How does a Norton compare?

steven wardlaw · Apr 1, 2010

I've riden almost every kind of motorcycle over the years (48 years of life). All mtotrcyles have some sort of character (good or bad). I bought a bmw k75s several years ago to use a daily bike but I never loved riding the new bike as much as the Norton. You can't ride a good sorted out norton without smilling. I love the vibs these bike give off. Just enough thump to make riding fun.

MexicoMike · Apr 1, 2010

Re bike performance... somebody like Nicky Hayden riding my Norton Commando would out lap me riding a Ducati 1198R Corse at the Isle of Man (or anywhere else in the world) with no trouble at all!

DogT · Apr 1, 2010

As Dave Crutchly said:

"Riding most other bikes after the Norton, was like being forced to have sex with a condom after enjoying the real thing."

Dave
69S

79x100 · Apr 1, 2010

DogT said:
As Dave Crutchly said:

"Riding most other bikes after the Norton, was like being forced to have sex with a condom after enjoying the real thing."

Dave
69S

I think that you've just concluded this discussion. Any further comment is superfluous.

daveh · Apr 1, 2010

MexicoMike said:
Re bike performance... somebody like Nicky Hayden riding my Norton Commando would out lap me riding a Ducati 1198R Corse at the Isle of Man (or anywhere else in the world) with no trouble at all!

True! And for those of us used to riding fast when young, we tend not to slow down THAT much when older! Some people expect classic riders to ride like their grannies and they can't believe it when you don't. In reality, the Commando can't compare with most modern bikes in performance terms, except modern classics like the Hinkley Bonneville, or Africa Twins and the like. This should be expected. Chassis are now much stiffer, suspension more controlled and compliant, brakes stronger and engines are much more powerful, oil tight and reliable. We should celebrate this as progress. If Norton had continued in production from the 70s, their machines would also have evolved into the modern bikes we see now. Riding a Commando is huge fun and very rewarding, but mainly for those of us who knew them in the day.

MexicoMike · Apr 1, 2010

True! And for those of us used to riding fast when young, we tend not to slow down THAT much when older! Some people expect classic riders to ride like their grannies and they can't believe it when you don't.

AMEN TO THAT! Well said!!!!

Vulin · Apr 1, 2010

With upgraded brakes, suspension bits, and say a bored engine w/cams, and the works. How would that compare to todays bikes?

daveh · Apr 2, 2010

Vulin said:
With upgraded brakes, suspension bits, and say a bored engine w/cams, and the works. How would that compare to todays bikes?

I guess that if some of the guys on this forum who race Commandos entered a race or did a track day with modern bikes, they would not finish last, at least on a twisty circuit! Wonder if anyone here has done this? Ludwig has shown that he can stay with modern road bikes riding a modified Commando on mountain roads.

15073jrmd · Apr 2, 2010

my 850 mk2a is astounding to ride, a completely different experience to riding the 99 600 hornet i got run over on in november last year. both bikes are great, but for different reasons. the honda will out perform the norton in every way. its handling, steering, braking, acceleration and ease of maintenance are superb. however, riding my norton is somehow more satisfying, gratifying, exciting and enjoyable. it is harder to ride and maintain and gives me more grief and costs me more time and money, but i can't put a price on the feeling i get when riding it. the condom euphemism nails it.

zotz · Apr 2, 2010

A modern bike will tend to work flawlessly and seamlessly as intended. Kind of like your refrigerator. But how much emotional attachment do you have to your fridge? It's nice to have a riding appliance when you have a job to do with it, but if you just want to experience the satisfaction of interaction between man and machine there's something there that you just can't get with a new bike. A modern bike will run well despite what you do to it. When your 30 year old Norton is at the top of it's game it's because of what you've done to it, and that's what puts a smile on my face. Sorta like, you take care of me and I'll reward you for it.

montelatici · Apr 2, 2010

A modern motorcycle is far more practical, in fact, when Norton Commandos were new, there were far more practical motorcycles. I remember friends with the Honda 750/4, Laverdas and Guzzis had far fewer niggling problems than I had with my brand new 1970 Commando. I actually had a carburetor fall off (hanging on the cable) in Switzerland whilst returning to Italy after having bought the Norton brand new in London. Trying to find an English threaded fastener in Switzerland in those days was really a challenge.

Commandos are pretty particular even for classic motorcycles. I mean, what motorcycle still used separate gear boxes in the 70s? But I still have a Commando as my only roadbike and have sold a raft of Suzukis, Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis over the years. But let's be real, a typical Commando puts out about 50 HP at the rear wheel, so today, it isn't a barn burner.

ML · Apr 2, 2010

zotz said:
A modern bike will tend to work flawlessly and seamlessly as intended. Kind of like your refrigerator. But how much emotional attachment do you have to your fridge? It's nice to have a riding appliance when you have a job to do with it, but if you just want to experience the satisfaction of interaction between man and machine there's something there that you just can't get with a new bike. A modern bike will run well despite what you do to it. When your 30 year old Norton is at the top of it's game it's because of what you've done to it, and that's what puts a smile on my face. Sorta like, you take care of me and I'll reward you for it.

That says it perfectly. Yesterday i put in 950kms over 13 hours , a round trip of the Great Alpine Road before the winter comes in. The bike is an '73 850 Roadster and it performed great. Sure it didn't whip any hot Jap 600's but they spend a heck of lot more time on ciggies and coffee and I'd just cruise past them nice and comfy on the Commando. I got home just on dark, the bike standing there chugging away lights on. Nothing broke, no scares, 5 tanks of juice and at every stop someone would come over and have a look and tell you how much they liked it. No one pays attention to $50,000 custom Hogs anymore.

Mick

DogT · Apr 3, 2010

Norton's not too much unlike my 2000 Miata. Two seats, roll bars, nice color and style. It turns people's head and is like not much else on the road. Plus it rides and handles much nicer compared to anything else if you don't mind having to actually drive it. I can compare it to having a Harley or a Norton, Buick or Miata, your choice.

Dave
69S

MexicoMike · Apr 3, 2010

"Norton's not too much unlike my 2000 Miata"

Hmm...the Miata is an essentially bulletproof, quite popular, modern Japanese car with no particular issues and with over 800,000 of them built so far and still going. The Norton is kinda' the opposite... Maybe more like the Corvair!

DogT · Apr 3, 2010

I have to agree, the Miata is bullet proof. Never had any issue with it, just keeps on running like a top and never leaves me in the lurch. But the feeling is like the Norton as far as driving.

Dave
69S

swooshdave · Apr 3, 2010

DogT said:
I have to agree, the Miata is bullet proof. Never had any issue with it, just keeps on running like a top and never leaves me in the lurch. But the feeling is like the Norton as far as driving.

Dave
69S

I've most often heard the Norton compared to a Jaguar (probably E-type). Having had a Miata I'd say that It probably isn't the best comparison.

DogT · Apr 3, 2010

Maybe it is not the best comparison, because of the upkeep, but both of them put a big smile on your face when you drive them. I guess that is the bottom line for me.

Dave
69S

swooshdave · Apr 3, 2010

DogT said:
Maybe it is not the best comparison, because of the upkeep, but both of them put a big smile on your face when you drive them. I guess that is the bottom line for me.

Dave
69S

No argument there. They are a blast to drive.

SteveMinning · Apr 3, 2010

DogT said:
Norton's not too much unlike my 2000 Miata. Two seats, roll bars, nice color and style. It turns people's head and is like not much else on the road. Plus it rides and handles much nicer compared to anything else if you don't mind having to actually drive it. I can compare it to having a Harley or a Norton, Buick or Miata, your choice.

Dave
69S

Huh? Am I reading this right? "Norton's not too much unlike my Miata." ??

If I may offer ... the Miata is almost the anti-Norton. The Miata is a typical Japanese appliance. It's the complete opposite of the Norton in my humble opinion. The Miata is the Japanese copy of the Lotus Elan. Much like the other Japanese copies of classic British and German designs.

The Miata is typically owned by people who care nothing about a machine than to turn the key, drop the top and drive a machine with styling copied from classic designs. Take to the local quick lube, wash it and drive it. This is NOT in the same spirit as a Norton.

Is this an April Fools' ??

Andy · Apr 4, 2010

ML said:
Yesterday i put in 950kms over 13 hours........ Nothing broke, no scares, 5 tanks of juice and at every stop someone would come over and have a look and tell you how much they liked it. No one pays attention to $50,000 custom Hogs anymore.
Mick

That's the way Mick, well done! Don't hide it, ride it!

How does a Norton compare?

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