Kenny Dreer's latest Flat tracker version 850 Commando

acotrel · Jul 23, 2023

jamesp said:
Were Norton flat trackers ever successful back in the day? I mostly remember XR750s, Triumphs, and the occasional two stroke. Any past history flat track info. would be appreciated. Thanks.

There were two frames which were imported from America into Australia, which were intended for dirt track racing with XS650 Yamaha motors, I think one of those ended-up with a Norton motor. The frames were nickel plated and very nice.
I seem to remember they came at about the tine Jay Springsteen raced here.

jamesp · Jul 23, 2023

Schwany said:
A few guys got around the mile dirt oval pretty well on Nortons. Harley didn't like that and put a stop to it with a better twin and some talented riders. Honda didn't like Harley winning either, but that's a shorter story.

Only reason I own a Norton is because I used to go to the San Jose Mile when a Red Norton was there. I'm not sure if it was a Wood bike or not, but it was quick and sounded like no other. I gotta get me one of those I thought to myself.

I remember sitting in the stands at the San Jose Mile and hearing people say “how are those Harleys doing that?”, and I would proudly leave on my Sportster. I had a friend I worked with in Mountain View that could blow my 73 Sportster off with his 750 Commando.

Schwany · Jul 24, 2023

jamesp said:
I remember sitting in the stands at the San Jose Mile and hearing people say “how are those Harleys doing that?”, and I would proudly leave on my Sportster. I had a friend I worked with in Mountain View that could blow my 73 Sportster off with his 750 Commando.

That doesn't surprise me on the street. Might be a different outcome against a factory prepped XR750.

I can't remember who was riding the Red Norton when I went to the SJ fairgrounds, but it only won the first heat. Broke on the second or final.

Kenny Dreer's latest Flat tracker version 850 Commando

acotrel

jamesp

Schwany

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