My heart was in my mouth when I saw this video. Bought a brand new Norton commando roadster in 1973 for $1800. Hit a telephone pole when it had 400 miles on it. Almost got killed. Broke the forks, bent the frame, ruined the tank, bent the front wheel. After my stitches were removed I spent $1200 and about four months to put that motorcycle back together after which I rode it for years. During this period I think I was bringing home about $130 a week. Long time ago! Most athletic motorcycle I ever owned, and I have owned many now. I am 68. I was 22 then. God bless you guys!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Wow! It's really amazing to hear from people who owned them back in the day. And the prices you paid, if only they were that price now 😄

@peterwilliamson4296

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jerry, I liked your story a lot. I'm 4 years south of you but brought a 2nd hand 750 norton at age about 17. Crashed into a car about 100 meters from the shop after stalling her a dozen times or so. Too much power for youngsters buying a first bike which isnt legal now. Unlike you, me and the bike were fine. Left it in the shed for a few days then rode it again. Later I traded it on a new 750/4 which was a mistake looking back even though the Honda was a nice bike. Thanks again and cheers.

@tamojitroy8590

2 жыл бұрын

You had a nice memory with your bike😊

@Redshoes531

2 жыл бұрын

What a story! X

@ericnyberg5883

2 жыл бұрын

Love Norton's! Bought mine brand new in 1974, 850 Commando Roadster. Black, of course. Paid in the $1800 range also. Had to sell it in 1978. Wife and I were putting together down payment for our first house. Got $1200 for it with less than 3,000 miles on it. That really hurt to type that last sentence!

The Nortons, Triunphs, BSAs of the early 70s....damn. What an age of motorcycling genius. Design, sound, prestige...and fun. But being a decent mechanic was also very helpful.

Does my soul good to hear a Commando at full throat. I haven’t ridden mine in many years as age and electric start have taken over. I still have my two 68 Fastbacks, a 72 Combat and a 74&5 Roadsters along with my 63 65 SS.

Sounds just right.

Eight minutes and nineteen seconds of heaven.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks eekamoose. I still watch it every once in a while to remind myself as to how good that bike sounded. I wonder if any of my future video's will come anywhere close to sounding as nice?

Magnificent sound capturing ❤

One of the most respected bikes ever made. You can see and hear why.

1972, the year I was born... the Norton sounds better and looks in better condition than I do now.

What a Magnificent Sounding and Great Motorcycle. 😍🥰

That engine sounds nearly as good as Cats purring.

Fifty years later. The pinnacle of motorcycling right here. It doesn't matter how many brake horse power modern motorbikes has. This is it 😎

I had a Fastback 72 with 4S end isolatics Upgrade command. I miss you.

This is the stuff that dreams are made if! Terrific sound, beautiful bike, fantastic countryside, great video.

A properly snortin' Norton. Thankyousomuch.

Excellent video excellent sound too, i remember the cops in Bedfordshire used these bikes, And my fathers friends called in one day at home ,there were three Norton Commandoes on the drive, For a 14 year old that was so special,

I just love the old school black Nortons with the black and gold leafing they are so bad ass. I want to find one unrestored and just polish the old paint and chrome and leave the patina I want one more than ever now

I bought my Norton Commando in 1968. $1,600.00 I took it to the drag races at Vargo, PA and Atco, NJ. They put me in the D-SS class with the big BSA Lightnings. The announcers at the tracks were anti-Norton till I took the trophy. Great bike. There's a YT video under Perrine's Racing.

Back in 75, I bought a MK3 Interstate when I was stationed at RAF Lakenheath. Rode the bike all over UK and Belgium. Sold it when I came back to the US. Later in my life I found a basket case MK3 roadster (got it for $350). Needed a lot of work, installed reverse cone pipe, repaired the engine, painted the tank etc. Now I'm 69 and still have it. Love the look and sound. Enjoyed this video!!

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

Right Arm!

@ashleyhoward8926

2 ай бұрын

Well done for correctly referring to reverse cones. Most you tube comments refer to pea shooters which are nothing to do with commandos at all. I also fitted them to my 76 MKIII, bought it in '77 & still own it.

Norton Commando Forever - This is the most beautiful sound a motorcycle can have

Haven’t heard that sound since high school. Thanks!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure, glad it brought back fond memories for you.

Oh my God , this is a professional video since 1:30. IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE MY 1970 COMMANDO. BY 6:00 I HAD TEARS IN MY EYES BECAUSE IT GIVES ME SO MANY MEMORIES OF WHAT MY BIKE SOUNDS LIKE AND HAS GIVEN ME FOR 50 YEARS AND LOTS MORE UNTIL I CAN'T RIDE IT ANT LONGER. Bought mine in 1973 when I was 20 years old. Will be 70 in July 23. Still can start it and drive it no problem.

@auster120

8 ай бұрын

Same as you, bought mine in '73 when I was 30. This is a video of me riding it in June 2023 ... kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZaRnuY99eJufiqQ.htmlsi=aB67jaiwRmBwZMjh

Great journey -- thank you! I owned my 71 Roadster for 32 years and that sound brings back deep feelings of joy. I'm looking forward to the new technology in the 961.

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

The 961 was plagued, but certain guys can run em great. My 71 Roadster 750 is still a "Snortin Norton!"

One of the best sounding bikes ever made.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

It was divinity in that category as one of the best. I still have plenty more to try and film though so who knows, there might be another that could sound just as good?

@nathanranft

3 жыл бұрын

Except every R model BMW since 1923! 😉

@thilo7546

3 жыл бұрын

@@nathanranft I have a couple of boxers myself, but the 4 valve boxers don't do it for me as much to be honest.

@jammaster7614

2 жыл бұрын

yep, these and the A10 Beezas.

@dgordon130

Жыл бұрын

@@thilo7546 Nathan, I've had two boxers and they don't compare in sound. Imho. R65Ls and R1200s. And the 1200 I had fitted a full Staintune kit on. The only thing which matches a Commando is a Guzzi. Again, imho.

Great sounding bike. Never owned one but I always remember my neighbor had one when I was 12 - 13. Every morning I heard him start that thing up and rip down the street. Great bike. Always wanted one.

8:18 of sheer bliss

I rode pillion as a "youf" on a blue 850 Commando from Cromer to Norwich in the late 70s, and I still remember it well. What an incredible sound, and such a smooth ride

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I bet that was fun!!

Lovely sound. It’s amazing how senses evoke memories. Just watching this takes me back about 25 years to my first ride of the Commando, which I still own, but haven’t ridden for a while. Thank you for sharing!

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

Got that commando running?

@Jimmy.meyer.76

Жыл бұрын

@@joshuageetter6050 yeah she runs alright!👍🏼

I'm so glad you lugged the motor some. Most of these videos are on the pipe all the time. The ability to ride out of corners without downshifting is a real testament to me for how comfortable and easy the bike is to ride. It's sounded great and appears to have plenty of lugging torque.

@mozdickson

Жыл бұрын

Great comment - sitting still sounding sweet tells you nothing. Same as my 1967 Triumph Daytona, you have to ride it to appreciate how agile it is, and how much pull it has - it loves the throttle, especially on hills.

Enjoyed that, lovely bike , sound's great

Nice sound.I remember blowing past one of these on my 350cc Suzuki Rebel.Couldnt keep up :)

@robertshepherd3832

2 ай бұрын

Nice story. I'm sure a 65 hp Combat could keep up with a 39hp Rebel if it wanted to unless all that blue smoke coming out of your exhaust was choking him.

I had one, 828cc. Now I have nostalgia.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

There are quite a few people commenting on here who are reminiscing about when they used to own one.

I had a P11 for about 6mo before I entered the Army in '68. Wish I had stored it and still had it.

My mate had a 750 combat years ago.i was on the back he took me for a blast and boy what a bike.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not surprised it's something that you remember well. 👍

The sound of music. Lovely road with hardly any wheelchairs to get in the way. Lovely.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

😄 Itwas a glorious day. It would have made a nice postcard with Norton in the countryside with a blue sky.

@garrywhitelaw8723

3 жыл бұрын

The more money the government puts up for "wheelchairs" and "children" watch them start to get in the way..

One of the best bikes i ever owned. Still miss it and it's been 30 yrs.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Reading the comments on this video it sounds like you're not alone. There is alot of love for these old commando's.

Wonderful .

I am getting emotional! I bought this bike, a red one, in 1972, and I must say it was one of the most fun bikes I have ever driven! Still today I miss having one, just to take out on a sunny day sometimes!! At full speed the noise was enormous!! Also, that bike was the only British bike I have had that did not leak oil!! LOL!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I think of it as the last of the old British bikes. What a fantastic bike it was.

@harryviking6347

3 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 The best one actually....

@superelectic45

3 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 I think of the Triumph Trident as the last gasp of old Brit bikes.

@chrismohan9457

2 жыл бұрын

It was probably just out of oil. They all leak. Jk. I own 2 brush bikes that don't leak. My BSA leaks though.

There could be no finer experience than this. I have a history with these that is too long to mention, but I always loved my Mark 11A - even though it was stolen so long ago.

What a beautiful sounding bike.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John. I also love the sound of this bike. It was a privilege to get a chance to ride it.

That was a great ride. Thanks for sharing it. Nice trip down memory lane. I had three Nortons when I was younger, '71 and '72 750's and a '74 850. I loved them all. They were great bikes to ride. Had lots of bikes since, but the Nortons were always my favorite. Last bike I had was a Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan which I hated. Giant stupid pig of a thing.

@pauljackson6593

Жыл бұрын

Hi Theo , did you belong to the Billericay bike club in the 70s?

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

Where are those Commandos?

Looks fantastic and that sound is awesome..wow!!!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

The commando has definitely got an intoxicating sound. Reading through all the comments it seems to be something that you never forget.

And.. What a great day for a ride out too 😎😎.

Sweet ride ! Working in Yellowknife, NWT; through the mail, I bought one of those Bad-Boy's, new in 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I had the dealer install a Dunstall 810cc bore-kit and proceeded to make the trek back to Sarnia, Ontario.... and the rest as they say, is history ! 😎

Always loved this sound and what a beautiful bike! I'd like one like that! Norton!

Brings back so many great memories. Had a 750 roadster when I was 17 then Mk 2a and Mk 3 850s. Have a V Max now but loved my Nortons.

Wish I had one of them now!

I loved my old fastback, mine was bored to 890cc,Dunstall clip ons,Dunstall rear sets, Dunstall racing fairing, and a 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust system, as well as high comp pistons and valve springs. She used to hammer, pulled 130mph one fine morning and she did it easy

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

Where's dat bike, Mate?

What a sweet sound of a near Superbike in the 60s & 70s..had street respect then & still got cred today..Man that sounds nice! (Triumph Bonneville rider)

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lee. Hopefully I'll be able to include a Bonneville as one of my future video's. 👍

@alynjanes

3 жыл бұрын

I wanted one when I was younger but fell for the Triumph TR6R single carb sound...The Norton was a magnificent beast that did well on the Isle of Man if I remember correctly.

@glenbreaks5448

5 ай бұрын

It was a Superbike. The 1970 Commando had the fastest ET in the " Superbike Seven Shootout" March 1970 Cycle magazine. The slower bikes were - Kawi H1 Honda 750 four Triumph Trident triple Bsa Rocket 3 Harley XLCH Sportster 900 Suzuki Titan I still have the Magazine & 2 Commandos

@robertshepherd3832

2 ай бұрын

​@@glenbreaks5448Very cool. Own a couple also. That comparison sounds about right.

I was lucky enough to be able to replace the rotting straight through seamless peashooters on my 1971 Roadster with replacement brand new ones of the same spec, now they are pure sound and they positively snarl when you roll the throttle off.

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

I always use Dunstall Decibel model gatling mufflers, Commando sound with sub woofer overrev!

COOL SOUNDS LIKE EVERY MOTORCYCLE EVER

Fantastic. My only mode of transport in 1977, a '72 Fastback, cost £340 with an MOT.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Wow. If only they cost £340 now. What fantastic years they must have been?

@marco-58

3 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 I'm blessed to have been young then. I was a Soldier based in Aldershot at the time. In 1978 i upgraded to a Commando Interstate M3 elec start from Gill Stevens M/Cs in Ash, for £925.00. Beam me back Scotty.

In 1993, I had a 1975 850 Commando get a frame up restoration by TC Christensen, of SunsetMotors. He updated the ignition, did some tricks with both the engine and suspension. What a fun bike to ride. For seven years it was my only motorcycle. It took double-time maintenance to keep it running right. When it ran right, it was awesome. I remember both of those days well. 😂.......it really was a nimble little fucker through the curves. I'd run it against anyone. It is the only motorcycle, out of six Harley Davidson motorcycles and four PII built Indian Motorcycles...... plus my first motorcycle, a mortally wounded 1974 Norton 850, that I am sentimental about. RIP Hogslayer.

Now that’s a real mans bike, I remember it well awesome 😎🇨🇦

I can'tget enough of the 360 degree parallel twin sound. 🔊😍👌

@PaintNationCustomPaintwork

3 жыл бұрын

😂

@sscbkr48

3 жыл бұрын

Need a side by side co parison between a 270 Interceptor and the Norton.. my preference is the Interceptor with stock pipes. 😆👍

What a beauty!

These bikes sound absolutely wicked with Drag TT straights. And at night, like the BSA Lightning, shoots blue flame out about 4 inches going down the highway @ speed. Man do I miss the 60s.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

It was a great sounding bike, I'd love to get a chance to do a city ride on one in the early hours.

@craigpennington1251

3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome.

@craigpennington1251

3 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 That would be cool with that exhaust note racking off in the buildings downtown.

Wonderful! Thank you!

Sounds incredible thanks for sharing

My Dream bike that will happen. Cheers for the cruise,from NZ.

That is beautiful to look at and to hear. Great vid. Thanks for the ride.

That's one of the best sounding motorcycles ever, thanks for making this video.

Ah, a Commando! Not just music, a symphony of sound. I have a '72 750 with the Combat motor and he's stone stock except for an electronic ignition. I've had him for 45 years and since then, have had other notable machines, but this one will be with me until the end. Thanks for the great work!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John. I don't blame you. I wouldn't be letting go either. Not many of these bikes still on the road and it was a real privilege to ride this on and capture it all on camera.

@stancoleshill8925

3 жыл бұрын

I bought my 1970 purple Commando with no key for $400 back in 1973. I was 21 and had to have one of these bikes after hearing and seeing one at my high school. I still own and ride it today. Best bike I ever owned.

@jasonadams680

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome mate I also have a 750 combat ,no way I'm letting it go

@joshuageetter6050

Жыл бұрын

"Stone Stock" on the Combat is one Hhhhhhot motor!

@robertshepherd3832

Жыл бұрын

Still have mine. Bought her new in '72.

Im a supersport guy. I think im starting to love this kinda bike

My brother had a 750 Norton short stroke......that thing was so fast.

@ashleyhoward8926

2 ай бұрын

What is a short stroke Norton?

super ballade, merci ;) j'adore cette Norton :O

I love this to death. Just bought my fifth Commando(a ''71), out of ten Nortons in 44 years and can't wait to hear and feel that lovely Norton 750 snarl once again. Fab vid!!!

A friend of my father's had a Norton Commando. A beautiful bike. A 4-speed transmission with a lot of torque. Definitely hotter than the BSA or the Triumph. The motors were designed by the same guy. In a way kind of refined and still kind of brutal. Great bike.

Nice bikes I rode one in the 70s

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

What an awesome time to be riding bikes. I bet you have some fascinating story you could tell.

I have a 1971 Norton Commando...

You’ve certainly picked up the sound with no wind noise, good job. I remember going to the Earls Court motorcycle show in I think it was 1968 when the Commando was first introduced. Everyone was amazed by the price of £450 and thought it wouldn’t sell because it was too expensive! It was certainly a big change from the Featherbed Nortons. I owned a Norton 650SS at the time, got a Kawasaki Z900RS now.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I love Norton's 650ss. Such a clean and iconic design. I also own Kawasaki's, I've got two ZX7R's which are slowly becoming classics in their own right.

the pipes.. oh my god the pipes.....

I got one! 1972 Roadster, immaculate and well looked after:)

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Cool, do you get to ride it often?

@billy10100

3 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 Yes have not been able to get off it this week! Bringing all the memories flooding back from when I had Commandos in my teens and 20s:)

beautiful 360 stroker noise

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Music to the ears

Very good rider. He's got the shifting down perfectly.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Anthony 👍. I was surprised by how little shifting you actually needed to do on this bike. It had loads of torque and could pretty much do everything in third once you were moving.

I sold mine way back in '83. This video reminds me of that wonderful sound along with that torque that just pulls so nicely. Wish I still had it. Cheers!

Road an 1974 850 for about 4 years with straight out Dunstall mufflers ,gee this clip brings back some great memories .

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Hi John, I'm so glad this video can help remind you of some great times.

Absolutely awesome video great to see another Norton Commando out on our local roads :)

Excellent video, it took me back to what it was like riding my '75 Norton 850 Commando, especially after l had Dunstall mufflers installed on it.

Parallel sounds 👍...great!!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree. I fell in love with the sound as soon as I rode it. 👍

Wow what a glorious Sound. Man that Commando is such a Fantastic Machine to ride. Superb 👌

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alistair 👍

Great bike and sounds amazing ❤

Nice matching clocks , a real treat to see and hear ,enjoy your ride out .

I lived in Andover where the Norton Villiers factory was . A couple would pass by where I worked on their way to Thruxton for a test run , awesome sound !!!!

superb sound quality! thx a lot

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

No Problem. Thanks for watching Peter 👍

Had one in Palma de Mallorca, thank you!!!!, your video send me filthy years back in time. !that sound and vibrations. We’re unique and impossible to forget, saved my life once due to the flexibility of her frame Hidrolastic, Ithink it was. Made mistake of selling her and exchanged for a Kawa400, triple cylinder. Memories again. Thank you for making this videos, will follow you!!!!! Cheers!!!!

I had a 68 Matchless G15 that sounded similar but with a deeper rumble than the Commando Pea Shooter exhaust. The first Commando in Canada was the 69 Fastback which had the same pipes as my Matchless.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I am hopefully riding a BSA A10 soon which has a much deeper rumble than the Norton. Possibly down to the silencer though?

Such an invocative sound of those days. Who knows what the 2021 Norton's will be like? Delighted to subscribe.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I really hope they restore Norton's name. It's such a shame that it has been unfairly dragged through the mud all because of a couple of bad eggs.

@philiprussell3338

3 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 Could not agree more.

Cool vidio, miss the hell out of my '75 roadster!

Looks great and sounds fantastic, and that appeared to be a ride to remember.

Stunning

Lord, how I wanted a Commando when I was in high school! Sure am glad I never got one; 50-odd horsepower, '60s tire technology, and a twitchy adolescent throttle hand...wow, what a recipe for disaster!

6:37 This sound sweet :-)

Me dad's got a 74 interstate, I try to get out on it as much as I can. Love the old British twins

@garrywhitelaw8723

3 жыл бұрын

How much you want for it?

A very enjoyable video. I used to lust after Norton Commandos when I was young (and couldn't afford one), but I wouldn't think of getting one now because modern bikes are so much better in every way. But this is great nostalgia.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I think you are right. It would be easy to get an old vintage bike and underestimate the amount of maintenance it will require, plus a hole new tool kit in imperial sizes.

@theodoreberbach9562

2 жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 I mean TVS bought Norton and they will be producing bikes again soon, so sooner or later we will be seeing a retro looking modern Norton on the street again

My all-time most favorite bike - since the 60s!

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

I'm starting to realise how many people love these bikes now from reading all these comments. I have also got a thing for this bike now I've ridden it.

OMG! Brings back a better time of my life! Was a Triumph rider .. had a 500 and a 750 ... Modified exhaust to get that sound! Had certain twisty roads I would ride to de-stress. Miss those days ...😊

That sound is so soothing to me having owned one back in the day. I owned a new one that was black with gold pin stripping and emblems, and Dunstall pipes! It was an 850 Commando, from 1973 I believe. I especially liked how the front wheel would shake about 1 inch back and forth while sitting at a stop when idling. Then it would smooth out like glass as I took off. Those bikes were fast, don't let the 60hp fool you. They were light and nimble, and fast to 100mph+.

@classicmoto1535

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I noticed the front wheel likes to shake when it's idling. It makes it looks like the forks were was also rubber mounted 😄

@anthonyparkinson5820

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the 850 Commando was the bomb.

@pauljackson6593

Жыл бұрын

@@classicmoto1535 my front mudguard fell off mine due to vibration!

I had a 1971 Roadster for 25 years. I always did admire the Fastback look, but I never saw one in America.

A beautiful sexy motorcycle I have ridden 1 1979 vibration was a little of putting on idle but ridding was absolute pleasure highly recommend

Excellent.