Commando compared to BMWr75 etc (2015)

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Hortons Norton said:
Boxer engine looks out of square.
Click to expand...
Maybe they do!
But they always run even parked for a longer period.
Even this this piston!
Commando compared to BMWr75 etc (2015)


I got both bikes, a1970 Commando with 50 english horsepower and a 1973 BMW R75/5 with 50 German PS.
Honestly I prefer the Commando.
Will see how the Beemer runs with fresh pistons and overhauled cylinder heads.
 
I have one of each. A 1975 BMW R75/6 that I bought new now with 175,000 on it. I also have 1975 MKlll that I bought in 1978 that had 3000 miles on it now it has 80,000 miles on it. I don't race em, I just ride em. The BMW has been stone reliable. It got a top end and a clutch at 90,000 miles. No, it's not as fast nor does it have the torque as the Norton. It's carbs don't wear out every 10,000 miles. It's electric starter always works. I put double discs from a wrecked R90S 0n it years ago so it will stop. The Norton had no brakes when I got it. I've since turned the chrome off the discs, use ceramic pads and modified the master cyl. I will stop now but not like the BMW. Handling Ill give the edge to the Norton but the ride quality goes to the BMW. I think BMW's had the best seats back then. I rode a Gold wing when they first came out and they were like sitting on a log. The Norton had a better seat. Neither machine has left me stranded but the Norton has stopped a couple times from vibration related issues. It seems alittle more difficult to keep oil inside the Norton. I've addressed some of those issues over the years now no more oil leaks. The BMW has always been oil tight. I know all of the issues with British motorcycles can and have been addressed to make them more reliable but I think BMW had it pretty much down from the start.
I have two BSA's and the Norton and the Norton is the best of the three to ride. The BMW would be my first choice if I were to go some distance, it's just more comfortable to ride. I enjoy the Norton on the mountain roads. I also have a newer BMW R1200. You cant compare 40 year old motorcycles to the newer ones, but the old ones are still fun to ride.
 
If I want to go fast, ride with comfort and look forward to some fast twisty roads I take my ’74 828cc Roadster. Beautiful bike, comfortable and fast – but at 71YO I’m hesitant to ride long distances on it even though I know its mechanicals thoroughly.

If I’m planning on visiting my son who lives 200 miles south of my home and plan on returning the same day – I dust off my BMW R75/6, check the oil, fill the tank and ride. No worries about reliability and eight hours later when back home I’m not fatigued and my ass isn’t sore.


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Back in the day when I had my orignal Mk1 850 an high Old high school buddy showed up on a R75/5.
In high school he had no M/C's, I had several through the years. He commented how when he first saw a picture of R75, he knew he had to have one. (He always was a little odd). He stopped in to say hello as he was traveling cross country. We Chatted and agreed to go for a ride on each others bikes. I led, and attempted to ride the Bm'r as a Norton. BIG MISTAKE, then again, i didn'tknow any better. I gassed it hard on take off, as usual, the bike torqued right and lifted. Weird.....
Got to the signal for the freeway, stopped on red. Turns green, left hand turn, gass it hard on the apex, it straightens up and damn near run off the road. Cruising on the freeway, something is weird. Yup, my feet are offset. And the carbs are in the way.
Get off the freeway, right hand turn, gas it, tries to throw me on the ground. That's it, I'm done. We switch back and continue.
We get back and chat. In high school I was kind of the 'Motorcycle' guy. This is the only bike he had owned at this point.
So he asks, what do you think? Very bluntly I say, I don't know how you ride that thing. And then he comments about how my bike is different also. We laugh and chat. We both agree about the only thing they have in common is they are both Blue.
(Of course mine being much more handsome in it's Fire Flake splender)
Soon he leaves to continue on his journey, I go back to wrenching....
All that being said, my life will be a little more complete when I obtain a R90S...........
 
Not seen an engine-less BMW before. The frame concept looks familiar....

A friend had an R100 many years ago and we did a (brief) swap one evening. I was thinking I liked the BMW and could get used to it. He didnt like the Norton, and wanted his BMW back very quickly. I dont think he could get his head around the RH gear lever and shift pattern.

I subsequently had a Guzzi 850T3, the side-to-side vibes and torque reaction were entertaining but never a problem. And it kept your knees warm in the winter.
 
I have a 71 750 /5 BMW and a 72 Combat Commando. Sometimes I wonder how two 750 pushrod twins could be so different. The BMW takes longer to appreciate, but if I’m hauling groceries or running down a gravel road, it is the bike to take. It also seems more at home looking dusty and dirty. If I want attention at the store or to listen to one of the best engine sounds ever, or sometimes just to annoy the tourists, I take the Norton. I hope I never have to choose one to sell.
 
BTW, the green BMW /5 1000 cc custom fire roader in this month’s Motorcycle Classics is simply gorgeous. It is hard to stand out in a sea of airhead customs these days, but I think that Josh Withers has done it. I’ve been wondering what to do with my R60 and R100 parts bikes and boxes of airhead parts...
 
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