Ride along on this 1972 Norton Commando 'fastback' down the twisting A5004 'Long Hill' road in the peak district on a glorious summers day. #Norton #NortonCommando #ClassicMotorcycle
My heart was in my mouth when I saw this video. Bought a brand new Norton commando roadster in 1973 for $1800. Hit a telephone pole when it had 400 miles on it. Almost got killed. Broke the forks, bent the frame, ruined the tank, bent the front wheel. After my stitches were removed I spent $1200 and about four months to put that motorcycle back together after which I rode it for years. During this period I think I was bringing home about $130 a week. Long time ago! Most athletic motorcycle I ever owned, and I have owned many now. I am 68. I was 22 then. God bless you guys!
Hi Jerry, I liked your story a lot. I'm 4 years south of you but brought a 2nd hand 750 norton at age about 17. Crashed into a car about 100 meters from the shop after stalling her a dozen times or so. Too much power for youngsters buying a first bike which isnt legal now. Unlike you, me and the bike were fine. Left it in the shed for a few days then rode it again. Later I traded it on a new 750/4 which was a mistake looking back even though the Honda was a nice bike. Thanks again and cheers.
Love Norton's! Bought mine brand new in 1974, 850 Commando Roadster. Black, of course. Paid in the $1800 range also. Had to sell it in 1978. Wife and I were putting together down payment for our first house. Got $1200 for it with less than 3,000 miles on it. That really hurt to type that last sentence!
Does my soul good to hear a Commando at full throat. I haven’t ridden mine in many years as age and electric start have taken over. I still have my two 68 Fastbacks, a 72 Combat and a 74&5 Roadsters along with my 63 65 SS.
The Nortons, Triunphs, BSAs of the early 70s....damn. What an age of motorcycling genius. Design, sound, prestige...and fun. But being a decent mechanic was also very helpful.
I have a 71' Norton Commando 750 Interstate and also changeable to Roadster tank and seat. I use to ride it to my National Park Service job as a ranger. Still have it in the back room, and have not ridden it in over 25 years. Just look at it now and then and remember those rides; the sound. You have to hear it with your ears and feeling it rumbling under you. No other motorbike like it. Would like to ride my '71 Norton 750 Commando again and I'm 73 now... But wife says "No way! But I will some day soon.
I just love the old school black Nortons with the black and gold leafing they are so bad ass. I want to find one unrestored and just polish the old paint and chrome and leave the patina I want one more than ever now
Thanks eekamoose. I still watch it every once in a while to remind myself as to how good that bike sounded. I wonder if any of my future video's will come anywhere close to sounding as nice?
It was divinity in that category as one of the best. I still have plenty more to try and film though so who knows, there might be another that could sound just as good?
@@thilo7546 Nathan, I've had two boxers and they don't compare in sound. Imho. R65Ls and R1200s. And the 1200 I had fitted a full Staintune kit on. The only thing which matches a Commando is a Guzzi. Again, imho.
What a sweet sound of a near Superbike in the 60s & 70s..had street respect then & still got cred today..Man that sounds nice! (Triumph Bonneville rider)
I wanted one when I was younger but fell for the Triumph TR6R single carb sound...The Norton was a magnificent beast that did well on the Isle of Man if I remember correctly.
It was a Superbike. The 1970 Commando had the fastest ET in the " Superbike Seven Shootout" March 1970 Cycle magazine. The slower bikes were - Kawi H1 Honda 750 four Triumph Trident triple Bsa Rocket 3 Harley XLCH Sportster 900 Suzuki Titan I still have the Magazine & 2 Commandos
Excellent video excellent sound too, i remember the cops in Bedfordshire used these bikes, And my fathers friends called in one day at home ,there were three Norton Commandoes on the drive, For a 14 year old that was so special,
Lovely sound. It’s amazing how senses evoke memories. Just watching this takes me back about 25 years to my first ride of the Commando, which I still own, but haven’t ridden for a while. Thank you for sharing!
Great sounding bike. Never owned one but I always remember my neighbor had one when I was 12 - 13. Every morning I heard him start that thing up and rip down the street. Great bike. Always wanted one.
Bought a '72 Commando 750 in 1974 for $1200.I do remember cruising along in South Gippsland at 90mph,it was like no other bike i had owned.You have done a magnificent job in recreating the sounds of those engines back then.
I am getting emotional! I bought this bike, a red one, in 1972, and I must say it was one of the most fun bikes I have ever driven! Still today I miss having one, just to take out on a sunny day sometimes!! At full speed the noise was enormous!! Also, that bike was the only British bike I have had that did not leak oil!! LOL!
There could be no finer experience than this. I have a history with these that is too long to mention, but I always loved my Mark 11A - even though it was stolen so long ago.
You’ve certainly picked up the sound with no wind noise, good job. I remember going to the Earls Court motorcycle show in I think it was 1968 when the Commando was first introduced. Everyone was amazed by the price of £450 and thought it wouldn’t sell because it was too expensive! It was certainly a big change from the Featherbed Nortons. I owned a Norton 650SS at the time, got a Kawasaki Z900RS now.
I love Norton's 650ss. Such a clean and iconic design. I also own Kawasaki's, I've got two ZX7R's which are slowly becoming classics in their own right.
As a former owner of a '75 I thoroughly enjoyed this! That was the last year when they came out with the electric start which was really an electric assist.
These bikes sound absolutely wicked with Drag TT straights. And at night, like the BSA Lightning, shoots blue flame out about 4 inches going down the highway @ speed. Man do I miss the 60s.
I was lucky enough to be able to replace the rotting straight through seamless peashooters on my 1971 Roadster with replacement brand new ones of the same spec, now they are pure sound and they positively snarl when you roll the throttle off.
Nice story. I'm sure a 65 hp Combat could keep up with a 39hp Rebel if it wanted to unless all that blue smoke coming out of your exhaust was choking him.
I sold mine way back in '83. This video reminds me of that wonderful sound along with that torque that just pulls so nicely. Wish I still had it. Cheers!
@@classicmoto1535 I'm blessed to have been young then. I was a Soldier based in Aldershot at the time. In 1978 i upgraded to a Commando Interstate M3 elec start from Gill Stevens M/Cs in Ash, for £925.00. Beam me back Scotty.
A very enjoyable video. I used to lust after Norton Commandos when I was young (and couldn't afford one), but I wouldn't think of getting one now because modern bikes are so much better in every way. But this is great nostalgia.
Yeah, I think you are right. It would be easy to get an old vintage bike and underestimate the amount of maintenance it will require, plus a hole new tool kit in imperial sizes.
@@classicmoto1535 I mean TVS bought Norton and they will be producing bikes again soon, so sooner or later we will be seeing a retro looking modern Norton on the street again
Sweet ride ! Working in Yellowknife, NWT; through the mail, I bought one of those Bad-Boy's, new in 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I had the dealer install a Dunstall 810cc bore-kit and proceeded to make the trek back to Sarnia, Ontario.... and the rest as they say, is history ! 😎
I was 19 when I traded a 1949 panhead for a 1969 Norton Commando. A lot of people thought I was nuts but I didn't think so. The Hog had been nothing but a money pit and the Norton was a little more within my budget plus it handled, had rear suspension (the pan was rigid) and had real brakes. I traded it in for a brand new 1971 Commando. The purchase price was $1495.00 CDN. A year later I traded it for a New Norton Combat with a few more ponies and a front disc brake. They were great bikes for their era and I wish there was something around today to replace them other than the W800 Kawasaki which is a gussied up Triumph. I preferred the Norton over the Triumph and BSA because it was unit construction. When I bought the 69 it had a set of megaphones on it that I never saw another set of. When I sold it part of the deal was to keep those and put them on the 71 and the stock pipes on the 69. I did the same thing again on the 72. There was something about the sound of those particular pipes that always appealed to me. The only street bike that rivaled a Norton in those days was the original Honda 750 fours. The Honda's were a little faster than the Norton's but the Norton's would handily beat them in the turns due to the suspension in the curves and the torque acceleration pulling out of the turns onto the straights. It was a great time to be a rider............
Thank you for writing this Scooter Tramp. It was wonderful to hear you story of trading in the Pan Head for the Norton and how you got on with it. Thank you for sharing it 👍
Walked into a bike shop in 1969 and saw a new candy apple red Norton Commando which I remember was selling for $1000 CDN. Thought it was the most beautiful Bike I've ever seen. It's still at the top of my list 50 plus years later. Was just out of high school looking for a job and dead broke so I couldn't even swing the thousand. I was sick about it. Ended up saving a thousand and needed transportation year round so I bought a black used Volkswagen with red leather interior. In 1975 I bought a 1973 Honda 750 four. A nice bike but not a Commando with its distinctive throaty growl, ability to take the curves and torque acceleration.
I had a 68 Matchless G15 that sounded similar but with a deeper rumble than the Commando Pea Shooter exhaust. The first Commando in Canada was the 69 Fastback which had the same pipes as my Matchless.
I have had my 1970 since 1973. Just put the original Amals back on. My God that sounds so good, just like mine. Great video ! ! One of the best I've seen and heard ! Right on ! So glad I am a millwright mechanic (however) You really need good skills to keep these things running well, but it sure does !
Hi Stan. Some bikes you just can't let go. The owner of this one is exactly the same. He's loved and maintained this bike for over 30 years. He done some minor improvements aswell, including hardened valve seats so it can run on unleaded and a roller bearing conversion on the swing arm pivot.
@@classicmoto1535 Yes have not been able to get off it this week! Bringing all the memories flooding back from when I had Commandos in my teens and 20s:)
Gorgeous ! Magnificent!! I got Nortons deep in my heart,because my first real bike I ever rode was my dad´s Norton ES - 2 (owned 49 years,by the way)...Many thanks for this video!!
I love this to death. Just bought my fifth Commando(a ''71), out of ten Nortons in 44 years and can't wait to hear and feel that lovely Norton 750 snarl once again. Fab vid!!!
OMG! Brings back a better time of my life! Was a Triumph rider .. had a 500 and a 750 ... Modified exhaust to get that sound! Had certain twisty roads I would ride to de-stress. Miss those days ...😊
This is the first time I've heard that sound in 55 years. I rebuilt one of these (a friends) in 1969. It sounded just like this one. I tore it apart looking for a rod knock or a slapping piston or at a minimum loose rockers. Everything was well within spec. But it still had those strange high pitched clinking noises. Unlike any 4 stroke bike I've seen or owned before or since. (BSA, Triumph, Yamaha, Honda and others) I guess it's just some kind of harmonics at idle. Great ride though.
My brother had a norton in 69 was sitting on front porch he went into army when he got out. he made a 3wheeler out of bike an road it to. California LOL what a long strange trip its bin !!!!!
Thank you Chuanist. I never thought that I would get compliments about how I ride when I uploaded this. It's so good to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching and leaving me a comment 👍
I had a 1970 Norton Commando 750 with the fiberglass tank and side panels. I rode it for about 20 years before I sold it. I could still kick my ass for doing that, but I live in Florida and that type terrain and climate just isn't conducive to old Brit bikes.
Thanks very much for sharing a great ride out in gorgeous weather on an iconic Brit’ twin. Would be great if you could arrange a comparison video with some other classic 750’s of the same era - thinking Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, Triumph Bonneville, Laverda SF750, BMW R75 etc.....can always dream!
Thanks Nigel. That's the plan. We are hoping to cover as many vintage and classic bikes as we can get our hands on. We have just uploaded a video of a 1981 Moto Guzzi v50 and hopefully filming a BSA A10 next.
These bikes sound even better with open megaphones. Other bikes with that same sound are the Norton Matchless G15 bikes and '68-'69 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor.
Nice ride on a great old motorcycle. Had the pleasure of riding a '69 Commando way back in them days and it was by far the nicest riding bike I'd ever ridden. Unfortunately, the friend who owned it had to sell it with a year, Dunstall Dominator conversion kit and all. The thing was smooth as silk and went from 60 to 80 at the slightest flick of the wrist, more like a BMW passenger car then than an English motorcycle.
I bought a new Bonnie 750 in 1975 Meridan bike. But always wanted a Commando . But was 20 years old when I bought the Bonnie and haven’t ridden since I’m now 69 and think to old now.
Vibration is also coming from the exceptionally under square bore and stroke configuration. Which most bikes these days do not have. Both of the Kawasaki W models 650 and 800 are quite under square engines producing good torque like a Norton 750. It is strange to think the atlas had the same engine specs with out needing to be lent forward in the frame.
My heart was in my mouth when I saw this video. Bought a brand new Norton commando roadster in 1973 for $1800. Hit a telephone pole when it had 400 miles on it. Almost got killed. Broke the forks, bent the frame, ruined the tank, bent the front wheel. After my stitches were removed I spent $1200 and about four months to put that motorcycle back together after which I rode it for years. During this period I think I was bringing home about $130 a week. Long time ago! Most athletic motorcycle I ever owned, and I have owned many now. I am 68. I was 22 then. God bless you guys!
Wow! It's really amazing to hear from people who owned them back in the day. And the prices you paid, if only they were that price now 😄
Hi Jerry, I liked your story a lot. I'm 4 years south of you but brought a 2nd hand 750 norton at age about 17. Crashed into a car about 100 meters from the shop after stalling her a dozen times or so. Too much power for youngsters buying a first bike which isnt legal now. Unlike you, me and the bike were fine. Left it in the shed for a few days then rode it again. Later I traded it on a new 750/4 which was a mistake looking back even though the Honda was a nice bike. Thanks again and cheers.
You had a nice memory with your bike😊
What a story! X
Love Norton's! Bought mine brand new in 1974, 850 Commando Roadster. Black, of course. Paid in the $1800 range also. Had to sell it in 1978. Wife and I were putting together down payment for our first house. Got $1200 for it with less than 3,000 miles on it. That really hurt to type that last sentence!
Fifty years later. The pinnacle of motorcycling right here. It doesn't matter how many brake horse power modern motorbikes has. This is it 😎
Does my soul good to hear a Commando at full throat. I haven’t ridden mine in many years as age and electric start have taken over. I still have my two 68 Fastbacks, a 72 Combat and a 74&5 Roadsters along with my 63 65 SS.
The Nortons, Triunphs, BSAs of the early 70s....damn. What an age of motorcycling genius. Design, sound, prestige...and fun. But being a decent mechanic was also very helpful.
I have a 71' Norton Commando 750 Interstate and also changeable to Roadster tank and seat. I use to ride it to my National Park Service job as a ranger. Still have it in the back room, and have not ridden it in over 25 years. Just look at it now and then and remember those rides; the sound. You have to hear it with your ears and feeling it rumbling under you. No other motorbike like it. Would like to ride my '71 Norton 750 Commando again and I'm 73 now... But wife says "No way! But I will some day soon.
One of the most respected bikes ever made. You can see and hear why.
I just love the old school black Nortons with the black and gold leafing they are so bad ass. I want to find one unrestored and just polish the old paint and chrome and leave the patina I want one more than ever now
This is the stuff that dreams are made if! Terrific sound, beautiful bike, fantastic countryside, great video.
Eight minutes and nineteen seconds of heaven.
Thanks eekamoose. I still watch it every once in a while to remind myself as to how good that bike sounded. I wonder if any of my future video's will come anywhere close to sounding as nice?
One of the best sounding bikes ever made.
It was divinity in that category as one of the best. I still have plenty more to try and film though so who knows, there might be another that could sound just as good?
Except every R model BMW since 1923! 😉
@@nathanranft I have a couple of boxers myself, but the 4 valve boxers don't do it for me as much to be honest.
yep, these and the A10 Beezas.
@@thilo7546 Nathan, I've had two boxers and they don't compare in sound. Imho. R65Ls and R1200s. And the 1200 I had fitted a full Staintune kit on. The only thing which matches a Commando is a Guzzi. Again, imho.
What a sweet sound of a near Superbike in the 60s & 70s..had street respect then & still got cred today..Man that sounds nice! (Triumph Bonneville rider)
Thank you Lee. Hopefully I'll be able to include a Bonneville as one of my future video's. 👍
I wanted one when I was younger but fell for the Triumph TR6R single carb sound...The Norton was a magnificent beast that did well on the Isle of Man if I remember correctly.
It was a Superbike. The 1970 Commando had the fastest ET in the " Superbike Seven Shootout" March 1970 Cycle magazine. The slower bikes were -
Kawi H1
Honda 750 four
Triumph Trident triple
Bsa Rocket 3
Harley XLCH Sportster 900
Suzuki Titan
I still have the Magazine
& 2 Commandos
@@glenbreaks5448Very cool. Own a couple also. That comparison sounds about right.
Excellent video excellent sound too, i remember the cops in Bedfordshire used these bikes, And my fathers friends called in one day at home ,there were three Norton Commandoes on the drive, For a 14 year old that was so special,
Lovely sound. It’s amazing how senses evoke memories. Just watching this takes me back about 25 years to my first ride of the Commando, which I still own, but haven’t ridden for a while. Thank you for sharing!
Got that commando running?
@@joshuageetter6050 yeah she runs alright!👍🏼
Great sounding bike. Never owned one but I always remember my neighbor had one when I was 12 - 13. Every morning I heard him start that thing up and rip down the street. Great bike. Always wanted one.
Haven’t heard that sound since high school. Thanks!
Our pleasure, glad it brought back fond memories for you.
I had a Fastback 72 with 4S end isolatics Upgrade command.
I miss you.
Magnificent sound capturing ❤
Bought a '72 Commando 750 in 1974 for $1200.I do remember cruising along in South Gippsland at 90mph,it was like no other bike i had owned.You have done a magnificent job in recreating the sounds of those engines back then.
I am getting emotional! I bought this bike, a red one, in 1972, and I must say it was one of the most fun bikes I have ever driven! Still today I miss having one, just to take out on a sunny day sometimes!! At full speed the noise was enormous!! Also, that bike was the only British bike I have had that did not leak oil!! LOL!
I think of it as the last of the old British bikes. What a fantastic bike it was.
@@classicmoto1535 The best one actually....
@@classicmoto1535 I think of the Triumph Trident as the last gasp of old Brit bikes.
It was probably just out of oil. They all leak. Jk. I own 2 brush bikes that don't leak. My BSA leaks though.
What a beauty!
There could be no finer experience than this. I have a history with these that is too long to mention, but I always loved my Mark 11A - even though it was stolen so long ago.
You’ve certainly picked up the sound with no wind noise, good job. I remember going to the Earls Court motorcycle show in I think it was 1968 when the Commando was first introduced. Everyone was amazed by the price of £450 and thought it wouldn’t sell because it was too expensive! It was certainly a big change from the Featherbed Nortons. I owned a Norton 650SS at the time, got a Kawasaki Z900RS now.
I love Norton's 650ss. Such a clean and iconic design. I also own Kawasaki's, I've got two ZX7R's which are slowly becoming classics in their own right.
My mate had a 750 combat years ago.i was on the back he took me for a blast and boy what a bike.
I'm not surprised it's something that you remember well. 👍
I can'tget enough of the 360 degree parallel twin sound. 🔊😍👌
😂
Need a side by side co parison between a 270 Interceptor and the Norton.. my preference is the Interceptor with stock pipes. 😆👍
As a former owner of a '75 I thoroughly enjoyed this! That was the last year when they came out with the electric start which was really an electric assist.
These bikes sound absolutely wicked with Drag TT straights. And at night, like the BSA Lightning, shoots blue flame out about 4 inches going down the highway @ speed. Man do I miss the 60s.
It was a great sounding bike, I'd love to get a chance to do a city ride on one in the early hours.
You are welcome.
@@classicmoto1535 That would be cool with that exhaust note racking off in the buildings downtown.
I had a P11 for about 6mo before I entered the Army in '68. Wish I had stored it and still had it.
Brings back so many great memories. Had a 750 roadster when I was 17 then Mk 2a and Mk 3 850s. Have a V Max now but loved my Nortons.
1972, the year I was born... the Norton sounds better and looks in better condition than I do now.
I was lucky enough to be able to replace the rotting straight through seamless peashooters on my 1971 Roadster with replacement brand new ones of the same spec, now they are pure sound and they positively snarl when you roll the throttle off.
I always use Dunstall Decibel model gatling mufflers, Commando sound with sub woofer overrev!
Nice sound.I remember blowing past one of these on my 350cc Suzuki Rebel.Couldnt keep up :)
Nice story. I'm sure a 65 hp Combat could keep up with a 39hp Rebel if it wanted to unless all that blue smoke coming out of your exhaust was choking him.
Me dad's got a 74 interstate, I try to get out on it as much as I can. Love the old British twins
How much you want for it?
That engine sounds nearly as good as Cats purring.
I sold mine way back in '83. This video reminds me of that wonderful sound along with that torque that just pulls so nicely. Wish I still had it. Cheers!
Road an 1974 850 for about 4 years with straight out Dunstall mufflers ,gee this clip brings back some great memories .
Hi John, I'm so glad this video can help remind you of some great times.
Fantastic. My only mode of transport in 1977, a '72 Fastback, cost £340 with an MOT.
Wow. If only they cost £340 now. What fantastic years they must have been?
@@classicmoto1535 I'm blessed to have been young then. I was a Soldier based in Aldershot at the time. In 1978 i upgraded to a Commando Interstate M3 elec start from Gill Stevens M/Cs in Ash, for £925.00. Beam me back Scotty.
A very enjoyable video. I used to lust after Norton Commandos when I was young (and couldn't afford one), but I wouldn't think of getting one now because modern bikes are so much better in every way. But this is great nostalgia.
Yeah, I think you are right. It would be easy to get an old vintage bike and underestimate the amount of maintenance it will require, plus a hole new tool kit in imperial sizes.
@@classicmoto1535 I mean TVS bought Norton and they will be producing bikes again soon, so sooner or later we will be seeing a retro looking modern Norton on the street again
Sweet ride ! Working in Yellowknife, NWT; through the mail, I bought one of those Bad-Boy's, new in 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I had the dealer install a Dunstall 810cc bore-kit and proceeded to make the trek back to Sarnia, Ontario.... and the rest as they say, is history ! 😎
Such an invocative sound of those days. Who knows what the 2021 Norton's will be like? Delighted to subscribe.
I really hope they restore Norton's name. It's such a shame that it has been unfairly dragged through the mud all because of a couple of bad eggs.
@@classicmoto1535 Could not agree more.
I was 19 when I traded a 1949 panhead for a 1969 Norton Commando. A lot of people thought I was nuts but I didn't think so. The Hog had been nothing but a money pit and the Norton was a little more within my budget plus it handled, had rear suspension (the pan was rigid) and had real brakes. I traded it in for a brand new 1971 Commando. The purchase price was $1495.00 CDN. A year later I traded it for a New Norton Combat with a few more ponies and a front disc brake. They were great bikes for their era and I wish there was something around today to replace them other than the W800 Kawasaki which is a gussied up Triumph. I preferred the Norton over the Triumph and BSA because it was unit construction. When I bought the 69 it had a set of megaphones on it that I never saw another set of. When I sold it part of the deal was to keep those and put them on the 71 and the stock pipes on the 69. I did the same thing again on the 72. There was something about the sound of those particular pipes that always appealed to me. The only street bike that rivaled a Norton in those days was the original Honda 750 fours. The Honda's were a little faster than the Norton's but the Norton's would handily beat them in the turns due to the suspension in the curves and the torque acceleration pulling out of the turns onto the straights. It was a great time to be a rider............
Thank you for writing this Scooter Tramp. It was wonderful to hear you story of trading in the Pan Head for the Norton and how you got on with it. Thank you for sharing it 👍
Walked into a bike shop in 1969 and saw a new candy apple red Norton Commando which I remember was selling for $1000 CDN. Thought it was the most beautiful Bike I've ever seen. It's still at the top of my list 50 plus years later.
Was just out of high school looking for a job and dead broke so I couldn't even swing the thousand. I was sick about it.
Ended up saving a thousand and needed transportation year round so I bought a black used Volkswagen with red leather
interior. In 1975 I bought a 1973 Honda 750 four. A nice bike but not a Commando with its distinctive throaty growl, ability to take the curves and torque acceleration.
I had one, 828cc. Now I have nostalgia.
There are quite a few people commenting on here who are reminiscing about when they used to own one.
I had a 68 Matchless G15 that sounded similar but with a deeper rumble than the Commando Pea Shooter exhaust. The first Commando in Canada was the 69 Fastback which had the same pipes as my Matchless.
I am hopefully riding a BSA A10 soon which has a much deeper rumble than the Norton. Possibly down to the silencer though?
I have had my 1970 since 1973. Just put the original Amals back on. My God that sounds so good, just like mine. Great video ! ! One of the best I've seen and heard ! Right on ! So glad I am a millwright mechanic (however) You really need good skills to keep these things running well, but it sure does !
Hi Stan. Some bikes you just can't let go. The owner of this one is exactly the same. He's loved and maintained this bike for over 30 years. He done some minor improvements aswell, including hardened valve seats so it can run on unleaded and a roller bearing conversion on the swing arm pivot.
Wow what a glorious Sound. Man that Commando is such a Fantastic Machine to ride. Superb 👌
Thank you Alistair 👍
Sounds just right.
I got one! 1972 Roadster, immaculate and well looked after:)
Cool, do you get to ride it often?
@@classicmoto1535 Yes have not been able to get off it this week! Bringing all the memories flooding back from when I had Commandos in my teens and 20s:)
Looks fantastic and that sound is awesome..wow!!!
The commando has definitely got an intoxicating sound. Reading through all the comments it seems to be something that you never forget.
My brother had a 750 Norton short stroke......that thing was so fast.
What is a short stroke Norton?
Wish I had one of them now!
Gorgeous ! Magnificent!! I got Nortons deep in my heart,because my first real bike I ever rode was my dad´s Norton ES - 2 (owned 49 years,by the way)...Many thanks for this video!!
I love this to death. Just bought my fifth Commando(a ''71), out of ten Nortons in 44 years and can't wait to hear and feel that lovely Norton 750 snarl once again. Fab vid!!!
Quit riding on the wrong side of the road.....it's dangerous. Gorgeous Bike, Gorgeous sound.........correct color to IMHO
That's one of the best sounding motorcycles ever, thanks for making this video.
Beautifully filmed, you did justice to this incredible machine. Made my heart sing, thank you! ❤
COOL SOUNDS LIKE EVERY MOTORCYCLE EVER
Looks great and sounds fantastic, and that appeared to be a ride to remember.
Sounds incredible thanks for sharing
OMG! Brings back a better time of my life! Was a Triumph rider .. had a 500 and a 750 ... Modified exhaust to get that sound! Had certain twisty roads I would ride to de-stress. Miss those days ...😊
This is the first time I've heard that sound in 55 years. I rebuilt one of these (a friends) in 1969. It sounded just like this one. I tore it apart looking for a rod knock or a slapping piston or at a minimum loose rockers. Everything was well within spec. But it still had those strange high pitched clinking noises. Unlike any 4 stroke bike I've seen or owned before or since. (BSA, Triumph, Yamaha, Honda and others) I guess it's just some kind of harmonics at idle. Great ride though.
Excellent video, it took me back to what it was like riding my '75 Norton 850 Commando, especially after l had Dunstall mufflers installed on it.
beautiful 360 stroker noise
Music to the ears
Beautiful, ballsy, simple. Air cooled, carburator, wire wheels, front disc brake...no bullshit electronics or computers.
I agree. The less things the bike does for you the more of an experience it is. The is a raw passion to the whole experience
My brother had a norton in 69 was sitting on front porch he went into army when he got out. he made a 3wheeler out of bike an road it to. California LOL what a long strange trip its bin !!!!!
What a fascinating story. I bet it was quite an adventure riding a three wheeled Norton Commando to California
beautiful bike, beautiful sound, beautiful place ;)
Thanks Uncle Longbeard. I did turn out to be the perfect day for it by sheer chance and given the chance I'd do it again at the drop of a hat.
Great video, and excellent driving style. I speak as a former owner of a 1974 Mk II.
Thank you Chuanist. I never thought that I would get compliments about how I ride when I uploaded this. It's so good to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching and leaving me a comment 👍
superb sound quality! thx a lot
No Problem. Thanks for watching Peter 👍
Had a Commando in high school, loved that sound, still do!
You rode to high school on a commando? That's amazing!
I have a 1999 Honda Valkyrie inter state with cobra exhaust no baffles, pure sound there
I bet!!! Have you got a video of it? I would love to hear it
there are videos on utube showing that, turn up sound, lol 6 exhaust pipes and 6 carbs do make this bike go.
@@classicmoto1535 Maybe you are close to Valkyrie riders, they are in US and Europe. Valkyrie Riders Association,
That is music to my ears. I had a ‘65 Triumph Bonneville!
Love the commondodo. Couple of my pals had them, one had a most beautiful black interstate.
I hope this helped bring back some fond memories for you then? 👍
@@classicmoto1535 Oh yes, indeed it did, great to watch👍
I had a 1970 Norton Commando 750 with the fiberglass tank and side panels. I rode it for about 20 years before I sold it. I could still kick my ass for doing that, but I live in Florida and that type terrain and climate just isn't conducive to old Brit bikes.
super ballade, merci ;) j'adore cette Norton :O
6:37 This sound sweet :-)
Cool vidio, miss the hell out of my '75 roadster!
Thanks very much for sharing a great ride out in gorgeous weather on an iconic Brit’ twin. Would be great if you could arrange a comparison video with some other classic 750’s of the same era - thinking Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, Triumph Bonneville, Laverda SF750, BMW R75 etc.....can always dream!
Thanks Nigel. That's the plan. We are hoping to cover as many vintage and classic bikes as we can get our hands on. We have just uploaded a video of a 1981 Moto Guzzi v50 and hopefully filming a BSA A10 next.
I had a 1971 Roadster for 25 years. I always did admire the Fastback look, but I never saw one in America.
the pipes.. oh my god the pipes.....
What a fantastic sound on this lovely bike. Kudos to the rider, an excellent podcast!Liked un Subb’d.
As an owner of a classic Britt i enjoyed this video verry much.
Thanks for not editing this with music or something else😊
Cheers mike
These bikes sound even better with open megaphones. Other bikes with that same sound are the Norton Matchless G15 bikes
and '68-'69 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor.
Hopefully we'll get a chance to include some of them bikes in future video's?
I have a 1971 Norton Commando...
Great filming and sound quality. The bikes nice too.
After hearing this, I’ll have to recommission my 74 mk2a, forgot how smooth they are.
If this video is responsible for you getting your 74 mk2a back on the road then it makes me feel very proud 👌👍
They are... over 3000 rpm! Lol
Wonderful .
Nice ride on a great old motorcycle. Had the pleasure of riding a '69 Commando way back in them days and it was by far the nicest riding bike I'd ever ridden. Unfortunately, the friend who owned it had to sell it with a year, Dunstall Dominator conversion kit and all. The thing was smooth as silk and went from 60 to 80 at the slightest flick of the wrist, more like a BMW passenger car then than an English motorcycle.
pure motorcycle..sweet sound great ride thanks...
I bought a new Bonnie 750 in 1975 Meridan bike. But always wanted a Commando . But was 20 years old when I bought the Bonnie and haven’t ridden since I’m now 69 and think to old now.
From one Commando owner to another Very Nice :)
Thanks norton.rider . It's @paintnation here, this is my hobby channel. The Commando is my dad's
@@classicmoto1535 ahh great video mate!
Thanks. Hopefully doing a BSA A10 next. If you fancy doing any of your bikes then let me know 👍 just trying to capture the best audio possible
@@classicmoto1535 Thanks mate appreciate that :) we shall have to have a wander out on them at some point.
My Dream bike that will happen. Cheers for the cruise,from NZ.
Wonderful! Thank you!
lovely sound
Nice Video! The Sound is very good.
Nice sound man...love it
Thank you Duong
Stunning
just imagine in 1970 30 police men on norton commando going to the bardney pop festival
Just imagine riding a Commando as a part of your job. What a great time to be a police motorcyclist.
that long stroke makes a rich, deep tone. I really like this sound.
Nice sounding old trumpet
Vibration is also coming from the exceptionally under square bore and stroke configuration. Which most bikes these days do not have. Both of the Kawasaki W models 650 and 800 are quite under square engines producing good torque like a Norton 750. It is strange to think the atlas had the same engine specs with out needing to be lent forward in the frame.
Fantastic
Thank you R B
Sweet. I want one.
Thanks Donal. I know what you mean, I also now want one 😂