I really enjoyed you describing your bike and Nortons in general. I recently filled my bucket list item of a ‘75 Commando. You weren’t exaggerating about the torque! Thanks for sharing your considerable knowledge.
Good on you mate, you purchased the best model year Commando.I have owned both 750 (1970)] and 850 mk 3 (1975) both are excellent bikes but if you want a machine that is a good long distance cruiser then your 850 is in my opinion a better way to go. Many years ago I did the unthinkable and sold my mk3, the 750 is still in the family but now lives with my eldest son. I had the privilege to ride revoked due to medica issues.
This the way to do it. Keep the points, twin Amals (although a new set of Premiers can be a godsend), triplex chain. The drum brake was as good as the single disc, looks better and made lacing and wheel alignment a lot easier. I agree on the upgrade to vernier isolastics though, and there's something to be said about solid-state RR upgrades. Like many others I know, I spent decades trying make "the perfect Commando". In the end I realized a stock 750 is already very close to perfect (for a vintage Brit-bike). Good advice about bringing some mechanical skills to owning a Commando.
I had one - it was a kick start and a monster. You had to kick and kick and kick and sometimes the kick starter would kick on back. The thing was a lemon ++++++++ and I shed no tears when it was gone!
@@johnzeszut3170Learning how to adjust the Amal carbs, adjusting the mechanical points and maintaining the springs occasionally in the advance mechanism and of course learning how to tickle the carbs is the key. My '72 Norton that I've owned for 51 years is a one kicker and always has been. The beauty of the Norton Commando is there are multiple suppliers of new parts to keep them running like new. Order a new part and you've got it in just a few days. The parts supply now is way better than back then. It's a shame you didn't learn a little maintenance because your experience would have been a whole lot nicer. There is no daily running motorcycle from the '70's that needed zero maintenance to run correctly. It doesn't matter who manufactured them.
@@theodorecharles635"The mufflers falling off." That's hilarious. I've never known one Norton owner who's muffler fell off never mind mufflers plural....
@@robertshepherd3832 I found that when I cleaned the points and plugs it did start a lot easier - later on one of the cylinders stopped working and that put the kibosh on the cycle - traded it in on something better for my needs...
I've always been a fan of the Commando since I was a student at Woolwich Tech in South London in the late 60's right next door to the Norton factory - at lunchtime I'd sit and watch the factory test riders put the bikes through their paces in awe of the sights and sounds! Thanks for the review....
The 1970 Norton out ran the 1970 Honda 750 on acceleration. It outran everything in 1970. The magazine test was called " The Superbike Seven". It included the Harley Sportster, Triumph Trident and Kawi H1 triple (500 cc) I still have the magazine. The 750 Honda 4 is rated at 65 bhp, but it is a lot heavier than the Norton ( much less torque with the Honda too)
I know both Commandos and cb 750s. Have owned three Commandos and two Honda 4s the Norton was better all round except it needed more maintenance, still have a beautiful 72 roadster, I have owned and rode many motorcycles, getting on in years now but I consider the Commando up there with the biggest smile factor fun bikes ever made.
@glenbrrak5448: l think that test you're talking about was the Cycle Magazine March 1970 Superbike test. On that test they ran all the bikes on a dynometer to check their ACTUAL horsepower. If l remember correctly they bikes mostly around 49 h.p.( including the CB750 Honda.) The exceptions were the Triumph Trident at 53 HP, don't remember what the H1 500 Kawasaki was. I do. remember the Norton Commando S was the quickest in the quarter mile ( 12.69 l think) followed by the Trident( 12.78?) Then the Kawasaki (12.81?) For some reason the normally powerful BSA Rocket 3 wasn't quite so quick. The dyno testing showed how much difference there is between advertised h.p. & actual h.p. , especially in the case of the CB750
I still ride my 68 Bonnie that ive had since i was 19. Wouldn't trade it for the world. But ive always loved the Commandos. Thanks. You have a beautiful machine.
I had a 73 750 for about 4 years in late 70s in England as daily use bike -. Plus points - character, handling, torque, sound, never a rust problem. Minus points - poor 40s design e.g. air box/filter maintenance - swinging arm greasing /end seas and bolt, basic gauze oil filter, - oil leaks, bits fell off or broke, vibration, 2-3 visits to dealer a month for parts, unreliable. I sold it and bought Suzuki GT 750 which did not have above plus points of the commando but extremely reliable and none of the minus points as a daily use bike. I never bought another Brit bike. I have now a 76 z900 Kawasaki. Most reviews of commandos are made with rose tinted spectacles and do not mention the bad aspects of having these bikes as daily drivers.
You should contact the Bikes and Beards guy, and see if they would be interested in arranging a back to back comparison test between your bike, and their NOS 850. That would be very interesting.
I quite enjoyed that. I'd like to see more reviews of vintage machines. I don't know what the fickle public wants but I can't help but think there are folks out there that are interested in the vintage bike hobby and would like to see what choices are out there along with a helpful description of pros and cons from someone in the know.
Thanks Scott...I may do more of these "reviews" now and then, especially if I get this sort of encouragement from viewers. I hope the BSA is treating you right!
Hi. I agreed with everything you said except the vibration between the atlas & commando being comparable, if it is there are problems with the isoelastics, when you say they did not go like a cb 750 that is not at all right. the commando was faster of the line and hit a bendy road you left them. How do I know? I purchased a new roadster in 70 lots of Honda 750s in my circle of friends, not once did I ever get beat. I did but a Honda latter but I found it to have no soul.
Nice machine! There’s just a different feel to these and I own a Triumph T140 now but would love another one of these. A potential hazard is the rear brake cable - if it lets go, the lever drops and digs in resulting in a rapid and unplanned dismount - don’t ask me how I know. They’re a superb machine and it’s great you’ve updated the isolastics. 👍🏻
Thought you might have as everything else is beautifully detailed. That knowledge would have saved me some skin and money when I was 19, but then - maybe not! 😁
I would like the find a commando with the red white and blue paint I believe that was in 76. I may have to part with a couple of a65’s to make it happen but would be worth it if I can find a clean one in the mid west area
That's a really pretty paint scheme, I was seriously considering putting that on this bike back in 1989 when I first got it, but after discovering that the original paint was metal flake blue, I opted for that. I switched over to red about 1996.
Nice bike and nice review 👍🏼. I really dig the paint and Brit flag 😎. Is your bike originally a low pipe S model? I asking based on key switch location, engine crank vent and halo ring on headlight I have a 69 Commando and have been told mine is a high pipe bike with low pipes , I’m still learning only had my bike a short time.
Yep, it was originally an S model. Came to me in Roadster trim with big 'ol Dunstall mufflers. I considered bringing it back to original, but to be honest I like the roadster version better. Thanks for commenting. :)
I've gotta admit that if there's one complaint I have, it's that it's not a 'town' bike. It doesn't like to go 30mph... fourth gear is too high and third is too low. Maybe a five speed box would have solved that problem. Having said that, I spend most of my time on the secondary roads, avoiding the crazy traffic on the 100 series highways and the 'slow pokiness' and intersections of riding in town. Thanks for commenting.
![1971 Norton Commando Hi - Rider [visit 30 of 31]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZxwM0DoX35E/mqdefault.jpg)
Ive had my 1973 mk1 850 for 25 years and its a superb bike , they have a ton of grunt and handle like a dream. I’ll be keeping it till i die.
I really enjoyed you describing your bike and Nortons in general.
I recently filled my bucket list item of a ‘75 Commando.
You weren’t exaggerating about the torque!
Thanks for sharing your considerable knowledge.
Good on you mate, you purchased the best model year Commando.I have owned both 750 (1970)] and 850 mk 3 (1975) both are excellent bikes but if you want a machine that is a good long distance cruiser then your 850 is in my opinion a better way to go. Many years ago I did the unthinkable and sold my mk3, the 750 is still in the family but now lives with my eldest son. I had the privilege to ride revoked due to medica issues.
I've had my 71 Norton since 78 they'll bury me on that bike. Worn it out 3 or 4 times in the last 45 years but I've always rebuilt it.
That's one Norton Commando that sounds great, looks fantastic and I'm guessing is very well maintained.
This the way to do it. Keep the points, twin Amals (although a new set of Premiers can be a godsend), triplex chain. The drum brake was as good as the single disc, looks better and made lacing and wheel alignment a lot easier. I agree on the upgrade to vernier isolastics though, and there's something to be said about solid-state RR upgrades. Like many others I know, I spent decades trying make "the perfect Commando". In the end I realized a stock 750 is already very close to perfect (for a vintage Brit-bike). Good advice about bringing some mechanical skills to owning a Commando.
I bought my MKIII 850 aged 18 in 1977 & I still have it. My previous 750 went like the clappers, but the 850 was a long legged cruiser.
Great video. Always nice to see and hear an old Commando. I had three of them over the years, '71 and '72 750's and a '74 850.
I had one - it was a kick start and a monster. You had to kick and kick and kick and sometimes the kick starter would kick on back. The thing was a lemon ++++++++ and I shed no tears when it was gone!
@@johnzeszut3170 Yes they could certainly be a challenge to own. The oil leaks and stuff like mufflers falling off were pretty annoying.
@@johnzeszut3170Learning how to adjust the Amal carbs, adjusting the mechanical points and maintaining the springs occasionally in the advance mechanism and of course learning how to tickle the carbs is the key. My '72 Norton that I've owned for 51 years is a one kicker and always has been. The beauty of the Norton Commando is there are multiple suppliers of new parts to keep them running like new. Order a new part and you've got it in just a few days. The parts supply now is way better than back then.
It's a shame you didn't learn a little maintenance because your experience would have been a whole lot nicer. There is no daily running motorcycle from the '70's that needed zero maintenance to run correctly. It doesn't matter who manufactured them.
@@theodorecharles635"The mufflers falling off." That's hilarious. I've never known one Norton owner who's muffler fell off never mind mufflers plural....
@@robertshepherd3832 I found that when I cleaned the points and plugs it did start a lot easier - later on one of the cylinders stopped working and that put the kibosh on the cycle - traded it in on something better for my needs...
Great review. Thanks for providing some interesting insights and information on the Commando and Norton history.
I've always been a fan of the Commando since I was a student at Woolwich Tech in South London in the late 60's right next door to the Norton factory - at lunchtime I'd sit and watch the factory test riders put the bikes through their paces in awe of the sights and sounds! Thanks for the review....
The 1970 Norton out ran the 1970 Honda 750 on acceleration. It outran everything in 1970. The magazine test was called " The Superbike Seven". It included the Harley Sportster, Triumph Trident and Kawi H1 triple (500 cc) I still have the magazine.
The 750 Honda 4 is rated at 65 bhp, but it is a lot heavier than the Norton ( much less torque with the Honda too)
I know both Commandos and cb 750s. Have owned three Commandos and two Honda 4s the Norton was better all round except it needed more maintenance, still have a beautiful 72 roadster, I have owned and rode many motorcycles, getting on in years now but I consider the Commando up there with the biggest smile factor fun bikes ever made.
@glenbrrak5448: l think that test you're talking about was the Cycle Magazine March 1970 Superbike test. On that test they ran all the bikes on a dynometer to check their ACTUAL horsepower. If l remember correctly they bikes mostly around 49 h.p.( including the CB750 Honda.) The exceptions were the Triumph Trident at 53 HP, don't remember what the H1 500 Kawasaki was. I do. remember the Norton Commando S was the quickest in the quarter mile ( 12.69 l think) followed by the Trident( 12.78?) Then the Kawasaki (12.81?) For some reason the normally powerful BSA Rocket 3 wasn't quite so quick. The dyno testing showed how much difference there is between advertised h.p. & actual h.p. , especially in the case of the CB750
One Kick Plus Strong Idle ...This is What Proper Tuned Norton Always Delivers... Very Nice Videos ...
I still ride my 68 Bonnie that ive had since i was 19. Wouldn't trade it for the world. But ive always loved the Commandos. Thanks. You have a beautiful machine.
I had a 73 750 for about 4 years in late 70s in England as daily use bike -. Plus points - character, handling, torque, sound, never a rust problem. Minus points - poor 40s design e.g. air box/filter maintenance - swinging arm greasing /end seas and bolt, basic gauze oil filter, - oil leaks, bits fell off or broke, vibration, 2-3 visits to dealer a month for parts, unreliable. I sold it and bought Suzuki GT 750 which did not have above plus points of the commando but extremely reliable and none of the minus points as a daily use bike. I never bought another Brit bike. I have now a 76 z900 Kawasaki.
Most reviews of commandos are made with rose tinted spectacles and do not mention the bad aspects of having these bikes as daily drivers.
What a nice Norton.Owned a 74 850.Feels like yesterday.Thank you
You should contact the Bikes and Beards guy, and see if they would be interested in arranging a back to back comparison test between your bike, and their NOS 850. That would be very interesting.
I have the same bike, for 30 years,
Great bike and a great review to watch down to earth
I quite enjoyed that. I'd like to see more reviews of vintage machines. I don't know what the fickle public wants but I can't help but think there are folks out there that are interested in the vintage bike hobby and would like to see what choices are out there along with a helpful description of pros and cons from someone in the know.
Thanks Scott...I may do more of these "reviews" now and then, especially if I get this sort of encouragement from viewers. I hope the BSA is treating you right!
Yes, it's great and so so pretty. I will happily make my bikes available for review if you need subject matter.
Hi. I agreed with everything you said except the vibration between the atlas & commando being comparable, if it is there are problems with the isoelastics, when you say they did not go like a cb 750 that is not at all right. the commando was faster of the line and hit a bendy road you left them. How do I know? I purchased a new roadster in 70 lots of Honda 750s in my circle of friends, not once did I ever get beat. I did but a Honda latter but I found it to have no soul.
Some excellent advice here!
Excellent... thank you!
Nice machine! There’s just a different feel to these and I own a Triumph T140 now but would love another one of these. A potential hazard is the rear brake cable - if it lets go, the lever drops and digs in resulting in a rapid and unplanned dismount - don’t ask me how I know. They’re a superb machine and it’s great you’ve updated the isolastics. 👍🏻
Yes...I have the little safety spring mounted to this one... takes about 5 minutes to fit and solves those rapid dismount issues!
Thought you might have as everything else is beautifully detailed. That knowledge would have saved me some skin and money when I was 19, but then - maybe not! 😁
Norman hyde makes a coil spring that goes around the pedal at the mounting pin, looks and works great.
Great video and lovely bike.
I would like the find a commando with the red white and blue paint I believe that was in 76. I may have to part with a couple of a65’s to make it happen but would be worth it if I can find a clean one in the mid west area
That's a really pretty paint scheme, I was seriously considering putting that on this bike back in 1989 when I first got it, but after discovering that the original paint was metal flake blue, I opted for that. I switched over to red about 1996.
Nice bike and nice review 👍🏼. I really dig the paint and Brit flag 😎. Is your bike originally a low pipe S model? I asking based on key switch location, engine crank vent and halo ring on headlight I have a 69 Commando and have been told mine is a high pipe bike with low pipes , I’m still learning only had my bike a short time.
Yep, it was originally an S model. Came to me in Roadster trim with big 'ol Dunstall mufflers. I considered bringing it back to original, but to be honest I like the roadster version better. Thanks for commenting. :)
They always needed a fifth gear.
I've gotta admit that if there's one complaint I have, it's that it's not a 'town' bike. It doesn't like to go 30mph... fourth gear is too high and third is too low. Maybe a five speed box would have solved that problem. Having said that, I spend most of my time on the secondary roads, avoiding the crazy traffic on the 100 series highways and the 'slow pokiness' and intersections of riding in town. Thanks for commenting.
Poor quality - best I could get was 720p
Nice bike 😊like the vid 👌 from the 🇬🇧