how about a Norton?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
In 1969 I bought a 69 Norton Commando Fastback. That was the one with the fiberglass unibody tank, seatpan and rear fender. It was the best handling bike that I ever had.
Traded for a CB750 Honda when they came out.
I have seen many old Norton's at shows but never any Fastbacks. Then I found out from a Norton collector that the gas eventually ate through the tank and spilled onto the motor. Good thing I only had it for one year.
Traded for a CB750 Honda when they came out.
I have seen many old Norton's at shows but never any Fastbacks. Then I found out from a Norton collector that the gas eventually ate through the tank and spilled onto the motor. Good thing I only had it for one year.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
I've had two and currently ride a 1975 Commando mk3. She sits right next to my 2010 FXDC. I completed a frame-off redo last summer and love riding her. The Mk3 is refined, with an electic start and vernier isolastic engine mounts (no vibration over 3k rpm). The bike is raced in vintage classes, so there is an amble supply of new parts. You can, in fact, build up the bike with only new parts, needing only the original frame, crankcase, jugs, and wheel hubs.
My commando is more explosive than my Harley, with nearly equivalent horsepower and much less weight; it weighs 420 lbs dry. Commandos are very quick side-to-side and really fun to ride, with a broad torque range. Still, when I'm out for more than a few hours, I take the Dyna.
If you want to taste the Norton experience before buying one, lurk around
www.accessnorton.com
Nortons in running condition go for $4.5k and up; the 1975 mk3s are the most in demand and the most expensive, followed by the 1972-1973 Combat. Another $5k-$6k and an enjoyable 6 months of shop time will get you a new bike suitable for daily use; you'll have a hard time keeping a grin off your face when you turn on the garage light.
My commando is more explosive than my Harley, with nearly equivalent horsepower and much less weight; it weighs 420 lbs dry. Commandos are very quick side-to-side and really fun to ride, with a broad torque range. Still, when I'm out for more than a few hours, I take the Dyna.
If you want to taste the Norton experience before buying one, lurk around
www.accessnorton.com
Nortons in running condition go for $4.5k and up; the 1975 mk3s are the most in demand and the most expensive, followed by the 1972-1973 Combat. Another $5k-$6k and an enjoyable 6 months of shop time will get you a new bike suitable for daily use; you'll have a hard time keeping a grin off your face when you turn on the garage light.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Sorry, a few more points. The mk3 is entirely SAE, save the gearbox, which is Whitworth and BSF. The mk3, unlike all the preceding Commandos, is also left-side shift, just like your Softtail. Aftermarket starters are available to replace the anemic original. Electonic ignition is a cheap 2-hour conversion.
Replace ALL rubber parts, regardless of how they look, especially tires. You're buying a 35-year-old bike, after all.
Replace ALL rubber parts, regardless of how they look, especially tires. You're buying a 35-year-old bike, after all.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
My dad has a 75 Commando 850. I believe it was the only year with an e-start. I bought it from the original owner with less than 1000 miles on it for $200 about 5 years ago and then gave it to my dad. I hope to see him finish restoring it and ride it someday. The parts can be found, but some are hard to find or pretty expensive. Good luck!!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Had a '73 850 Commando. It was a great machine and I found it very easy to wrench on. I rode it throughout the western states with just the usual maintenance. The only really weak point was the Lucas (inventor of darkness) Electrics. The head light was pretty feeble for example. It was more comfortable than the Triumph Bonneville and probably more reliable than the Harleys of those days. Great bike, wish I still had it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
The only bike I really regretted selling was my '70 Norton Commando. (Needed the cash to buy a house). Forget the fact I had done a lot of mods to it, it was just a sweet riding and handling bike. I'd get another in a heartbeat if I could. It wouldn't replace my HD, it would just live next to it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 0
From: east cen.miss
Had one,never got used to shifter on the left.It's a great bike though,go for it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
I had a '72...great bike. Typical British bike of the day, if there wasn't oil drips under it in the morning, you were outta oil. Shook, rattled, dripped but went like crazy. It was a qucik bike in it's day and a lot of fun although you spent as much time wrenching as you did riding
