Been drooling over vintage Norton Commandos lately. | FerrariChat
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Been drooling over vintage Norton Commandos lately.

Discussion in 'Motorcycles & Boats' started by audi_328, Oct 1, 2025.

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  1. audi_328

    audi_328 F1 Rookie
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    #1 audi_328, Oct 1, 2025
    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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  2. islerodreaming

    islerodreaming Formula 3

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    #2 islerodreaming, Oct 2, 2025
    My late father in law owned 3 Commandos, great bikes if well maintained. Do you own a drip tray? They all leak oil.
     
  3. audi_328

    audi_328 F1 Rookie
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    #3 audi_328, Oct 11, 2025
    Perfect, I have drip trays :)

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

    Nospinzone F1 Veteran

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    #4 Nospinzone, Oct 16, 2025
    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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  5. NYC Fred

    NYC Fred F1 World Champ
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    #5 NYC Fred, Oct 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM
    Owned a 71? 750 for a bit around '78
    Un-choppered it, rebuilt forks, did the frame in Imron + had a buddy shoot 12 coats of black lacquer on the tank + sidecovers. It went in a divorce.

    Pay attention to the 'isolastic' suspension...it may need replacement/adjustment depending on rubber component age.

    Don't take it to a Triumph shop for tires. Bonnies have their front disc on the opposite side of Commandoes, so your front tire ( Dunlop TT100s if memory serves.) will come back mounted backwards.

    They pop up on BAT occasionally. I'd go for the 850 w electric start, but then again, I'm 72...LOL
     
  6. NYC Fred

    NYC Fred F1 World Champ
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    #6 NYC Fred, Oct 21, 2025 at 9:49 PM
     

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