Was I Too Harsh? Norton Commando 961SP - Revisited and Reassessed.
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2023
- As a lover of British bikes and retro bikes in particular, I was somewhat surprised that I didn't absolutely love the Norton Commando when I first rode it - was I being too harsh on the bike? My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
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62 years ago now, my Dad had saved hard for a Norton. Unfortunately he'd pulled a trigger of a different kind and my mum announced she was pregnant with me so the money went on baby stuff instead. He never got round to getting one after that. To remind him of his sloppy marksmanship he put my middle name as Norton. Unfortunately my mother thought it was stupid so changed it to Nicholas. What a cool name that would have been!
If I'd had a son ( I have 2 daughters !) he might have been called "Vincent Norton " . I wouldn't have minded "Triumph" in the name too , but that doesn't really work as a first name to me !
I've told my wife this, and she too wasn't impressed. One of my daughters asked what she'd have been called if she was a boy, she wasn't impressed either ! So I guess, the name wouldn't have made it to the birth certificate !
@karlosh9286 Vincent Norton would be perfect 😂. My friend called his son Isambard Kingdom and that'll take some beating! And he can go on the SS Great Britain for free 😁
What a great story. Nice one!👍
My eldest lad's middle name is Norton. His Mum got to choose his other names 😂
Well my friend across the pond, I think I speak for every rider here when I say: *You are Norton to us* 😂
Fair play to you TMF. The new brand Norton are exactly that, they're new and will have some teething issues. Practical feedback should be welcomed by manufacturers and not shunned. Thanks again.
Seems like Norton have done a great job! They have managed to build a retro style bike that rides like a retro bike, that vibrates like a retro bike and that has very limited technology like a retro style bike, in 2023! That is difficult to do! Well done Norton! The cost is irrelevant!
Norton must build vibrations into their bikes. I can remember the Norton Commandos back in the late 70's, start it up in the garage and it would walk itself out whilst you got your gear on. 😂
Not the original with the isolastic
Yes it would.@@markthomasson5077
LOL great imagery! Hahaha😂
@@PuppyBiker it's true. The vibes from the 360* motor would make it do that. All British twin motorcycles would do the same thing.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 no they don't, I own 3 vertical twins, a Norton Commando 850, a T100A 500 and a 1964 650 Thunderbird, none of them vibrate or walk across the floor, the only bike I had that did that was a 750 Bonneville T140E.
A lovely looking bike, but unfortunately for Norton, I don't see there being enough buyers for profitability. I rode Norton back in the late 60's and loved them, until I got my first Honda 750. Then I realized how much better newer tech was in bikes, and I have never looked back. Norton is building a bike that might appeal to old timers like myself, but we are very few, and getting fewer all the time. I would not buy one of these today as I prefer modern, comfortable, fast, and reliable bikes. I don't think this new Norton is any of those things.
Andy a good honest review unlike some other reviews telling us how fantastic the bike is ,I think it's a collector's bike for someone with deep pockets but at that price the triumph is a better buy or even the RE Interceptor ,keep up the good work .
Fair point but unlike a lot of Triumphs it's manufactured in the UK on a small scale.
Thanks for saving me sixteen and a half grand Andy! I'll stick to my original 850 Mk3 which even by todays standards, rides and handles brilliantly. Toodle pip!
These things you pointed out originally wont go away on a second ride. Norton should perhaps take these issues on board. You also would have thought these things would have been noticed by the first person to bloody ride it out the factory when they started testing it!!
No Andy honesty is always best. Hopefully it will be taken onboard and improvements will be made. Keep up the good work. 👍
I’m not sure one review from me will make any difference but thanks for watching and for stopping by!
These bikes were over 16 grand (or thereabouts) in 2019. And they were riddled with faults back then. People still flocked to buy them, myself included.
Now it's all re-worked and improved but everyone is whingeing about the price 🤔
Once the Commando is well run in and loosened up it's possible to see a good 125mph on the clock. I traded mine in for a Thruxton but found that incredibly bland by comparison.
Just my view of course 🙂
Will enough people "flock" to buy them?Will the company be around in 10 years and making a profit?I'd be shocked if the bike doesn't come with a lot of maintenance issues which would be a joke for a bike at this price.I hope I am wrong.
Great to hear a second chance review of the Commando, I had a 750 Commando back in the 70s and own a RE Interceptor at the moment. My consideration of the new Commando lasted milliseconds, even though I love it, I dont love it enough to shell out 16 grand. Plus I saw one of the original new Commandos a year or so ago outside a cafe in posh Woodhall Spa, it was very reluctant to start and when it did it filled the cafe with exhaust smoke 😂. The Interceptor by contrast is not as gorgeous but is classy enough and always starts first push of the button.
Agreed. Had a 850, then a 750, the latter was far more fun
I had an original Dunstall Commando here in NZ and loved it. If you get a chance to ride an original, well sorted 750 Combat roadster, I think you would sense the true soul of the Norton. Quick, smooth, light and a glorious sound. (much more exciting than the 850's) Also, how about a classic review of the Yamaha MT-01 from the Superbike Factory. (preferably with Akrapovics) A unique motorcycle and a ton of fun. Like a Norton on steroids. Thoroughly enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work!
Thank you - will do!
Thanks for giving the Norton another chance, but I'm still of the opinion of apart from the fantastic looks and the great name of Norton, this is a bike for those who want (or need) the upmanship of owning one. Also, at least the quiet village, or hamlet of Latimers Bottom is going to get more motorbikes riding through it 😂.
Tbh that’s been Norton through several iterations. You hear someone’s bought them, hope it’ll be a triumph story, always ends up just a badge for those who want a badge nobody else can afford
The brake fluid bottles seem in a delicate and vulnerable position.
Super, honest review. That thumbnail is awesome, too!
Since i was 16 a good few years ago, i always been a Norton geek, i have a 16h and an early CS1. I got my name down for a 961 commando. Andy review is fair but for me its a Norton every time. When i tested the bike i loved it and it took me back to the mid eighties when we were Rockers and all of us had British bikes, i had a Dommie and my friends had a collection of Triumph, BSA, AJS etc.. Riding the 961 took me back!
Thank you for your fair/honest conclusion Andy. BTW the noise regs won't apply as I believe the Norton is not euro 5 type approved, as its made in small numbers. It's approved under a sort of 'bikes built in shed' (that's not a criticism) category.
The ironic thing is Andy, the original Commando had metalastic bushes isolating the engine from the frame and was known for its super smooth low vibration ride. Apart from being one of the fastest motorcycles, it was one of the most comfortable motorcycles of its time, unlike the current Commando 961.
Good point and the same suspension team worked on Harley's Sportsters.
Yes, I am old enough to remember those magazine ads in "Men's" magazines...wouldn't that be a pity that the current Norton wasn't as advanced...? Regardless, Nortons are classy bikes...
I thought they were called, "isolastic" bushes.
@@stevetaylor8698 Same thing...
@@grahamtricker4103 Looked it up, Metalastic is protective paint.
A fair review is always preferable and Norton should take this feedback to improve the bike and bring the fit and finish, ergonomics and mechanical/electrical remarks to hart and bring the bike up to the level which matches the pricetag.
Thank you for your honesty about the Norton and for upholding your views and independent motorcycle journalism generally. I'll take a golf shirt please if you care to deliver to Canada 🇨🇦. Kudos.
As a neutral, you weren’t too harsh. Bottom line is that if you’re a Norton fan and you have the cash, go and buy one, if you’re then there’s plenty of better bikes out there for less money. If I was going down the modern classic route I’d go for the Kawasaki over the Norton, just like I did in the late 70’s. Have a good weekend Andy!
Yes that Kawaski Z900RS is a thing of beauty isn't it - especially the SE with gold wheels......
@@TheMissendenFlyer it gets my vote with the Speed Twin a close second. 👍
I live in Canada now but from 1968-69 we lived in Amersham on the hill and after a 6 year stint in Scotland 1976-1982 we moved back south and lived in a house at the intersection of Flaunden Lane and Chipperfield Road. Back in the day I used to rip along that Latimer-to-Flaunden road on my Yamaha RD400 and used to spend a lot of time riding the roads between Bovingdon, Chesham and Amersham - High Wycombe. Many years ago there used to be some type of military base at Latimer - quite a sizeable community but no shops. The main road between Bovingdon and Chesham was run to ride (not the Ley Hill road). Your videos are a trip down memory lane for me.
That’s great to hear!
I saw one at the Bike Shed show. I thought it looked lovely. Like most bikes, there are bits you could improve. I’ve done that with my T120 too. From this video, I’d say this though: it sounds superb.
I’d have to ride it to know whether the vibes are a problem for me, but in any case I hope they continue to grow as a company.
Yes me too.....
great review, loved it
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the lovely ride. The Norton? Sure looks good!
Lol @ ‘The Small Print V5’ hehe Andy your a star so funny. Took a couple of goes mind to get that pause just right, love the ‘FlyRide’ content, personally it appeals a lot, be good to see some reviews on Biker Clobber too (I know you’ve done some in the past but some stuff on lids and gloves etc getting ready for the impending autumn & winter might be an idea 👍 Ride Safe mate
Thank you Dave - appreciate that....
Looks absolutely amazing in the black & gold.
Yes - always a great colour combo!
Always good to see a new video after a long night shift to have a brew with. I guess it’s a good example that if all bikes were perfect they would be boring!
Glad that you pronounced Chenies correctly this time Andy. I'm not expecting to see many of these Norton's out and about in the Chilterns at that price but I suppose that will make them more of an investment.
Your initial review was spot on. It may not have pleased those wearing rose tinted spectacles though. As much as I love the looks of the bike that engine vibration would be annoying after a few miles. I was a teenager in the 70's when both Norton and Triumph were on the ropes. Part of the reason for that was the vibration from the parallel twin compared to a Japanese four. Triumph in their modern classics addressed this with counterbalancers (and to soem extent moving to a 270 degree crank). In the 70's Norton had "isolastic" engine mounts which was really just a sticking plaster and not a proper fix. There are some things, such as intrusive vibration which belong in the past.
I agree - whenever I ride a bike with more than two cyclinders (although to be fair, these days even twins are pretty good) I marvel at the smoothness of the engines.....my GoldWing being a case in point with it's beautiful 6 cylinder masterpiece of an engine.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer and the Goldwing is a boxer 6 , which I guess makes it even smoother ...
@@TheMissendenFlyer Having said that my 2011 Nightster smooths out once its it's off from standing, so it can be done.
I do love the looks and sound . I have a mint 08 EFI Bonneville and it doesn’t seem to do much more than that and mine was only 3 grand. I hope Norton succeed but can’t help thinking it won’t be with this. Cheers.
I think your final words sum the bike up perfectly Andy - “looks good doesn’t it”
Hiya, NO mate you were not too harsh, it's good that you were not scared or worried to give your views, there aren't many people on here that would have done that just in case they upset the mighty Norton, Good on ya !!
Cheers Paul....appreciate that
I liked your honest review. The Norton is a work of art (apart from the ugly master cylinders). These days, it's a rare pushrod air-cooled modern bike, and thanks to the new owners for fixing the faults in the original Stuart Garner models. But it's been around for quite some time now. Is it worth it? Try finding one of the older ones for less than £10k.
Glad you stuck by your original review. I feared you might have been bribed by Norton to say nicer things 🙂. When you can get a new Triumph T100 for £9600 or a T120 for £11800 it's very hard to justify £16000. But I think we all love the looks of the Norton, and if the aesthetics are your main consideration, and the extra money isn't an issue, then why not.
Sub'd not for the bike, but for the shear fact you get to ride around in the beautiful country side while I get to sit here at work in Sydney Australia. As for the bike, a fair and honest review, dam shame it's a bit of a lemon by counts and reviews I've seen. Maybe the next version will be improved. Cheers mate for the review 🍻🇦🇺👍🏼
My pleasure and thanks for the sub!
End of the day Andy, you've given your honest opinion about the bike. Other peoples opinion might vary. I enjoyed both videos of the Norton. It certainly looks a sexy bike..
Thanks for watching both episodes - appreciate that!
It's a good point you raise, why does the bike need such high spec suspension and brakes? With the price-tag already pushing into the questionable territory, surely they could have shaved a fair bit off the price by going for components more similar in spec to the likes of what the Speed Twin / T120 use?
Tout à fait d'accord.C'est du luxe inutile vu les perfs..
You’ve killed it ! Richard Cottingham
I still agree with you, Andy. It's a nice bike, but it's a bit rough around the edges, and Norton are asking way too much for them. At launch, the Standard Commando 961 SP is £16,999, and for the Standard Commando 961 CR it's £17,499! I can't see them shifting many bikes at those prices.
...nor me!
The sound is lovely.
Stunning looking bike but expensive for what you get Andy good honest review 👍
Nice to see you giving it another fair go at it. Nice looking bike but for that sort of price etc..... I'll stick to my T120 😁 thanks for another vid 👍
Out of the retroes the Cbr1100Rs is my all time favorit. Nice review btw.
Thank you and yes the big Honda is a beautiful thing!
Thank you Mr. Flyer. Good for you giving the Norton another look. I guess it's just not as good as expected or hoped for. :>)
I visited the factory and then rode one a few weeks back and am currently writing a review on the experience. I have to say I concur with most of what Andy says.
But the thing is, while it’s easy to compare the Commando to a Triumph or a Royal Enfield this is not a mass produced bike.
It’s a bit like saying you went to The Savoy Grill and while it was lovely you could get the same meal in your local steak house for a third of the price. These bikes are meticulously hand built with quality components (Brembo, Ohlins for example) and every part is 3 D scanned before being passed for use. So like a meal in a posh restaurant you may be getting similar ingredients, but the way it is cooked is miles apart from somewhere that is churning product out like a sausage machine.
You pays your money and you takes your choice; it certainly costs a lot more than a Bonnie, but you’re unlikely to see another one at a bike meet.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but unfortunately with motorcycles or indeed, hand built no longer means quality, it simply means they don't have the means to do it any other way. Quality components alive don't always come together to create a good bike. Can't help liking it though as I'm an that live the 70s commandos.
My mate got an ex police comando (late 1970s), for £315 at Ormskirk auctions. He put it back to a normal road bike, and we decided to go around France, and did some grape picking to pay our way. I had a very clean tidy 750 F1 Honda, but everywhere we stopped, the French said "Norton,' and walked past me to look at his bike. Apart from having to reset the points a couple of times, it never missed a beat.🐸
Wow - what a find!
Good man for sticking to your guns and "telling it like it is" yet still in a respectful and honest way. There's nothing worse that some sycophantic bike reviewer who is less than honest about a bike review lest he fall out of favour with the manufacturer and not get loaned any more bikes in the future for being honest. Hopefully Norton will take your comments on board in the spirt in which they were intended in a constructive way and hopefully move to address some of the issues you rightly highlighted.....if they don't then i feel it will ultimately be their loss.....keep on biking and keep up the good work. Love the channel and your reviews! Top marks! 👍👍👍😎
Thank you!
It’s funny when I first heard about this I was so excited. In pictures it looked brilliant. Something about it though when I saw it in person it didn’t do anything for me, I can’t put my finger on why. I generally love retro bikes although my preference are sports bikes.
The fact that the Norton doesn't have a Morris Minor carbuncle of a radiator hanging off it like the Triumphs do makes all the difference. I just wish Norton had styled the bike closer to the original 1960's Commando.
Still a beauty! Sounds fantastic.
Good to see an honest review.
Can't like everything you try?!
I think, some vloggers/youtubers, 'try' to like the bikes they review,
to ensure future loan bikes.
TBF, most of the bigger channels, like yours, that I follow,
are pretty honest in their views.........as it should be!
Top job, fair play for giving the Norton a second chance.
Thanks for that - I am fortunate to be in a position where I'm not chasing content so I can say what i think about the bikes that are loaned to me, it's possible I won't get another Norton loan on the back of this but i hope not. If that is the case then it'll say a lot!
Chalfont & Lattimer railway station is on the Metropolitan Line and National Rail line, and is located in Little Chalfont, some distance from Lattimer. As for the bike, One doesn't get the chance to ride such an exotic machine too often so I can see why you took it out again while you still had it. Without riding the bike myself of course I cannot ne sure, but I think your first review nailed it; lovely looking thing, not the most comfortable, while being down on power and refinement compared to other makes.
Probably a purchase for the wealthy to put into a collection rather than have as one's main ride.
Sometimes you have to take them as they are and what they are. If you want a beautiful bike and a Norton there you have it. Shortcomings and all for what its worth
You are buying the name , who would not like a Norton in the garage ,good content as usual
Andy.. my ol Cokka, my ol Mukka, my ol Tayta...
I agree with you mate, however I would save the cash difference and buy a Thruxton and throw silly money at it to make it super fast and handle like a surgeons knife.
Another great review. its a shame the Norton has its issues. Especially for a 16k bike! It looks stunning as well. Nevermind, On the plus side, I see the Oxford hardy jacket you reviewed way back is still going stong and looking great. With the money I save not buying a bike I might just treat myself to the jacket instead! Every cloud eh ! :)
Indeed! Although that's not the Hardy Jacket - I actually gave that to a pal of mine a few years back!
Mr flyer your riding a retro Norton the vibration is part of the ride if me had it it would have ace bars on not clip ons and a smile from tab to tab ie (ear to ear ) and that sound god amazing 👍👍👍👍👍👍
First impression is the best impression !
I would buy it just for the sound! Thank you Sir for another good video. I love seeing the English countryside!.......Sal : )
What a fantastic environment, even if I was on a moped I'd still have a smile on my face just for being there.
My father had Norton's in his youth and has somewhere a share certificate from long ago for Norton, used to mention the Commando and I'd be tempted (if I had the spare cash) just for the nostalgia and ability to own one... perhaps though I'd save harder and go for a classic? Not sure with the option of enfield, triumph and now BSA for a drop of classic modern retro's - it's a magnificent looking machine for sure and that alone would be enough for me in my virtual bike collection!
If I won the lotto, I would immediately make arraignments to purchase both 961's and the V4 Norton. I would not even flinch. I have wanted a Commando since 1970. At the time, I had a 1958 Matchless 500 thumper. I am American, and the Hondas were taking over in 1970. I remember being down at the motorcycle shop, it was dusk. The owners of the shop jumped on a brand new Commando 750. He rode it hard in first gear, then let off the throttle, blue and orange flames came out the pipes. I will never forget that. In 1970, I was 16. I remember thinking to myself, I would much rather have a Norton Commando than a 750 Honda. I can say, I have not wavered from that thought.
I think you were fair in the first place. It’s a bike for those with more money than sense. Not for those of us who are having to “hold our nerve”.
I’m glad you moved that camera though it distracted me and I wasn’t even riding! It was funny though when you appeared to be adjusting an ‘invisible’ stick 🤣
Yes sorry about that - not the best camera position I've come up with!!
The New Norton company through no fault of their own have inherited this model from the Donnington set up & unfortunately have no option but to keep production going until an all New replacement is available. I believe this machine will be improved till production ends.
Is a wonderful bike. I love it ... pricey but ... still, awesome
And those pictures are the best!
Glad you like them!
The other end of the spectrum is the BSA gold star which looks great at a distance but when you get close up its got cheap looking painted finishes on the engine covers etc and plastics but at least its priced very reasonably.
Thought Al Murray had taken over your intro... beautiful Britain!
I had to giggle alittle when you said 961 is difficult to live with. Ive had 4 Commando 850s over the last 40 years. definity not easy to live with but I wouldn't have it any other way. I ride for the viceail effect a bike gives me. For me the sound and a little vibration is a positive. Wish I could afford the 961. I would buy it in a min.
Definitely all about the brand. As you say, too much money for a low spec ride but that will be down to their overheads and big profits!
Norton back in the late 60s and early 70s was the king of the road. A high performance bike. What good is it if it is only a name with reduced performance.
I've not ridden a 961, so can't really comment on your conclusions, but have had 3 Commandos (very quick and smooth) and a couple of Dominators, and absolutely loved them, so much so that my eldest son's middle name is Norton. I looked at putting an 850 Commando engine into a Dominator featherbed frame, but was dissuaded from doing so by a couple of folks who had done it and said the vibration was pretty bad. What would be really interesting would be if you could take an original 850 Commando on a test and compare it with the 961
Yes I suspect I may prefer the original!
Thanks for the reviews, you have to be honest and it comes over in your review that you are trying to be sympathetic. Lets hope Norton evolve the bike, I get paying extra for the name, but it has to feel like it is quality and it sounds like that feeling is not there yet. Since the bike is not homologated it may be a little easier for Norton to develop it and iron out some of the issues.
I hope so too
I do like the sound of this bike!
I would much rather hear an honest review than someone kissing a marketing departments backside.
I already liked your reviews but you just went up a whole extra level in my opinion.
Honesty is one thing we are seeing slip these days and its very much appreciated.
I hope they don't blacklist you but I think we all know its likely. I would be far more impressed if they came out with a statement that they were going to address the problems but I won't hold my breath.
Thank you for your integrity.
I am one of the people who would genuinely buy one of these if they were good - £18k or not - but with those issues its almost a joke for them to ask that money.
Thats knocking on £6k over a T120 and only around £4k below a Rocket 3.
If this was genuinely special I could forgive it the lack of power and price but if its already corroding at 2k miles - along with all the other problems - its just not worth anywhere near that.
At the moment a Thunderbird Storm is looking mighty tempting. I know they only ran to around 2018 but its just a better bike.
Thank you for the comments - appreciated!
I watch your channel to get your opinion. Don't change.
Well done, as you know,, bad bikes aren't really made these days, but I thought you was going to bottle out, from the first video and do a "u turn".
Probably a good bike, lovely looking, but at that price it needs to be great.
Paul
I watched both videos and think they were totally fair and unbiased people who are Norton brand fans might disagree
Andy, a fair evaluation. Don't feel guilty. Everyone loves the Norton, but in comparison, (which is what we depend on you for...), it's almost impossible to beat Triumph when it comes to the modern classics. What happened here is that as you have turned into one of the world's authorities on the T120/Speed Twin/Thruxton/Scrambler 1200, in the back of your mind while evaluating the Norton, you will always be comparing it to the Triumphs. Triumph has a big head start on quality, fit and finish, and engineering with their entire range of classics. They are now second to none, andhave set the bar high.
Think I've been further then that, back in the days on London underground and Job interviews, think you should review some lower powered sgooters as well at least the 2 wheeled ones.
i agree with the other commenters , you were fair with your opinion and thats the number 1 priority ,,,, we are not stopping others from buying one , its just that its twice the price of most and about 4 g more than the speed twin , triumph is not the greatest treater of customers so be warned there as well , thanks for taking the norton out for us again ....
You turned around too soon Andy!
Flaunden has a very nice country pub called the Bricklayers Arms….fab food, especially the Sunday roasts…along a road called Hogpits Bottom…yes honestly…plenty of brownie points to be won if you take Carole there 😉 btw..your first vid on the Norton was spot on…failing chrome on the wheels of a brand new bike costing north of £16k?! I should coco 😵💫 btw..enjoyed your session at the ABR Festival..I’ve re-booked for 2024!
Atb, Alan.
Good to hear that Alan - and thanks for coming to the ABR do! Do come and say hello next year!
Garyhope 0103 is spot on. Lovely looking bike, lovely ride, but thank goodness you moved that camera, it reminded me of cars that have GPS' or whatnot stuck to the screens, and blocking a wide field of view to the left 😞
Sorry - not my best bit of positioning I agree!
Ha! Ha!😂
Latimer House has an interesting story to tell worth a look 👀
I must look it up!
So hard to get a really helpful review of this bike. Yours must be the closest. There are loads of uncritical reviews lauding the bike, suspiciously forelock tugging. I could really be interested in one (the price seems very fair to me for a basically hand-made bike - there are lots of far far more expensive mass produced bikes out there) but the reviews - taken together - do not really help any objective analysis. A test ride beckons! ( a long one would be good) thank you for this.
My pleasure!
One for the wealthy, that said a purchase not dissimilar ro your Duke, a bike for that ' special' ride out & a machine to admire every time you open the garage door in my opinion for what i'ts worth
Yup, an objet d'art more than a practical motorcycle, well done for not succumbing to the pressure of needing to say something that might give others the wrong impression. On a side note, that stand looks like a real faff and there seems to be a lot of mechanical noise from the engine.
Good to see a honest review.
Norton may not be so happy with the review, so u think the chances of them lending you a V4 maybe slim to none.
We shall see....!
You were just initially giving your impressions, Andy. Nothing wrong with that. So this bike has a few flaws.What bike doesn't? It's a little rough round the edges. So? Gives machines like this a bit of character. It's made in the UK. That for me, means a lot. A Brit bike, with a Brit name, that's made in England. At least it's not made in India or Thailand. (And that's not a dig at their quality control!) How can you have a bike with a British name, made in another country?
For all its little faults, I know I'd be proud as punch to ride into a bike meet carpark that's swimming in Triumphs and REs and be the only one on a Norton.😊
Even if the second ride was feeling a bit better (I suspect the weather and relaxed attitude helped a lot this time), it doesn't address the points I commented about on the first video. As much as I want to love the brand, I do have some fond memories of them, they will need to up their game by several orders of magnitude if they have even the slightest chance of seeing any of my money. This monstrosity does nothing but tarnish the memory of the original bikes. Of course, that's only my honest opinion, I'm sure others will be gushing all over it. Oh, and I'm glad you moved that 360, I was fidgeting for the first couple of minutes 👍
Yes sorry about that!!
The Norton sounds so much better. This is probably my #1 complaint about my Speed Twin, not in love with the sound, not mechanical enough. Like the Ducati Monster 937, it's so mechanical sounding, it's great. But it's not a bad bike, so I'm keeping the Speed Twin.
My SPeed Twin with the Vance and Hines pipes sounds epic - do you have the standard cans?
@@TheMissendenFlyerand even better with the x-pipe....my Thruxton sounds epic.
It seems they want £5k for the badge and £11k for the bike, perhaps? That price tag reframes how I see the bike entirely.
Wish I was currently in the position to buy one....,because I wouldn't hesitate..
Heck.......,many have spent as much (or more) modifying their otherwise perfectly good bikes into something that appeals to very few others but them......,without a 2nd thought....(myself included..)
Removing Water stains on wheel rims...,or fitting replacement Brake~clutch reservoirs are pocket change by comparison on this stunner.....
BTW., personally I hate bar end mirrors.
But each to their own.....
Indeed...
Nice review, people will buy the Norton because they're looking for a "feeling". Good luck to them, it's a bike, so it'll be great!
Fair enough!
I bought a Tiger 850, could not get along with it! Sold it after 172 miles, nothing at all wrong with it, except, it wasn’t for me. People have said, where’s the Triumph, and I have simply said, it wasn’t for me….
Sometimes you simply need to say it.
Yes that’s a good point…
It was great you gave it a 2nd review chance - and it may work for some people with deep pockets and somewhat "careless abandon". The SVA aspect doesnt inspire me. The looks do, but the refinement doesn't either. I am fortunate to have a number of bikes, and have to ask myself if I would part with any of them to buy the Norton? - sorry i wouldnt part with any of them for the Norton - maybe just me ( I know I can here people say your a Triumph nut - yes I am).However I do wish Norton success in the future once they really find their niche and marketplace! Currently at that price point and level of refinement I suspect they will struggle with market share. As always a good well balanced review Andy.
Thank you Jim - appreciate your kind words!
It’s a great looker, and I really wanted it to be good, but your review seems perfectly fair….not too harsh at all. If it’s more expensive, it needs to be better on those issues, not worse….. otherwise you really are just paying for the badge, when the badge can’t back itself up. As my north London ancestors would have said…. “All fur coat and no knickers” 😃. Those road surfaces look shocking though!!
Yes they are!
I had a '74 Commando, lovely engine, great bike but wasn't keen on the Isolastic mounts. If this was the same price as the Speed Twin 1200 I'd probably have the Norton.
4:40 some days the moto gods smile upon thee, and the seas part.
An interesting conclusion but, we often buy bikes with out hearts and not our heads, he said having numerous Ducatis over the last 30 years.
It may not be for everyone, but the Commando is the only classic British themed bike actually produced in Britain. Everything else is Thai or Indian, great choices for takeaway.
I mentioned other brands on the previous video as its competitors. But thinking again, how does this bike make sense against the Moto Guzzi V7 Special... It's pretty much (less than) half the price! I hope Norton find their niche though, because the more brands on the market, the better!