1974 Norton Commando 850 MK2A - Coffee Run, the long way round
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- Опубліковано 19 сер 2024
- 1974 Norton Commando 850 MK2A - Coffee Run, the long way round.
Just had a really enjoyable blast on the Commando to go and get a coffee taking the long way there. It’s running great. I think the tappets might need adjusting a little as they are a little too.. tappety! It was a little hazy out there due to the bad fires in Oregon but lovely and cool up in the hills & forested areas. There was hardly anyone on the road. The twisties at 03:12 were terrific fun and I’m sure some of the guys out there would go a little quicker but it’s plenty for my riding style. I just love this bike.
Buy me a coffee? ☕ 😉
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I know I’m late to the party with this comment but this vid brought back so many memories of my black 850 mk 2a interstate and its sounds
I love the way you ride the bike nice balance of enjoyment and empathy
I’ve saved this to my watch later to re visit when I’m wanting some nostalgia. I’ve watched plenty of other similar ride outs but yours seems the one closest to how I remember my bike,sadly long gone now.
Thank you for sharing
Julian
Hi Julian, many thanks for your kind note. I really appreciate it and I'm glad you enjoyed this video. This has to be my favorite bike. I've enjoyed it so much over the years and it's still such a thrill to open it up a little now and then. Thanks for connecting. Best wishes, Mike
I love the way that you ride your bike. You really are in tune with the engine - Never allow it to over-Rev & the way that you use engine braking when taking corners. It sounds so sweet! It's man & machine in total harmony. Stay safe.
Hi Paolo, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. The Commando is such a great bike to ride. Best wishes, Mike
I like the fact that you are just going for a nice paced cruise not hauling ass and being unsafe . I have been wanting a Norton for ever I want to find a commando original and leave the patina and faded paint but go through the engine and suspension and brakes . Nothing like a Norton with the original paint and gold leafing if I can get one it will get me back into riding bikes I quit doing everything since I moved to this shit hole I gotta makes some changes fast in my life LOVE THE VIDEO LOVE THE NORTON
That looked like a terrific day out. I just love the sound of this bikes engine. BTW .. I spent 23 years teaching people to ride and you are a darn good rider. Thx for taking us along.
Thank you very much indeed! I enjoy riding very much and still have a lot to learn. I enjoy watching my friends ride to see how they negotiate turns and ride so fluidly. Best wishes
Great video. I had a mk2a, 1974. Loved it, bought back good memories.
Thanks a lot Clive. I'm still loving it! Best wishes, Mike
Fabulous classic Norton Commando.
Hey there, I really have just such a deep passion for Norton motorcycles. I have watched this video more than a few times. Thankyou for putting this on.
Many thanks Ryan! It is my pleasure. I'm glad that you like the videos. Best wishes, Mike
Miss my own coffe runs..heres winter in Sweden now however your videos helps a lot..😄👌
Morning!! Mike!! Its 649 am sunday morning the 13 dec!! Like this video!! Im very stoked on the NORTONS!! BE MY DREAM TO OWN ONE!! DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WORKING ON THESE BEAUTYS? OWNED A LOT OF BIKES BUT NOT A NORTON-! TRIUMPH PAUL. JAMES AND I ARE GOING WENSDAY TO BIG D IN DALLAS!! 3 old men on a outing to drool over some sweet vintage bikes!! Taking pics!! This was a great ride i just went on with you-! Played it twice!!- NORTONS RULE!- THANKS AGAIN MIKE!-- TAKE CARE!!!! THE FIRES WERE SO HORRIBLE!! I CARE!-!
Hi Mike, I never cease to be amazed, how much those roads look like my own eastern Carolina back roads. The Norton sounds great, smooth, powerful, running just as nice as can be. Been close to fifty years since I was on one, not any I know of, in my neck of the woods. I hope the time never ends when we wave to another running on two wheels, there's a camaraderie among us that is of inestimable value. I've always felt there was a "pioneering attitude" among those willing to go long distances, wet, miserable, and smiling all the while. Your videos constantly remind me of why I ride. Thanks, maybe someday I will be able to video and post, it's been twenty years since I got to the left coast to ride, looking across the handlebars, two clocks, road rolling out ahead is emblematic of any of the "Brit bikes".
It has a lovely exhaust note, with a pleasing deceleration burble.
The shifts seem to be clean and smooth.
It just seems to be a well sorted Commando.
Well done.
In the '50's Norton ruled the world racing circuit in the 500cc class with Brit Mike Hailwood. He was the master of the very dangerous "Isle of Mann'' circuit
Very nice ride indeed. I have a 75 850 MkIII and I am currently restoring a 72 750 Combat engined Interstate. They are great bikes to ride even these days. I love them as well. Have fun.
Splendid, props from a new fan to class twins.
Thank you very much Jon! Cheers, Mike
My neighbor has a '72 750. I recently bought a new Royal Enfield INT650 and am loving the twin life after previously riding inline fours.
I know how this works. On a beautiful early fall Saturday a few weeks ago I jumped on my 79 Bonneville for a trip to get some ice cream. The stand is only 3 miles from my house yet for some inexplicable reason the round trip was a little over 50 miles?? I have no idea how that happened. :-)
Lovely powerful Sound
To those that know, you showed what is known! Nice ride!
Hi there, thanks for scratching my norton commando "itch". I really like the view you get just the right blend of bike to scenery. Also even though you say the tappets need a tweak, the exhaust note is captured very well. Ride safe, Peter, New Zealand.
Hehe, thanks Peter. It has been such a great bike. I actually just got back from a quick ride to go and get petrol for our Norton club meeting tomorrow, which I will record. It's a little chilly, but the fun is worth it. Cheers, Mike
Hello Mike, I always enjoy watching this video, especially on days when the weather isn't "rideable". I was a young teenager in the early to mid-70's when the various motorcycle magazines used to carry the Norton Girl ads on the inside of the front covers ("Fulfillment of a Dream", "Temptation Comes in Many Forms", and "Gas It" were among my favorites). It was in April of 1982 that a local dealer had a 1974 Mark 2 Roadster in black (with the metal airbox) and so I decided to buy it ($1200. at the time). It's virtues were that it usually started with only 2 kicks from cold, a comfortable riding position, beautiful styling, beautiful sound, super-smooth at highway speeds, and without a doubt the best handling motorcycle I had ever ridden. The downside was terrible vibration at city speeds (the worst was at 45mph), an extremely heavy clutch, cheap decals (no clear coat), tape instead of real pinstripes, and the unusual shifting arrangement (right side, 1-up, 3-down). I had another motorcycle at the time so after 2 months I put it up for sale and in 3 days I handed its new owner the keys ($1300.) Yet I always kept a soft spot for this concept of motorcycle, the lightweight 1960's-1970's Brit bike. Now that AVS of India has purchased the new Norton, let's hope they will clean up the mess left by the previous owner. There is a company here in the Colorado Rockies called Colorado Norton Works.com who do magnificent restorations that address the shortcomings of the original models. Among the bikes I've owned in the past are a 1979 Honda Hawk II (my first bike, of which I still hold fond memories), a 1982 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, a 1982 BMW R100RT, and a 1980 Suzuki GS1000E (with the Windjammer "set-up"). Presently I own a 2020 Kawasaki W800 in red with silver trim (a real sweetheart) and a 2000 Kawasaki W650 (with only 10,000 miles), also a real sweetheart. If you ever visit Colorado be sure to ride to the Mount Evans Byway (from Denver, Highway 6 is the more scenic route than 1-70); late spring and August are the best times to enjoy it because there's very little traffic at those times. Once again, thank you for posting this video, and keep the sunny side up!
Many thanks Gary for the great comment. I really enjoyed reading it. Yes, we are very familiar with CNW and Matt in the Norton community. They do outstanding work and it has been a pleasure to say hi to Matt at a Norton rally and at Barber. Would love to ride in Colorado one of these days! My wife and I had a driving holiday in Colorado years ago, from Denver, Glenwood Springs, Vail, Aspen, Ouray, the million dollar trail / HWY (?) to Durango and then all the way back on the longest straight road to Colorado Springs. It was a fantastic trip! Best wishes, Mike
I have owned my Norton since 1973 (It's a 1970) and it has become a favourite member of my family. It never talks back and in all the 48 years I have owned it, it always (usually) started on the first or second kick and then always delivered what it meant to ride a Motorcycle.
Awesome bike ever ride for passion 👌👍👌
Thanks Sandeep! ✌️
North texas is ok in some ways!! But in some ways not!! But ok for now except the covid!! Thanks again!! Texas likes you and your videos-! Nortons. VINCENTS. Triumph vintage are. The creme of the crop!! Take care!!!
My Own Private Idaho the movie with Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix going around Portland on that yellow Norton.
Thank you Marcus, that Same Norton commando is still in the Portland area!
Wow there's not much traffic about
I am fond of the long way round. It takes me 2 hours to go to the corner store and back.
+servicarrider hehe, yes, isn't it funny how that often happens! ;) Cheers!
Actual thumping sound of Norton cannot be heard from on the bike but the onlookers will feel the actual sound when on move.
Thank you Randhir! Yes, exactly. It is a wonderful bike. Best wishes, Mike
A loose valve is a happy valve.
Hehe. Thank you Tom!
a was sitting on that riding it
😀👍👍
That's cycle.
Amazing how you can tell what carburetor is probably on this bike (Mikuni) What gave it away ?
Thanks Stan. They are actually the original Amal carbs. I'm really pleased with how well they are running. Cheers, Mike
Where did you get your bars? do you know the bend please.
Hi Dean, I believe these were called the “euro“ bars. I’m sorry but I can’t remember where I got them from. I thought I got them from CNW (Colorado Norton Works), but I just looked at the website and they are over $100, so I am sure i didn’t spend that much! I seem to remember that they were about $30-$50. I think I got them from OIdBritts or Commando Specialties. Here’s the CNW website in case you want to go for the top of the line bars. coloradonortonworks.net/handlebars-european-clubman-style.html
Edit: A viewer called Chase Stobbe (thanks Chase) also replied that a company called MAP Cycle has that pattern of bars at around $60
Mi Ty, I just love your Norton videos. Absolutely sublime. What's the history of your bike? Do you have any suggestions on restoration? I have a '72 750 I've owned since new, but it's pretty much a basket case and hasn't been on the road since the 80's. Your videos, among other things, has inspired me to contemplate a restoration project.
+John Whitney Hi John, thank you very much for your kind words. I'm having a blast riding the bikes and capturing rides and events on UA-cam. I'm hoping to make more interesting movies this year. Yes, Commandos are such a fantastic classic bike that you can truly ride in today’s traffic conditions, with a few subtle mods. You have a very nice model that I'm sure you can get back together. I'm not sure where you are located but you could reach out to the Norton Owners clubs to see if there are local Norton clubs in your area with folks who can provide help if needed. Another great resources is the Norton forum at accessnorton.com/ NOC (Norton Owners Club) - www.nortonownersclub.org/
INOA (International Norton Owners Association) - www.inoanorton.com/Chapters/index.html
+Mi Ty Excellent, thanks My Ty for the links. I'll check them out. I live in Colorado and had considered having Colorado Norton Works do a rebuild/restore. But the expense, and terrific examples of more 'original parts' Nortons, such as yours, has me now thinking otherwise. Keep up the great work on the videos - they're a great inspiration. Cheers.
it's very quiet .
When somebody takes time out of their day to complement you its rude to blow them off you could at least say thank you !😡
Hi Roger, it was not my intention to blow you off or be rude. I've been away and simply haven't gotten around to replying yet. I'm sorry but it has been a crazy week at work. I do appreciate your comment very much but have been struggling to keep up with many comments. Thank you for your understanding
@@TheMightyGarage Then please except my apology I am constantly getting blown off with this flaky society we live in now and its taken a toll on me . I have wanted a Norton for a long time but old man time is catching up with me quick . I have a bike but quit ridding it because people around here are cold and unsociable and couldn't find anybody to ride with so I parked my bike got tired of going solo like everything else in my life. If I could trade my bike off and some other things for a Norton that didnt run and needed restoration I think it might get me riding again. I want and early 70s black with gold leafing leave it original with patina just go through the engine and trans wiring and brakes and suspension that is my dream. Thank you for the reply
Thanks a lot Roger. I appreciate your note and it's all good. I hope you find a Commando. They are terrific bikes. This one is without doubt my favorite bike to ride. It's so much fun. Yes, I love the idea of keeping a bike in original condition with patina and scars but a good motor. They are so cool looking. Best wishes, Mike
@@TheMightyGarage Thanks for the kind words and support ! You have a good one man and safe riding to you for years to come ! Keep your fingers crossed I find my Norton !🙂