About 1974, I had a Ducati 250, a good friend had a 750 Bonneville, and another friend had ordered a norton, and waited a year for delivery. We all lined up to "kick start" his norton, when it arrived, because it was "almost like kicking a sportster", and it truly was. That was the first 850 I'd seen in person. Frank's is a beautiful bike, and sounds great, what a line up, just watched the triumph and bsa, love the sounds.
This video brought back good memories. In 1970 I got my BSA lightning from Elite. Later, was stationed at RAF Lakenheath and got a MK3 again from Elite Motors. Thanks for all the Good Video's
Another lovely Norton. Those exhausts sound wonderful During the long hot summer of 1976 I worked at Elite Motors. At the time I lived in the suburbs of north London and used to travel by Underground (subway) nearly the full length of the Northern Line, which was a very long ride from one side of London to the other twice a day. I had just finished college and couldn’t afford a motorcycle which was frustrating indeed in such an exceptional summer. I remember the showroom at Elite’s had maybe 20 or more new Commandos lined up one side matched by as many T160 Tridents on the other. I really wanted a T160, but I had to wait. Eventually in March 77 I was lucky enough to scrape the money together to get hold of one of the last ones available. I was not disappointed and I have been a fan of Tridents ever since and still own one today.
Thanks a lot for sharing this brilliant story. Really enjoyed reading it. I can't imagine how great it must have been to work there and see all those brand new Nortons and Triumphs!! Best wishes, Mike
Magic. I come back to this vid frequently. The guy is great the bike is great, but those pipes, fantastic. I just love the sound, particularly as he slows near the bottom of the Cul-de-sac. great
Thanks so much! I'm glad that the guys enjoyed these vids, especially during these times. There are a couple more videos already in the works and I'm trying to do a nice job of capturing some fun stories and wonderful bikes. Best wishes, Mike
Nice one own a 71 in the UK we are allowed out from today and the weather is looking good for the weekend norton ride Saturday bsa ride Sunday stay safe
'Cul-de-sac' capers. Frank was very interesting, talking about how he 'developed' his bike is so much how we all feel regarding our own. Thanks as always for keeping us 'entertained' Mike along with 'oNe' members. atvb t ..
I noticed the pin on the rear frame for the tire pump. When I mentioned another time about them being barbed, I mistakenly pictured in my mind, the pins for holding the bodywork on my RZ350. After all it's getting close to 40 years ago.
I feel a connection to this guy because I still have my 72 Combat with 32 mil carbs (it's not that difficult to keep them balanced) and I learned to safety wire the exhaust flanges soon after one came off during a street race !👍
Those silencers look very much (virtually identical) like the ones on my '72 Bonneville. I've never heard it run so I don't know if they sound like the ones on the Norton but now I have some incentive to get it running. I'm enjoying these videos. Thanks, Mike.
@@TheMightyGarage Sure, I'd be glad to bring the TR6 by and give an update of all the things I've done to it since the last time its been here in 2016-17. But you know me, It'll have to be a dry streets, no chance of rain day. I'll call ahead.
Similar engine to my first 750, it has the breather on the end of the camshaft. The hose coming off the front, left hand side goes back to the oil tank. The early 750's had a cover where the magneto would be, say on the Atlas 750.
I had a 70 Norton Commando 850 I think I know what the rattle this guy hears is, My primary chaincase cover would come unscrewed. There was a single screw holding that big cover on.
Freaking beautiful bike guys, they sound like they are alive, the engine sounds very visceral, all old brit bikes have that same sound. The Japanese bikes sound tame compared to them. But I love jap bikes as well,i have 2 of them. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧
Hehe, it might be our short legs. Seriously, you're right, I don't think they need much of a kick. Frank was taking his over TDC, so it should be very easy to start. Cheers, Mike
ASM Vlogs I ride an 850 Interstate Commando. The only way I start it is all my body weight on the kick lever. Don,t know how you guys can do it with the leg. Perhaps I need to attend the local gym and build a few muscles. I’m tempted to install a French electric starter but the price put me off. I just got to keep jumping on the thing. Great to see all these well ridden Norton’s still on the road.
This channel is making want to get an old style bike. if I could find a really cool used one in great shape, but maybe I will just get an new old styled bike lol. like the new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. that wont need a bunch of little fixes. like the one in this video ua-cam.com/video/eb8BjVnH1jM/v-deo.html
![Vintage Rebuilds 1972 Norton Commando [visit 27 of 31]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XItbpkh9DZc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Vintage Rebuilds 1972 Norton Commando [visit 27 of 31]](/img/tr.png)
![1971 Norton Commando Long Range Special [visit 7 of 31]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UeovHlRRFrk/mqdefault.jpg)
![1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador 750 [visit 26 of 31]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nEiyx3b3_TY/mqdefault.jpg)
Had to watch this again...Frank is the Man...
Hehe, you're so right. He's a terrific guy. Cheers, Mike
About 1974, I had a Ducati 250, a good friend had a 750 Bonneville, and another friend had ordered a norton, and waited a year for delivery. We all lined up to "kick start" his norton, when it arrived, because it was "almost like kicking a sportster", and it truly was. That was the first 850 I'd seen in person. Frank's is a beautiful bike, and sounds great, what a line up, just watched the triumph and bsa, love the sounds.
This video brought back good memories. In 1970 I got my BSA lightning from Elite. Later, was stationed at RAF Lakenheath and got a MK3 again from Elite Motors. Thanks for all the Good Video's
Many thanks for your note. I'm glad that you enjoy the videos and hope to continue producing more videos of some amazing bikes. Best wishes
Frank the Tank..whatta Man...I love this..I would move to Oregon if I ever went back to the States..Keep Ridin Frank..
Frank is the Man.....
Everyone needs a Frank. He’s a hoot.
So true! Frank is such a great guy to be around. He really lifts your spirits. It’s a pleasure to know him. Best wishes, Mike
Love the sound of those big parallel twin motors...
Thank you Brian. Glad you enjoyed the video. Best wishes, Mike
Love this guy! Lovely bike
Very entertaining banter & his Norton was classic!
David! Glad you enjoyed the video. Best wishes, Mike
Love that video ❤️and what a character that fellow was😂
Hehe, thanks Garry. Frank is such good fun to be around. Cheers, Mike
Another lovely Norton. Those exhausts sound wonderful
During the long hot summer of 1976 I worked at Elite Motors. At the time I lived in the suburbs of north London and used to travel by Underground (subway) nearly the full length of the Northern Line, which was a very long ride from one side of London to the other twice a day. I had just finished college and couldn’t afford a motorcycle which was frustrating indeed in such an exceptional summer.
I remember the showroom at Elite’s had maybe 20 or more new Commandos lined up one side matched by as many T160 Tridents on the other. I really wanted a T160, but I had to wait. Eventually in March 77 I was lucky enough to scrape the money together to get hold of one of the last ones available. I was not disappointed and I have been a fan of Tridents ever since and still own one today.
Thanks a lot for sharing this brilliant story. Really enjoyed reading it. I can't imagine how great it must have been to work there and see all those brand new Nortons and Triumphs!! Best wishes, Mike
Magic. I come back to this vid frequently. The guy is great the bike is great, but those pipes, fantastic. I just love the sound, particularly as he slows near the bottom of the Cul-de-sac. great
Hehe, thanks Neil! That was a really enjoyable visit. Frank is such a great guy. Cheers, Mike
This makes people happy, thanks!
Thanks so much! I'm glad that the guys enjoyed these vids, especially during these times. There are a couple more videos already in the works and I'm trying to do a nice job of capturing some fun stories and wonderful bikes. Best wishes, Mike
You and your friends have such a nice disposition, friends like this with American roads and scenery are what dreams are made of,.
Thank you Jon! I consider myself very lucky and blessed to live in such a wonderful part of the world and have such great friends! Best wishes, Mike
Very cathartic to watch as always. Gorgeous bike and he seems like a real character!
Thank you Marlon for your great note. Yep, he's a fantastic guy and so much fun to be around! Cheers, Mike
This one makes me smile..."I have had it so long I forget" Sounds just like me …:-) Thanks Mike and Frank
Haha, so true! I know just what he means! Best wishes, Mike
Great, enjoyed the whole thing.
Thanks very much Sam. Unfortunately, haven't had too many visitors this year, but it has been great fun. Best wishes, Mike
Love the sound, so beefy.
Another nice classic Norton, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
That cheered me right up! Love the silver instruments on the 750 Commando... ;)
Thanks Brendan! Glad the vids help in some small way. We should have more to come soon! Best wishes, Mike
Nice one own a 71 in the UK we are allowed out from today and the weather is looking good for the weekend norton ride Saturday bsa ride Sunday stay safe
Great news Ian! I hope you have a terrific ride! Best wishes, Mike
@@TheMightyGarage thanks
High school friend had a Norton 750 Commando in metal flake blue . His had high pipes on it. It was the shizzle.
Ah yes, thanks Michael. I suspect it was a model S. They are quite rare now and very much sought after. Best wishes, Mike
'Cul-de-sac' capers.
Frank was very interesting, talking about how he 'developed' his bike is so much how we all feel regarding our own.
Thanks as always for keeping us 'entertained' Mike along with 'oNe' members.
atvb t ..
It's a pleasure Terry. Hope you are doing OK. Had my first ride yesterday. It was glorious! Best wishes, Mike
@@TheMightyGarage Good for you Mike, I also managed to get this week for an hour doing 'other stuff'.
atb t ..
Another enjoyable video. Really like the sound of those Norton's.
Glad you enjoyed it Wooley, best wishes, Mike
Fantastic, magic.
Many thanks Neil! There should be a few more in the pipeline! Best wishes, Mike
Great video lovely bike stay safe looking forward to next one 🇬🇧👍🏻
What fun!
I noticed the pin on the rear frame for the tire pump. When I mentioned another time about them being barbed, I mistakenly pictured in my mind, the pins for holding the bodywork on my RZ350. After all it's getting close to 40 years ago.
I feel a connection to this guy because I still have my 72 Combat with 32 mil carbs (it's not that difficult to keep them balanced) and I learned to safety wire the exhaust flanges soon after one came off during a street race !👍
Thanks a lot for sharing Don! Yes, Frank is a great guy.
Good story. You can invite Frank around any time!
For sure!! He's welcome anytime ;)
Another excellent video thanks thanks 🙏
Thank you George! Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Mike
Made In England The Best.. 🤗👍🙏
Thought it sounded sweet personally , thanks Mike
Really a beautiful bike ❤
Yes indeed! Thanks Erwin. Hope all is well ;)
Nice❤️
Nice bike Frank!
Entertaining Mini-Series Mike! Especially this episode (my model & year!) Thanks for going to the trouble!
Thanks a lot Phil, there are more to come too that I hope you will like ;)
Great bike!
Thanks a lot for your comment Nikola! Best wishes, Mike
Frank seems a funny interesting bloke 😜👍
Haha, thanks Mick. Frank is a great guy and has brought a ton of fun and energy to our club ;)
Great series... keep em coming!
Thank you Dr. J! Still more to come! Best wishes, Mike
Love it
Thanks Chris!
Those silencers look very much (virtually identical) like the ones on my '72 Bonneville. I've never heard it run so I don't know if they sound like the ones on the Norton but now I have some incentive to get it running. I'm enjoying these videos. Thanks, Mike.
Thank you Scott! Hope you can get your Triumph running and swing on by anytime. You're also most welcome to come on any other your other bikes ;)
@@TheMightyGarage Sure, I'd be glad to bring the TR6 by and give an update of all the things I've done to it since the last time its been here in 2016-17. But you know me, It'll have to be a dry streets, no chance of rain day. I'll call ahead.
Similar engine to my first 750, it has the breather on the end of the camshaft. The hose coming off the front, left hand side goes back to the oil tank. The early 750's had a cover where the magneto would be, say on the Atlas 750.
Thanks Keith! Best wishes, Mike
Bit of a dag is our Frank.
Are there any more with Frank in them please MG . Have you stopped the tales from the CDS ?
One of the best looking motorcycles ever made. I also hate a single carb on a twin. What is a Keto buddy?
Bought my second bile from Elites on Garret lane , tooting
Nice. 😍
Thank you! Cheers!
Tappets/valve clearances need setting?
Thanks Dave, yes I think that might be one of Frank's rattles ;) Cheers, Mike
I had a 70 Norton Commando 850 I think I know what the rattle this guy hears is, My primary chaincase cover would come unscrewed. There was a single screw holding that big cover on.
Thanks for the tip, Mike. Cheers
I love the colors on that Norton and font is fetching
Freaking beautiful bike guys, they sound like they are alive, the engine sounds very visceral, all old brit bikes have that same sound. The Japanese bikes sound tame compared to them. But I love jap bikes as well,i have 2 of them. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧
Thanks a lot Mike! Glad you enjoy the videos. Yes, I know what you mean about the old Brit bikes! I just love them! Cheers, Mike
hello bro i own some of these vintage as well but im always confused why you have to kick start your bike so hard my 650s start effortlessly
Hehe, it might be our short legs. Seriously, you're right, I don't think they need much of a kick. Frank was taking his over TDC, so it should be very easy to start. Cheers, Mike
@@TheMightyGarage okay brother thank you i hope i come into your use some day
ASM Vlogs I ride an 850 Interstate Commando. The only way I start it is all my body weight on the kick lever. Don,t know how you guys can do it with the leg. Perhaps I need to attend the local gym and build a few muscles. I’m tempted to install a French electric starter but the price put me off. I just got to keep jumping on the thing. Great to see all these well ridden Norton’s still on the road.
It was funny when Frank asked if you pay the neighbors not to call the cops. Ha Ha.
(By the way, how much do you pay them?)
Hehe, they are all great neighbors! Thankfully, I don't burn up the street very much and we only have the occasional visitor! Best wishes, Mike
Tall first gear.
LOL
Hehe, glad you enjoyed it! I rode for the first time yesterday. It was brilliant!
This channel is making want to get an old style bike. if I could find a really cool used one in great shape, but maybe I will just get an new old styled bike lol. like the new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. that wont need a bunch of little fixes. like the one in this video ua-cam.com/video/eb8BjVnH1jM/v-deo.html
Love that you can't do a barrel roll ,?
Haha, Frank is such a great guy. Thanks for your note. Take care, Mike