Intro from a lurker

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Patrick M

Patrick M

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Jul 14, 2011
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Hey everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself as I've been lurking on the board for some time...

I am not a Commando owner *yet*, but am just waiting for the right MKII to come along. Would entertain the idea of a 750, but have come to the conclusion that a solid '74 850 is what Im after...

Look forward to learning more about Nortons from the knowledge here.
Cheers!
 
Hi Lurker

Welcome. Buy the best bike you can or you'll spend more time/money in the long run. Great bikes, sound, torque 4 speed box...Get one NOW!

:lol:
 
swooshdave said:
850s are for grumpy old men. You're not a grumpy old man are you? :mrgreen:
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Patrick,

Earlier 850s have common parts with all other Commandos. THe '75 MkII electric start has several parts unique to that one year only. You do the math.

Dave,

Sounds like you need another ride up the gorge....grumpy about 850s? Still, I agree the 750 is my choice. I get upset when a Commando is categorized as a "cruiser".
 
illf8ed said:
swooshdave said:
850s are for grumpy old men. You're not a grumpy old man are you? :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

Patrick,

Earlier 850s have common parts with all other Commandos. THe '75 MkII electric start has several parts unique to that one year only. You do the math.

Dave,

Sounds like you need another ride up the gorge....grumpy about 850s? Still, I agree the 750 is my choice. I get upset when a Commando is categorized as a "cruiser".
Click to expand...

Don't worry, the only cruisers are the 850s. :p
 
I believe the 75 is an MkIII, not an MkII, correct?

Yes, I'm pretty certain I do not want a 75 electric start.

Thanks for the welcome! And 850s being for grumpy old men? ....these aren't Vincents we are talking about here! :D
 
A '73 or '74 850 is what you want. Or a Combat 750. All other 750s and the MK3 e-start 850 can suck it. Bite me, Dave. :p

-Jordan
 
Hi Lurker

850s kick start are the go they hold their oil better, I have owned mine since new and it still don't leak oil, have built the motor to the stage 1 hi performance speces, goes very fast and is very reliable and even better with a Joe Hunt Maggie, so you are on the right track and as for grumpy old men I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ashley
 
Id vouch for a '72 combat 750. Maybe because its what ive been working on for 10 months now...although they are the most pesky of all the years in terms of reliability - if theyre done right theyll run great for a long time (not to mention with more power than the rest) :)
 
A '73 or '74 850 is what you want. Or a Combat 750. All other 750s and the MK3 e-start 850 can suck it. Bite me, Dave. :p -Jordan
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I've got enough experience this last 12 yr to have my opinion agree with Jordan.
Until you get to racing like riding the 850 are plenty torquey and holds road great, but there are more Combats made and owned than any other model and when push come to shove Combats can go as far and comfy as any 850 and will leave em behind in really fun use as are lighter, better steering stem angle and more hp at top end. I use my Combat as trail and trial cycle just fine and prefer them for the easier steering and lighter handling and plenty of low down off idle spunk. Besides the name is cooler too, Combat Commando : )

Of course a early 850 can be build to Combat insides but the stem angle still makes em feel sluggish wide steering to me.

All C'do need rear sets to be comfy on long rides or fast low switch back flings.
 
Lurker, Welcome.
I think it is OK to be picky and find that MK2a of your dreams. But don't be closed minded for there are many many fine Commando's out there and it would be ashame to miss out on an opportunity. My first Norton was a 1974 Mk2a with JP white red and blue,and current unit is a Red Hot 72 Commando Combat.
My point is that they are all special and if one comes around that serve a mutual need, grab it. If you do find a MK2a you surely will not be sorry.
 
Jordan, take it easy on dave, he owns a yellow bike and we all know what that means.......................
 
Josh Cox said:
Jordan, take it easy on dave, he owns a yellow bike and we all know what that means.......................
Click to expand...
Swoosh got the color of his tank right!! :mrgreen:
 
Naw, Dave's color scheme is more like the gray left over stuff on top of yellow chicken shit than dangerous warning b/y colors of a Bumble Bee with a sting : )

Some of the most famous fast C'do's came in all Yellow but for what was back and shiny on frame. My Trixie Combat came in b/g but is now all bright yellow like so many others. She doesn't have gaps in her shiny smile like Dave's missing cover plugs either.
 
Welcome PatrickM,
Once upon a time the '75 was looked at like a redheaded step child...left shift, push-button start. Now, that durn start button looks pretty good. I'm just sayin', but a good session with the kick lever may be hazardous to your health. Mental health anyway.
Got a '74 myself, it rocks, my Old friend has a left shifter, he needs The Button.
 
G'day and welcome from South Australia Patrick,
As you can see already it doesn't take much to get off track here.
AC.
 
:D thanks for the welcome everyone... And for the advice as well! Of course I'll consider all models/years. As I've learned from my reading and obsessing, the best I can afford and find will be best... I'll be tearing into it in no time anyway!
 
Yeah basically if ya ain't able to date new girls all the time then this is what's left to us to focus on. But once its fully fettered look the hell out... ask any of us.

Each adventure always starts off about like this...
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KQqEPlUQVc[/video]

Then goes about like this with every variation possible...
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB6porWPmuY[/video]
 
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