750 cc or 850 cc

Hi

I am looking for recommendations regarding which version of an old Commando from around 1970 I should buy. Should it be the 750cc and or the 850cc version? Are there certain things I should be aware of? I have heard about weak conrods in some models?

Regards Finn

74' 850 last of the kick start models, but any Norton would be good...

Ashley

My friend who has been fixing Nortons since he came out of the woumb says the 750 is the best because it is lighter, vibrates less, revs quicker and runs cooler. Myself, I really don't see that much difference performance wise in a street riding context. The 850 is probably tougher because of the bolted through barrels and the few extra years of "evolution" The one I liked the best before it threw a rod was my 650 Manxman.

Jean

74 850 Mk IIa is renowd to have alot of good qualities without the new world crap. The 750 Combat seems to be a favorite also. Even with all their detriments, they are somewhat exclusive and special(like the special olympics(not really)).
That being said, it is soooo relative. It's like asking yourself which child you love the most.

That explains everything!

If you like to cruise around long distance with good smooth handling but don't like to attempt keeping up with elite sports bikes, LH shift 850 will delight you.

But if you are into teasing sports bikes into contests then nothing beats a spiffed up Combat Bomb, so named because they had no top end to rpm power rise until they blew up right out the box. Over sight by Norton with crank bearings was their main let down. All Combats that exist today had that fixed within 1st 5000 miles of existence. So many broke, it both preserved them yet also helped sink Norton. 1972 was biggest market year for world of motorcycles and biggest production run of best of Norton Commandos too.

The steering angle is a degree sharper than 850's so more responsive.
850's unless re-done to Combat spec gives a nice torgue thrust on throttle opeings
but then tends to level out, not so a Combat which just gets stronger as rpm rise
until a 3rd piston kicks in about 6800 rpm, which temps one to go fast past 7000
into valve float or factory crank shaft flex.

To me the cream of the crop of British Iron is the Combat, with a few mods, to me it out classes elite hi hp fat tire cycles up to over 130 mph. Plus loves the off road travel play too, yet can carry passenger or cargo good/better than 850's.
Combats have wire/switches for signals but did not come with em and only one mirror. A lot of Combats came with 6 gallon InterState tanks, which i find best for racing around on-off road as gives knees a place to grip for tall dudes.
Also temps one into far from gas station exploring with 300 mile ranger vs 140 on Roadster tank. But its a Commando so any model can fit other models tanks plus a world of aftermarket versions.

750's are about 30 lb lighter than 850's though 850's can be paired down to match.

I don't think you could really go wrong, but need to decide what you want out of one. I'd be happy with any of them except I have no desire to own one of the later models w/electric start. I'd also pick one that doesn't have a fiberglass tank. I have two 850's and am very happy, but would love to have a 750 sometime. I would think the later models would be inclined to be more issue free from previous years of teething so to speak.

bb220, I know your kind of nervous system. You don't know what you are missing out on w/o a rear linked 750, especially a Combat version. Its the ONLY thing that sorely temps me to ride and risk deadly deer tracers, at least I'd be happy and high as a kite right up to permanent crippling or out right death. I"ve not made one move to fix up my goat injured SV650, but have spend many hours towards getting a plain jane Combat ready this fall and more on Ms Peel in a class of her own.

Just to put in prespective, I first learned to spank the hi hp squids on my SV650, just short of tire traction loss, then took corner school to learn that and then be shocked beyond belief how much faster and harsher I could corner on rear linked Combat w/o even entering tire traction loss zones. BTW there are at least 3 faster ways around than what ya see in elite racers on corner cripples. Most fun to me is the cornering not top speeds over 130.

So be very restless until you get something really exciting between your legs.

I was trying to hold out for a 750, but the last 850 sucker punched me and now I have two of the same bike, a duh moment to say the least. Maybe when I get the head back on and get it dialed in I'll try and find a trade 750 for 850 somewhere. I wanted a 72 or a fastback, but t eh fastbacks are expensive and hard to come by.

As I said I now know your type of nervous/glandular system and its just right for a hotted up Combat. You did not go wrong getting 850's, others less extreme insiders will crave them. Forget the expense, how many riding days ya think ya got, infinite number? Nope - only here for a flash in the pan, might as well get the most out of it.

Dude I've had movie star level lovers in a few places around the world, I've been given Darsan by living spiritual masters, over dosed on LSD trying to commit suicide flown upside down in helicopters and flinged Ninja on track around like Mx bikes, nothing but nothing lingers in my being 24/7 like the highs from G's forces I got on mostly a factory Combat called Ms Peel. Got it, get it and see why I crave the mulit road orgasms most of all. Be restless, very very restless on what you are missing out.

hobot

Can't decide? Do like I did and buy one of each! Then decide for yourself which one you like better. :mrgreen:

Or just buy the best bike you can find/afford and don't worry about the model or year. :wink:

Debby

I like D's thinking, buy both, but keep both as well. Hobot yer somethin else, god love ya man.

Depends on what you want the bike to do.

The 750, generally, is sportier, no electric starters. If you want to cruise, the 850, generally, is more comfortable, later models have electric start, earlier ones don't.

The crankcases and main bearings got sorted for the later 750s in 72/73 and thereafter. All 850s have the improved lower ends.

Lots of education is found here and at oldbritts.com

There are too many things that you need to be aware of to even start a list. And it somewhat depends on the year and the model. If you are mechanically inclined and love to learn new things about your latest toy, any Commando will do. If you want a cool bike to ride around on, any Commando will do. Buy the best one that you can afford and an factory shop manual. Just do the maintenance. But really, everyone knows 750s are the best.

If you are totally new to Nortons, buy Roy Bacon's book 'Norton Twin Restoration' and a Tech Digest from the INOA. They will give you a good overview of the bikes and point out some of the things that you should be aware of.

Why do you want a Norton anyway ?

Greg

They are both fun to ride, I like Debby's thinking as I too could not just own one. But both are Great in their own way. :wink:

I have never been on an 850, so I can't speak to them. However, I have some friends that indicate the 850 is a heavier bike, so it is easier to go down the road on a long trip. The 750 is lighter, more nimble, but would be hard to ride for a long trip, although I have ridden mine from Greenbelt, MD to Franklin, WV, not a small trip over the Blue Ridge, but then I was in my 20's then. I doubt if I would do it now.

Get both.

Dave
69S

Huh, with hi bars and resets and feet forward pegs plus a big tank bag, I absolutely traced out to merge as one on long rides on my Peel Combat, didn't ever want to get off, it was so effortless to exist on board. Hope to try a long range run some day and see how much we can take. With lots of cargo on board a Combat, sorta brings it down into 850 zone of response to me.

A loaded 850 is even more of a lounge chair



graeme

Doesn't matter which one. Point is if you end up liking it you'll probably buy a 2nd one. :lol:
Like everyone else has said the 750 is a little faster 850 a little more refined
I have an 850, but I really want a 750 combat with a drum brake and lightweight pistons hahaha

Hi

Thank you all for all the information. There was a question why I want to buy a Norton. 36 years ago i was riding a Norton ES 2 and after that a BSA golden Flash. I then fell in love with a Norton Commando that I could not pay for at that time, as I started a study to become a mechanical engineer. Since then there has been 2 grown up kids, a Yamaha xv 1000, a Suzuki Intruder 1400, a Yamaha Wild Star 1600, a BMW k 1200 RS, a BMW K 1200 S and a Honda CBR 1100 Blackbird, (all of them sold by now).

I now want to experience once again the basic joy of riding an old English bike. And since I for so many years have been in love with the Norton Commando, it has to be exactly that bike. I am sure you will understand :0))

Again, thank you for all your advice.

Finn (Denmark, Europe)