Commando Character

There just isn't anything like the feel of a Commando to ride. It is unique. With the Atlas pretty much being the end of a long run of Norton twins, equipped with the legendary featherbed frame and road holder forks, in the handling area, it was superb. But the dreaded vibration was something Norton wanted to resolve. Certainly as far as "felt vibration" was concerned. They wanted a lighter frame, new styling and even more performance. And so in 1967 the Commando was conceived, and not with a lot of time to do so. The look was like nothing seen before, it was futuristic. Some liked the Fastback styling some didn't. Traditionalists were probably stunned. But many who rode it certainly did not report that the Atlas felt better to ride. Further variants to the styling of the Fastback followed, and the Fastback was eventually dropped in 72. But regardless of your style tastes, all Commandos had one thing in common, tremendous torque and power that only a big British twin offered, and a magical vibration free ride. No one had ever experience anything like it before. Over its life span improvements continued to be made. 1972 was nearly the end of the Commando with the disastrous combat engine causing unacceptable reliability issues. But with typical British resolve, those issues were relatively quickly fixed. And so the Commando continued to improve culminating in the MkIII in 75. But sadly too late as serious problems within the British motorcycle industry ended the reign of that industry. Until a revival many years later which exists today.

The rider of a Commando experiences a unique experience. There are certainly other very special machines that have earned their position in history. The Vincent is one of them, and others. The Bonneville was special. But the Commando is right up there with them and rightfully deserves the description "The Unapproachable Norton". I have never met an owner/rider who doesn't love his/her Commando. And rightfully so. If you don't love it, I guess there is little reason to own one, except perhaps to say you own one of the most unique motorcycles ever made.

Phil

Here we go again. Another topic preaching to the converted.
Thanks for the history lesson.

petejohno said:

Here we go again. Another topic preaching to the converted.
Thanks for the history lesson.

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My understanding was that Les is asking all of us to stay on topic from here on. Your impressions of riding the Commando, perhaps as compared to other machines would be welcome. That's what I intended.

Phil

phil yates said:

My understanding was that Les is asking all of us to stay on topic from here on.

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- now your the self appointed forum police

phil yates said:

Your impressions of riding the Commando, perhaps as compared to other machines would be welcome.

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- Why ? Anyone else's opinions are irrelevant to you.

phil yates said:

That's what I intended.

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- Your intentions are only to draw attention to yourself again.

I don't know why I am even replying. I suggest you refrain from replying to this post as it only serves to bring the subject to the top on the list. - then again, that's what you intended.

come on you guys, enough of the shit. I live in a remote area where there is only one other commando, and that is going up for sale. I enjoy most of the topics discussed, and the advise given. Most of us are probably in our 60"s and are far beyond uttering drivel. This forum is a lot of fun to me. A very wise lawyer friend once told this young lad that if you haven't got anything nice to say, then S.T.F.U.
I have owned one of my 2 commandos since January 1973. I like its, lightness, simplicity and I don't mind the looks and comments I get from strangers. I wont let it out of my sight, wont go out in the rain unless it is to a rally [ believe me, I have ridden that thing in some of the shittiest conditions imaginable, except snow and ice ]. I have owned the 750, my model set up, and been involved with bands since before my wife came along. I still enjoy all of those activities, and my wife still has me after 33 years [ along with the afore mentioned ]. Better go, the Grand daughter has just woken up.

kerinorton said:

come on you guys, enough of the shit. I live in a remote area where there is only one other commando, and that is going up for sale. I enjoy most of the topics discussed, and the advise given. Most of us are probably in our 60"s and are far beyond uttering drivel. This forum is a lot of fun to me. A very wise lawyer friend once told this young lad that if you haven't got anything nice to say, then S.T.F.U.
I have owned one of my 2 commandos since January 1973. I like its, lightness, simplicity and I don't mind the looks and comments I get from strangers. I wont let it out of my sight, wont go out in the rain unless it is to a rally [ believe me, I have ridden that thing in some of the shittiest conditions imaginable, except snow and ice ]. I have owned the 750, my model set up, and been involved with bands since before my wife came along. I still enjoy all of those activities, and my wife still has me after 33 years [ along with the afore mentioned ]. Better go, the Grand daughter has just woken up.

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kerinorton
That's an impressively long stretch on one Commando. You certainly don't keep a bike for that long if you don't enjoy riding it. To me, I look forward to my first morning outing. Then maybe another three for the day. I just never get tired of riding the Commando, I find it exhilarating and so special. The JC thing I had went west very quickly when the Commando arrived from the USA and I never rode it again. It was actually an extremely good bike, but simply inadequate compared to an "Unapproachable Norton". Five Nortons since 71 has left some gaps, but every time I'm back on one nothing has changed from the last one. Variations, modifications etc, but the basic Norton Commando shines through with all of them.

Phil

Lets hope it's not a long stretch on this forum, :lol:

john robert bould said:

Lets hope it's not a long stretch on this forum, :lol:

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Do you have a topic story to tell Mr Bould?
I presume that's what you came in here to offer?
I presume the rest of the boys will be here shortly.
Just sharpening their knives.

Phil

Phil.
good idea ,i will post a few norton Commando topics starting to day.

A bit of a guide to the Vintage bike owner's phraseology-
These terms are often used by us to describe modern bikes:

Lacking in character- can complete a 5,000 mile trip without any hint of mechanical problem or the need to carry tool kit and spares.

Without Soul- complete lack of vibration at any speed.

Unpleasant riding experience - extremely rapid acceleration dislodged my dentures which I then swallowed.

And so on

Glen

worntorn said:

A bit of a guide to the Vintage bike owner's phraseology-
These terms are often used by us to describe modern bikes:

Lacking in character- can complete a 5,000 mile trip without any hint of mechanical problem or the need to carry tool kit and spares.

Without Soul- complete lack of vibration at any speed.

Unpleasant riding experience - extremely rapid acceleration dislodged my dentures which I then swallowed.

And so on

Glen

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Well Glen
Can I join the Vintage Bike Owners? I've been reduced to Mod's and JC's, due popular demand.
Any chance of a brief comparison of the Vincent against the Commando performance, maybe vibration too?
I've always wondered how the two would compare in acceleration.
My mate has nearly finished his Vincent. Will be my first if he lets me ride it.
But regardless, he still isn't allowed on my Commando.

Phil

phil yates said:

worntorn said:

A bit of a guide to the Vintage bike owner's phraseology-
These terms are often used by us to describe modern bikes:

Lacking in character- can complete a 5,000 mile trip without any hint of mechanical problem or the need to carry tool kit and spares.

Without Soul- complete lack of vibration at any speed.

Unpleasant riding experience - extremely rapid acceleration dislodged my dentures which I then swallowed.

And so on

Glen

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Well Glen
Can I join the Vintage Bike Owners? I've been reduced to Mod's and JC's, due popular demand.
Any chance of a brief comparison of the Vincent against the Commando performance, maybe vibration too?
I've always wondered how the two would compare in acceleration.
My mate has nearly finished his Vincent. Will be my first if he lets me ride it.
But regardless, he still isn't allowed on my Commando.

Phil

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I can comment on this a bit, in so much as what the Commando was like before the current build. My Vin is a lot smoother than the Commando was below around 3k. They seemed about the same at higher revs. The Vin, I'm sorry to say on this forum, is quite a lot faster than the Commando.
But, this is only my own bikes, the Vin has mk2 cams, 8:1 CR, Mikuni carbs and some other stuff, so is a pretty good spec. The Commando was only 7.6:1 CR and ran a single carb, so was not at its best.

Please add:

Prima Dona: won't start because its too cold, doesn't like the gas, too humid, doesn't feel like it. Runs like crap cuz its that time of the month. Farts loudly with massive smoke at start up in front of motorcycling peers during vintage bike show.

** Sorry ~ this is a description of the Commando, not a modern bike. **

Stillreel said:

Please add:

Prima Dona: won't start because its too cold, doesn't like the gas, too humid, doesn't feel like it. Runs like crap cuz its that time of the month.

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Ah come on, Nortons aren't that bad...

I am pretty sure the Vin would out pull the Commando with both bikes loaded two up plus gear hauling up mountain grades. Running solo, I'm not sure but I believe the Commando would hold it's own nicely for acceleration and might even be a bit quicker than my slow shifting Vin. On the pull up a grade, again I would give it to the Vin, but not by much. My Vin is about Black shadow tuned, the Norton stock except open peashooters and skinny headgasket.

Glen

Fast Eddie said:

Stillreel said:

Please add:

Prima Dona: won't start because its too cold, doesn't like the gas, too humid, doesn't feel like it. Runs like crap cuz its that time of the month.

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Ah come on, Nortons aren't that bad...

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Compared to the '68 Triumph Saint, the Commando is just that.

worntorn said:

I am pretty sure the Vin would out pull the Commando with both bikes loaded two up plus gear hauling up mountain grades. Running solo, I'm not sure but I believe the Commando would hold it's own nicely for acceleration and might even be a bit quicker than my slow shifting Vin. On the pull up a grade, again I would give it to the Vin, but not by much. My Vin is about Black shadow tuned, the Norton stock except open peashooters and skinny headgasket.

Glen

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Thanks Glen
I've always been interested since dad used to describe to us his riding experience on a Vincent when he was young (I was too young to ask whether it was a Rapide or Black Shadow, didn't know either then). He borrowed it one day from a friend. He described its looooong legs compared to his Speed Twin. Best bike he'd ever ridden. He did ride my combat sometimes for fun but he didn't thrash it like I did. My mate's is a Rapide which I seem to remember was good for 110mph which is very close to a combat with 19T sprocket. I guess that's the other thing you need to know in the comparison, what Commando sprocket is fitted. I guess Glen, suspension not so flash?

Phil

worntorn said:

I am pretty sure the Vin would out pull the Commando with both bikes loaded two up plus gear hauling up mountain grades. Running solo, I'm not sure but I believe the Commando would hold it's own nicely for acceleration and might even be a bit quicker than my slow shifting Vin. On the pull up a grade, again I would give it to the Vin, but not by much. My Vin is about Black shadow tuned, the Norton stock except open peashooters and skinny headgasket.

Glen

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Glen,

Cool comparison. Very few of us ever got/get the chance to ride a Vincent. For me it is the most iconic motorcycle ever built...I think many others feel that way too. Love this stuff

dennisgb said:

worntorn said:

I am pretty sure the Vin would out pull the Commando with both bikes loaded two up plus gear hauling up mountain grades. Running solo, I'm not sure but I believe the Commando would hold it's own nicely for acceleration and might even be a bit quicker than my slow shifting Vin. On the pull up a grade, again I would give it to the Vin, but not by much. My Vin is about Black shadow tuned, the Norton stock except open peashooters and skinny headgasket.

Glen

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Glen,

Cool comparison. Very few of us ever got/get the chance to ride a Vincent. For me it is the most iconic motorcycle ever built...I think many others feel that way too. Love this stuff

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I certainly do.
The mere look would have a metric's blood pressure up.

Any chance of a photo or two Glen? Both bikes? Then we can run an appearance test against the Commando.
But I have a sad feeling I know which would win.

Phil