Je ne sais quoi

Rode the Norton to work and back yesterday. Longest ride I've done on it by a long shot so far. What a buzz. Enjoyed every minute of it - commuting can be fun! Strapped my old Corona travel back to the seat to hold my gear (and provide a bum stop) and off.

Accidentally saw red line once while seeing off some eager try-hard in a ute at the lights. Don't think any damage done though. There's no drop-off in torque that normally signals the ideal change point.
What is it though that this bike has that makes it so different? I think it's the way it involves you - something the TRX doesn't but the Pantah did, although to a slightly lesser degree.
'Scuse me while I mention cars for a mo, Ms Davamb has a Mazda 2, it's only a couple of years old and she can't understand why I much prefer driving my 20yo MX5 instead. Driving her car is like driving through cotton wool or with boxing gloves on. It's clean, fast, economical, comfortable and handles ok, but at the end of the day it's a horrid boring little thing to drive. Car talk ended.
What is it with the Norton? It's not just that I done build it meself, it's... it's... oh, I don't know. It's just bettererer.

Hi Dave,
At the risk of getting Gerbrand more pissed off I have to ask about your wheels. Did you fit them yourself and if so what did you have to do? I have a 19 inch cast wheel from an old Kawasaki that I have been thinking of finding a match for and grafting them onto my Commando. I know I am looking at a project but that is what winter season is for. Oh, one last question, does your rear wheel incoorperate any sort of cushdrive?

GB

for me brother its much simpler than Je ne sais quoi, it is the torque, along with the lightweight, responsive handling, and the envy I see in the eyes of almost everyone who sees it, and has even a remote idea of what it may be. beautiful bike you have there. cheers, Don

Commando just satisfy the soul and give a holiday twice a day on work commutes.
I can tell you other motorcycles strike me similar to cars, mere appliances might as well be run by robotics. Their response to control seems to match the emotional intension better than most other cycles. When iso's go smooth I seem to dissolve into the Commando myself. Beware that the more time on Commando the more adventure exposed to both good and bad. But what state do you want o spend what's let in our life time.

hobot

Dave,

Nice loking bike, I`m up in Sydney, but will be traveling down to the MotoGP on my Commando, so if you feel like a run from Melbourne out to the island, bring the commando out! Let me know if you are keen?

Cheers Richard

Hi Geo,

The wheels are Morris Magnesium. They are still being made and sold, but not real cheap:
http://www.raveengineering.com/marvic.php
I remember the previous owner getting them machined specifically for the Norton. As for cush drive, I don't know, that must be the one bit of the bike I haven't pulled apart and overhauled! Drive isn't clunky though, so I guess it does have a cush drive.

Hi Don,

Yep, the handling is a bit of a surprise, I can't express the way it corners in handling jargon, but it just seems to go where you ask it. That's not to say it's sharp or anything, just does what you expect. The TRX just doesn't give that same confidence, though I'm sure if you grabbed it by the scruff of the neck, the TRX would eat the Commando for breakky and still be hungry. Maybe the Commando just suits my style - more tucked in and smooth than knee-down point-and-squirt. Whatever it is - I like it!

Hi Hobot,

Thanks. You know exactly where I'm coming from. Better than I could ever put it.

Hi Richard,

Can't afford the time off or the moolah to attend this year. Damn, another one goes by. Last time I rode down there the Pantah was about half her current age and Gardner pipped Doohan for the win. Tell ya what though, I could catch up with you somewhere along the way? Lang Lang or Leongatha 'pending on which way you're coming from and ride with you to San Remo before heading back to town. Sound like a goer?

hobot said:

... But what state do you want o spend what's let in our life time.

hobot

Click to expand...

My philosophy on life as well hobot. Well said.