How old are you? Are you still riding?(Poll)

If you are still riding:

  • Less than 40 years old

    Votes: 16 4.8%
  • 40-49 years old

    Votes: 14 4.2%
  • 50-59 years old

    Votes: 41 12.3%
  • 60-69 years old

    Votes: 178 53.5%
  • 70-80 years old

    Votes: 80 24.0%
  • Over 80 years old

    Votes: 4 1.2%

  • Total voters
    333
Yes, but... some might... just 'might' mind you, think the same of 961s :)
But that's the beauty of Jerry's site, we can all get along nicely under the one umbrella..
I think rotary owners went through the same BS.
 
This seems to be an old post, sorry I missed it before.

I'll be 62 next March and I have been riding British since 1977.
My goal is to still be kicking something over when I am 80.
I just had my first serious accident ever in 2019. Wrecked a 1980 Dnepr with its sidecar.
Spent 8 weeks in hospital, almost lost my clutch hand and I am still recovering.
I rode my commando for an hour this summer but I needed a bit more time for the clutch hand to heal up.
I expect to be back at it seriously the spring of 22.

I've had over 50 motorcycles in my life the most at one time was 17 15 of them were British and two at the time were Norton's.
Currently I have only two bikes left, one of them is a Norton Commando!
It really is the ultimate motorcycle I have dreamed of since I was 17 and this one is my sixth commando and the best one by far!
Its the yellow one in my little icon picture. Funny, a little money as you get older buys you way nicer stuff than when you were young and broke. LOL
I've had a dozen Harley's six commando's and only three Japanese bikes in my life.
Currently I also have a 1950 Russian bike with a side car... Dnepr to be precise. 2022 will be 45 years of riding for me.
I have had a goal since I was 18, and that is to be kick starting my bikes when I am 80 years old as I mentioned above.
Don't know if the commando is going to cooperate with that goal, but perhaps an electric start will help my aging knees. As long as I can kick start SOMETHING I will be happy.
I have a very inspiring pal who is 75 and still rides... he has 54 motorcycles about 25 of them in running condition.
He still takes long trips alone and plans to ride Europe as soon as Covid situation allows. So a few of us can be inspired as we have a long way to go.
 
I'm 63. I bought the commando in 1984 when i was 26, rode it a couple years and then put it up, had issues with it. Fast forward, got it out, tore it down to the ground, completely restored her and my age then was 62. Finished it in 2020. I've ridden her so much i had to replace the back tire earlier this year before the AMA vintage bike weekend at Mid Ohio. So much fun the whole weekend!
1971 Commando Roadster
1986 883 Sportster
1989 Sport Glide
1958 Cushman Eagle and step-thru
 
If you're feeling old come to an AMA vintage national for flat track and you can see some fellas who are probably older than you going very fast. I'm 39 and got a proper beating from a 79 year old guy this year.

Any Nortons actually on track? Or are Nortons too vintage?
 
Can't speak for AMA vintage but there are plenty of Nortons in various classes at the Isle of Man Manx GP races!
 
Can't speak for AMA vintage but there are plenty of Nortons in various classes at the Isle of Man Manx GP races!
I'm sure that is true.

I was responding to the mention of vintage flat track racing that was brought up by the Trialbyfire, and probably should have said vintage Norton twin engine powered flat track bikes. That said a Commando set up for Isle of Man road racing would be very entertaining to watch in an AMA flat track race. Probably go down on the first turn and/or be lapped several times while having loose dirt slung all over it. Messy
 
26 when I purchased my '68. 57 now.
Purchased my Sunbeam S7 at 24 and still use it every day as my workhorse. Don't own a car or a modern bike.
I know this is a Norton forum, but id certainly like to hear more about you and the Sunbeam. Everyday for 33 years must make for a story worth telling! Vive l' difference! And apologies for my abysmal French :)
 
I'm sure that is true.

I was responding to the mention of vintage flat track racing that was brought up by the Trialbyfire, and probably should have said vintage Norton twin engine powered flat track bikes. That said a Commando set up for Isle of Man road racing would be very entertaining to watch in an AMA flat track race. Probably go down on the first turn and/or be lapped several times while having loose dirt slung all over it. Messy

Much the same could be said of a flatracker at the Isle of Man...Horses for courses , eh?
 
Much the same could be said of a flatracker at the Isle of Man...Horses for courses , eh?
Then you could put me on the fastest flat tracker at any oval or put me on the fastest and best prepared IOM machine and the results would likely set records for the slowest time ever on either venue- that is if I finished at all...
 
  • Haha
Reactions: baz
Newbie
I got my license on a MK2A Commando back when I was 17 years looked like a mop was skinny with long hair. The guy who done my test was standing beside the commando looking around the car park and said wheres your bike. I said your standing beside it he couldn't believe it some kid ridding this Super-bike he basically said if you can start off the stand and do a figure 8 and return safely from around the block its yours no problems. Always loved Norton's there the only bike that's a keeper for me if I sell one I have to replace it. Currant bike is a 1972 roadster matching number bike 206 xxx been sitting for 20 years but mostly restored when I brought her but all the chrome is rusty now. Born early 1959 been riding since I was 12 lost count of the bikes Ive owned main thing is still have six in the shed.
 
Newbie
I got my license on a MK2A Commando back when I was 17 years looked like a mop was skinny with long hair. The guy who done my test was standing beside the commando looking around the car park and said wheres your bike. I said your standing beside it he couldn't believe it some kid ridding this Super-bike he basically said if you can start off the stand and do a figure 8 and return safely from around the block its yours no problems. Always loved Norton's there the only bike that's a keeper for me if I sell one I have to replace it. Currant bike is a 1972 roadster matching number bike 206 xxx been sitting for 20 years but mostly restored when I brought her but all the chrome is rusty now. Born early 1959 been riding since I was 12 lost count of the bikes Ive owned main thing is still have six in the shed.
Welcome.
 
Finish it and roll on the miles..... Had my Commando fix yesterday..... shutdown, went in the house, 4hrs. later went to put her away..... Left the headlight on killing the battery.... This is where age begins rearing it's ugly head..... Good to see fresh folks around. Ride on.
 
I know this is a Norton forum, but id certainly like to hear more about you and the Sunbeam. Everyday for 33 years must make for a story worth telling! Vive l' difference! And apologies for my abysmal French :)
Hi I've owned the Sunbeam for 33 years but I'm only using it daily for the last 9 years since I started a new job.
It's slightly modified with a Lucas 12v alternator, hydraulic cam chain tensioner, MK 1.5 concentric and an oil filter using a Trident element (this one is a tricky mod as Sunbeam twins are wet sump).
I find it very reliable and practical specially during winter when the big mudguards and the Avon h/bars fairing are much appreciated.
It's a second kick starter when cold, first kick when hot but it can be a pig when the engine is just warm.
It's only drawback is a very heavy oil consumption which is no surprise because its chronometric speedo (kilos) turned back to zero yesterday! I took a picture of the speedo but I'm unable to insert it here.
 
Dave Atherton runs the most beautiful Norton 750 you could dream up. I believe its a short stroke. I'd post a pic if I could easily.

edit* The Ron Wood Norton is supreme
Old guys on Nortons currently on a flat track is what I was referring to.
 
Back
Top