kawasaki Ninja H2. Megaphones like the older Dominator SS would
also be another nice optional touch.

[@ohherewegoagain]

The fuck is a TVS?

[@ash_1419]

@@ohherewegoagain owner company of Norton Bikes.

[@sasikanthmynampati158]

@@ohherewegoagain An Indian company that owns Norton

[@adrianrouse5148]

I think this will be a good start for the new company. Once this bike is up and running more time can be used for new models. Good luck Norton.

[@zeke2566]

You talked me right out of it in only 2 and a half minites-THANX!!

[@bradcobb3418]

mee too, 71 bhp?.my 23 yr old Duc has 45cc less and 108 bhp and torque to go with it. Dead in the water sad to say!

[@splodge5714]

@@bradcobb3418
pah! My 21 year old Kwack 600 has 115 horses, revs to 14500 and will reliably leave that Norton and Ducati for dead. 🤪

[@bradcobb3418]

@@splodge5714 yeah they will EVENTUALLY reach 160mph, but these little buzz boxes don't have the Torque of my Ducati which whilst having a few mph less, destroys the 600 on acceleration up to 150nmph. But I'm guessing you were joking with me 😆🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@seanmikhael1767]

I like that it has two urine specimen holders. Makes transporting much easier.

[@MrPotatochips4]

haha, just think of it as ambrosia ....

[@auldgrey]

I covet the design, fit 'n finish and sound of this beautiful machine- outstanding looks & vibe. A beautiful mount for burbling around country roads. Looking fwd to Norton drawing some more power out of that block.

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

It's really beautiful. My dad had a Commando back in the 70s. Problem is, it needs to gain 40-50 horsepower and lose 40-50 pounds... Peace ✌️

[@glenkohler1291]

Nortons in the 70's were very lightweight, so the 65 hp my '74 roadster made pushed it along quite nicely.

[@mikegreen2429]

You hit the Nail on the head way to heavy

[@geraldscott4302]

This trash is nothing like the original, except for its tube type tires. Tube type tires are simply unforgivable on ANY bike these days. HP doesn't matter as long as it's at least 50. Speed doesn't count as long as it will hit 100 mph. Computer technology should be avoided at all costs. This thing is nothing but a very expensive computer on tube type tires.

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

@@geraldscott4302 Terrible, LAME comment...

[@pbysome]

​@@geraldscott4302 you obviously know very little.

[@andyamezcua7976]

If I had the money, I'd 100% buy one! It's a thing of beauty, and TVS taking care of customers that weren't even theirs gives me hope that this ownership will go far and that customers will be happy with their purchases

[@KimCJorgensen]

What a great bike, I'll have that and my youth back, thank you very much.

[@FunWithAJ]

Man I've been with you since you had like 2k subs. Amazing to see your content come this far. Thanks for this brother!

[@motobob]

Cheers mate! Appreciate the support

[@gordonlandreth9550]

Best news I've had lately that Norton is back making motorcycles again . Can't wait to see them in the SF Bay Area , they are perfect street cycles for here .

[@omurcada01]

I had a Norton Commando 750 back in the early seventies, a very traditional go fast early super bike, sooooo very tempting always liked the look of them, not in Australia just yet

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

First and foremost...It looks and sounds beautiful. I hope that the new owners are able to make it work. I also hope that they can set up agreements for dealerships in the US.

[@danielgielchinsky6951]

Great content. These bikes have a certain emotional appeal to me. I have a Kawasaki Z900RS and a Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer and I plan to get one of these Norton bikes when they arrive on US shores. Should make a good addition to my collection. I won’t be surprised if the build quality doesn’t rival my bikes, and I’ll absolutely put a power commander or tune the ECU, but my expectations of this bike are different. It’s a beautiful bike and I’ll respect it in that capacity.

[@stevensullivan5287]

Have a Guzzi V85tt, closest to this machina in spirit. Have had both so I know how they perform. Id buy a current Norton if it did half of what the Guzzi does, I will smoke you in turns.
Grazi bono!

[@vincentbeijing6926]

I’m tempted by this timeless looking gorgeous bike. If the price doesn’t exceed 20000€ in Europe, it doesn’t seem so outrageous for a unique proposal. The power is enough on open roads if character is there. A 1200 sportster evo would reach this price if upgraded to these suspensions and brakes. Now if the quality and reliability are there (and TVS seems trustable), Norton may be finally up for a great comeback.

[@lowriderrjw]

Really encouraging...it's great to see Norton back in the game with the Commando moniker. As others have commented, the looks are a hit for sure! The price is indeed pretty steep for what you're getting, so the Royal Enfield and even the new BSA are better propositions since they also look great, unless you have extra cash burning a hole in your pocket. I think the Triumphs would be the best compromise.

[@welditmick]

You do realise it is just a famous name on a 'new' bike. It has nothing to do with the original Norton at all. Why can't they come up with a new name? Because no-one would buy it.

[@ohwell2790]

Brilliant idea, bring out a $20,000 bike during a recession.

[@MzLunaCee]

My 2020 RE Interceptor is my go-to machine now, over my Triumph and Harley. Much fun and smiles per miles.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

@@ohwell2790 Recession? At my local Harley and BMW dealers people are queuing up to buy 20 - 30 grand bikes, albeit most will be on PCP.

[@davewilton3101]

Currently ride a Challenger. recently turned 70 and will sometime in the not too distant future be looking for something lighter and easier to push around the garage. Rode early 1970s CB750 back in the early 1970s so rode with Nortons regularly. never rode one. Wish i had. I'd like to ride the more upright version and see how it worked for me. One thing I would really like to see on it though unlikely it will ever be available is cruise....saved me a bunch of tickets over the years. Possibly a contender for my shortlist.

[@IskDude980222]

So it's a semi decent bike with the Norton name on it. Got it.

[@motobob]

That’s a fairly accurate summary, although it does have plenty of character so it’s a nice bike to ride. But there are better performers out there for the money if that’s what you’re after, and you’re not necessarily a Norton enthusiast 👍

[@pleun315]

The Kawasaki W 800 looks more Norton than this half Japanese looking replica with a Norton batch.

[@banzospod]

As a young un I was triumph through and through,but I did love the featherbed frame of Norton's,so when the opportunity arose,I built me a Triton (with a lot of help) and that mixture really hit the spot.i like the look of this new machine and I look forwards to seeing if today's fiddler's will do something radical with these models.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Looks a lovely bike - would love to have a go on one, right up my street these! Shame about the naff looking brake and clutch reservoirs (something anodised would have been nice) and those cheapo indicators seem a bit out of place too....other than that - lovely job!

[@AJSpinDrift]

I have to agree, they really stood out like a sore thumb on what was otherwise a rather lovely cockpit.

[@davidwilliams1214]

Likewise they are ugly!

[@myrtlelittle4130]

Makes me miss my old 1970 750 Commando. Retail $1465 US. Drum brakes, 70hp, 412lbs, and no silly gadgets.

[@davidbowman4015]

A stunning looking motorcycle. 78HP on 58.6 CI is nothing to be ashamed of. While certainly not in the power range of some modern motorcycles it will carry you at a really brisk pace. Definitely a bike to have if you just love the ride and want a real British HotRod motorcycle.

[@lukerabin5079]

Now that’s what I’ve been waiting for…a classically elegant, yes traditionally styled Norton.

[@deanharrower684]

Norton. it is a legend that will not die. From the ES2/ajs, or anything Norton has built. until today. with all the models in-between. its a motorcycle icon/ legend. that is why its still around. NORTON, I LOVE YOU.

[@johnbelcher7164]

Big up Norton, always been a Classic machine always will be.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I remember seeing the Norton John Player Special on the dealer's showroom floor in the early 1970s. I wanted so badly, but it was really expensive. I bought a new 1975 Honda 550 Four instead.

[@greatnortoni]

I'd love to have one - when are they coming to the US?

[@solodenco293]

it's absolutely stunning !! I love it.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Looks great but being a former Commando 750 owner - yes, 50 years ago! - I can't say it looks much anything like it. But still, hoping it comes to Canada and I can test ride it.

[@filippoformoso9690]

It still looks and sounds great, that price though... Never thought I'd be saying this, but the Triumph Thruxton looks like a bargain in comparison. And it has traction control and engine maps. And a bloody 6th gear.

[@bikegeist]

They look and sound really good. I hope the owners get something they'll love to ride.

[@layingblacklines]

Did you mean you hope the owners will love the bike, or that you hope they'll actually get the bike when they've paid for it?

[@shadow_realm47]

@@layingblacklines they'll get a bike TVS is one of the best manufacturers you could have hoped for. They work with Petronas racing and BMW and developed and manufacture the BMW 310s

[@layingblacklines]

@@shadow_realm47 That's good to know. Norton needs some stability to regain their reputation after that chump sullied it. Seeing a few of these on the roads should do wonders for that.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Gorgeous, but those power figures just won’t cut it😩

[@Hard_7_Iron]

To me…these bikes are gorgeous. That SP is really nice.

[@peteruk8925]

What a beautiful machine 😍 Well done Triumph 🇬🇧 👏

[@manaskumarrout1072]

Well, Norton is currently owned by TVS India; not Triumph UK.

[@ethanhunt2263]

@@manaskumarrout1072 he has heard of just this one brand Triumph..

[@mark.e.p]

Isn't this pretty much the same bike they made a few years back? Nostalgia at a cost.

[@gekgraphics]

What a surprise to see the Mighty Garage video of my 71 Commando and Mike and Dave’s at the 3 minute 53 second mark, from the States. Interesting he chose two non-standard Commandos as examples of the classics.

[@RE650NZGraeme]

Great to see the marque back on the road and making new/revised models. My brother had a 72 Commando and had to reset his points - new set and tune it by feel haha! Ran sweetly without pinking... but was so enamoured with its feel on the road, compared with his previous BSA Lightning and my 70's Yamaha 750 triple, but not so about the brakes. This new bike gives the looks close to the old 60-70's bikes - except for the exhaust, and modern engineering to give it reliability and functionality expected of a modern fuel injected bike.

[@AsmodeusT]

I really am struggling to see what gap in the market an overpriced speed twin/interceptor is filling. If they are going for the older gentleman who is looking for more than an interceptor, then why price it so high when a Bonneville t120 is waaaay cheaper and beats this bike in literally every way... I hope the company does well but I will probably not be purchasing any stock just yet 😅.

[@davidwebster7179]

Great to see, and I hope there is a good uptake. It feels more about the brand than the bike though, and given that, going forward I’d love to see a Manx rather than heading back into the massively challenging super bike market. A powerful (60 hp?) single with a great chassis, and that name on the fuel tank and the silver, red and black livery, would be awesome to ride.

[@alecball68]

Triumph . Norton cannot wait to see BSA I think I will buy all of them great looking bikes

[@petebird7171]

Looks great and if it has the reliability it’s going to sell albeit possibly to just a niche market but hopefully to a wider audience , Triumph would do well to look at its suspension parts for their Bonneville range and at its price point it’s not overly expensive when compared to other makes.

[@Dreddingbath]

Looks fabulous, sounds great, I hope they find enough buyers in that rarefied air for what is a high spec T120, an Aston to a Jaguar?

[@michaelmelling9333]

I wish them great success. I've always fancied Norton's from way back in my high school days. I guess besides the price of these new machines, I'd be a bit concerned about being able to get parts and service for the bikes as there aren't too many dealerships here in the States, as far as I'm aware.

[@barryfenwick609]

good to see Tham back and looking forward to that dominator again that's the money for me.

[@johnnyfortpants1415]

Bob, I loved the fade out music on this vid, do you know where it can be obtained? as for the bike keeping it safe with my R9T... purchased partly on back of your reviews

[@ianhoskins7838]

Won’t be trading down from my Thruxton R, I get that classic feeling of ownership but much better performance.

[@tedgramlich691]

I built a custom 750 Norton before the Commando came out. Liked it better than the 750 Hondas and it was just as fast.

[@rgadave]

My heart sank when I first read that, it brought back memories of a Combat engined one I bought new in 1972, I hope it's an improvement on that.

[@davetelling]

Wow! That bike is a beauty! I used to lust after the 750 Commando back in the early '70s. This one looks very familiar!

[@LambChopRides]

Wow love the look of this... Great review sir 👏

[@motobob]

Thanks bud - hope you're well!

[@user-rf9ws7hp3e]

Very handsome looking bike, if the feeling and sound replicate somewhat the spirit of a 60s/70s Norton and reliability is there then , for me, power/performance won’t be a deal breaker.

[@lylewostenberg9161]

Had a 1972 commando there has never been anything like it. Sorry to have parted with it!!!!!!!!!!! The only bike (out of 13) I have had that is on a par is my street twin. 62 years riding now.

[@BrandonK80]

Hey Moto Bob. I'm a US viewer and love your content. Super thorough and entertaining at the same time. One request I have is when you're giving specs like weight and price could you include lbs and US dollars on the screen so we have a better idea of how it translates? Keep up the great work!

[@dungbeetle.]

Us older folk in Blighty appreciate imperial numbers too! :)

[@motobob]

A fair request! Thanks 👍

[@Charlie-fc1mh]

@@motobob keep up with your great reviews. It only takes a couple of seconds to Google pounds to US. Lol

[@DonlineUK]

What a beautiful bike, stunning! I'd take the SP, the CR looks great but would kill my wrists! Looking forward to MCL and a chance to get up close to the bike. Thanks Bob for this review

[@motobob]

My pleasure Don!

[@68orangecrate26]

Own a ‘75 model… If they recreate the John Player colors, I’m in…🏍

[@stephenwright6969]

It's a thing of beauty ! Just wish I could afford one. But unless they've got a decent dealer network Norton will struggle.

[@iPeteStorr]

I had two Norton commandos, how I used to love riding the flag. Rode down to the south of France on the first got married while one the second and the dream ended. These are bit expensive side for me and could never justify the cost personally. Best of luck to all at Norton and I hope you find a way of getting costs down, who knows, maybe the dream will be re-ignited.

[@mnnic4292]

Nice, maybe, but to expensive for what it delivers. For a classic feel, whatever that may mean, the Royal Enfield, for example, is a much better choice at a much more attractive price.

[@motobob]

For the majority, yes! I think this is more positioned as a luxury product

[@savgs-ei6ch]

@@motobob but it's not a luxury product. Luxury price maybe I just don't understand the business model.

[@kankit230]

@@motobob it's nowhere a luxury, it's more like a scam

[@umakantgajjewar8898]

Beautiful motorcycle. I like everything on it except the price.
Maybe Norton offers cheaper option/model as well.
I am ok with less of tech on a motorcycle, and I don't need all the cutting edge performance.
I prefer good looks, reasonable performance at a reasonable price.

[@x-man5056]

Well done review. It's an attractive bike. Always liked the old Norton's. It doesn't appear to have a Catalytic Converter on it. YAY!
What grinds my gears is the silly remote brake and clutch fluid reservoirs with the rubber hose the manufactures have de-evolved too. But for a hundred bucks and an hour labor (each), you can get what should have been on the bike new. That setup just looks after thought, add on, Jenke.

[@andrewhoward7200]

Aren't they hideous.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I don't know a lot about British motorcycles, but that bike looks like it came out of a garage after being in storage for 50 years, I really like the looks of this bike, it just looks like it comes from a much simpler time.

[@R-Tap]

A piece of art, my 70+ year old Uncle's would approve, and their 51 year old nephew wants one.

[@Jodyrides]

Riding well does not necessarily mean, riding fast..
becoming one with the machine, adapting to the machine getting to know it’s qualities call me getting to feel where the engine is happiest being shifted through the gears, Learning how to make the machine flow while picking alternative lines and setting up the corners to have a late Apex or an early Apex and the highest exit speed in the right gear in the sweet spot of the power band. That’s what I enjoy about each machine I have owned..
I have more fun on my machines that have less than 50 hp, then I do on machines that have more than 120 hp that I could never use on public roads.. I appreciate the quality of the power more than I appreciate the quantity.
I have owned very fast high powered sport bikes, that made so much power, I actually never used 100% of the power ever, but I paid for it when I bought the machine, when I paid the additional premium on the insurance, and when I bought gasoline,
over the past 20 years, I’ve actually become a little disenchanted with the complexity of motorcycles and cars. There was a time when you could work on them yourself with average mechanical aptitude..
if I can make one suggestion that will greatly improve the ride, ability for the machine to rotate, reduce the cost, and actually improve acceleration, and improve the suspension. This motorcycle does not need 500 hp of brakes in the front. With a single disk, The rider can easily lock that front wheel. That second disc is a second gyroscope . Have you ever held a gyroscope? They do not like to change directions. That second Gyro on the front of this machine hampers the ability of the machine to rotate left, right, left quickly.
that second disc is also a flywheel that must be accelerated. Have you ever had those little toy cars with the flywheel in them, and you roll the car across the floor quickly to spin up the flywheel, that takes energy.
Then you have the largest of the sins, you’ve added pounds of unsprung weight. The hardware holding the caliper on, the caliper itself, the brake pads, then there’s the disc and the mounting hardware. That adds pounds, and the suspension has to contend with that. Eliminate one of the discs and all its hardware and hoses and pads and you will greatly increase the ability of this machine to flick left right, to maintain its track through high speed bumpy corners, and it will accelerate just that much quicker. Been there, done that on my Yamaha 250 Road racing machine. I thought I needed a second disc.. I went out on the track in practice after adding the second disc. I lost almost five seconds per lap. The machine would not stay on track through bumpy corners, I was slower on acceleration with competitors I was dead even with before I added the second disc, , And at that particular track, there was a section of S turns that I could take wide opened in third gear before I had the second disc. After I installed the second disc, I ran off the track in the same place every time because the machine would not rotate fast enough for me to make the third turn wide-open… also the unsprung weight made the ride terrible. The suspension could not recover quickly between ripples and the machine would bounce off-line because the energy goes into the springs, and the oil controls the spring on the rebound. With the extra weight, the spring was overwhelmed, and my machine chattered off line..
it was a disaster. Luckily that was on practice day, and I was able to remove that second disc and caliper and hoses and hardware in time for the afternoon heat race. Which I won and Sunday’s final sprint race. If I had left that second disc on. I would’ve lost five seconds per lap. At an average speed of 82 miles an hour, that’s over 110 ft./second. That’s 550 feetThat’s over 550 feet I would lose every lap for 15 laps in the race. at the end of 15 laps, I would have lost 8250 feet which meant I would have been laughed and then some by myself with just a single disc..
been there, done that, on a light machine like this, a second disc for street use is just trendy, not necessary, as is the disc in the rear. Totally unnecessary. Who needs a 250 hp rear brake on a motorcycle?
Colin Chapman was right. He added “lightness “to his road racing Formula One cars
with many of today’s machines, you have to have special tools to maintain them, or marry the dealer..
I also want to see the beautiful blonde babes in the ads for Norton motorcycles like they used to be..

[@alantrott871]

Superb analysis and description Jody Fresnack! Thank you; it was a pleasure to read your comments!

[@lorenhewitt8279]

I had a 1973 Norton 750 Commando High Rider. It was just as much fun as my Harley s.

[@gtobruin]

It feels intentional when the obvious comparator wasn’t mentioned. The Triumph Thruxton is the standard bearer for modern British cafe racers. When the last iteration of the Norton debuted, it was touted over the previous air cooled Thruxton as a premium choice. Now that the Thruxton line has moved into a premium space in the cafe racer segment, it makes for an obvious competitor for the same customer as this new Norton.

[@SelectaZero]

100% don't know why someone would buy this over a Thruxton RS

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

Here’s hoping they can reinvent some of that bygone “magic”. I bought a new 750 Commando back in ‘71. Great bike for a blast through the hills on a sunny Sunday, but it had a list of faults and complaints as long as your arm. I wish the new owners every success, and hope they can truly find the dependability that was sorely lacking in the original.

[@hilgo_velomobile]

The only fault I found in my 850 back in the day was the insanely difficult kick-start, and the insanely stupid rider who managed to crash it after just a few months. Guess who that was. Anyway, I our garage was a bit bigger, I might be tempted to get one of these new ones. Absolutely gorgeous, both visually and auditorially.

[@bfarm44]

A wise man once said “We’ll see”

[@UncleWally3]

Given the power, probable use and the likely purchaser, why a 270° crank?

[@patmclean1951]

This is sosososos pretty. Love the analog clocks!!!!! Timeless elegance!

[@layingblacklines]

Looks so much better with the clipons doesn't it.

[@motobob]

Yes, but about an hour was enough on that one. The SP is comfy all day

[@78Outlaw]

Tremendous looking bike, a back to back test v Thruxton beckons, even at 16k I’d be tempted as the bike screams special 😎

[@soulcatcher668]

Ya, 'special' as in the special class they sent the special kids to in school.

[@nickcalnephone]

Yes! That's smashing. I'd like one. For about the cost of a very similar CCM Spitfire.

[@AJSpinDrift]

A fantastic looking bike with some lovely top draw components. It's a shame that whilst making the manufacturing updates they didn't squeeze out a bit more performance from the powertrain, but I guess reliability is a higher priority for them at this stage. The Commando is such an iconic bike I'm sure it will sell sufficiently well.

[@dennisgormley6123]

I had a 70 combat Commando, fantastic bike for a 135lb 19 year old! Whew!

[@walterstrahota2956]

I had one of the first 961 Commando SE models here in the USA. I sold it but I would buy a new one if Norton had a dealer network here.

[@calibrazxr750]

I bought my wife a 1996 Suzuki Bandit 600 in June. It is completely original and with just over 11,000 miles on the clock and while it might not be as rare as the Norton. or as desirable, it looks very similar, has similar power and does the exact same job, for about a 10th of the price. This is just another rich man's toy, for a very limited market. I doubt that this project will last much longer than the various previous attempts to relaunch the Commando.