Been drooling over vintage Norton Commandos lately.

Still in the "just looking" phase, but this doesn't usually last long before I decide to just jump in and start swimming. I’ve joined the local owner’s group and have been chatting with some members/sellers.

Anybody have any experience with them? Pretty sure I want a bike with the “desirable upgrades” like electric start and a front disc brake. I'm getting a bit obsessed with buying a Norton, though I’ve never owned a proper vintage bike.

Any advice or words of enablement?

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My late father in law owned 3 Commandos, great bikes if well maintained. Do you own a drip tray? They all leak oil.

 

Perfect, I have drip trays

I like your handle, and can relate - always thought the Islero was a beautiful car.

 

Well, I almost bought one in 1971. My buddy and I went to Europe for two months that summer. We really wanted Norton Commandos since they were the fastest bike available in England. They were 750 cc's. However, since we were spending two months traveling through the continent, we needed saddle bags and a windsheild and as I recall those weren't available for the Commando.

So we ordered Triumph Bonnevilles (only 650 cc's) from Harvey Owen Motorcycles in London. We put on 8000 trouble free miles in 8 weeks. So no regrets, but we would have loved a Norton Commando.

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