On the road

MikeM

Joined

Jun 1, 2011

Messages

556

• Aug 25, 2014

• #1

As I am now on a functioning machine for about a month now, I am finding this is an addictive and amazing machine.
I have a long way to go but with the engine and transmission now actually working, the bike is now roadworthy enough to ride.
Not seeing these bikes on the road really makes owning and riding it an experience. I even have plates and insurance. Lots of conversations started and many looks and waves.
My HD Fatboy is sitting in the garage neglected for the most part right now. Its just a different experience. Ride, sound, everything.
I cant wait to kick it up and roll out. I have a long way to go but I am on it.

 

L

lo zio

Joined

Feb 11, 2014

Messages

36

• Aug 26, 2014

• #2

Same feelings here!!! Enjoy!

 

ashman

VIP MEMBER

Joined

Jul 11, 2010

Messages

6,001

• Aug 26, 2014

• #3

That feeling never goes away, after owning mine now for 39 years I still get the same feeling as when I first brought it new, but now everyone checks it out, because my 850 is in the Featherbed frame the older blokes think its a Dommie, if ony they knew its real idenitity and what goodies it has inside it.

Ashley

 

Torontonian

Joined

Dec 28, 2009

Messages

5,421

• Aug 26, 2014

• #4

Positive comments from Joe Public are on the increase too in the past few yrs.

 

B

boz

Joined

Dec 2, 2007

Messages

183

• Aug 26, 2014

• #5

I know how you feel. We have vintage bike nights around here in the summer and the Norton gets it's share of positive comments. My favorite is the newbee Harley guys who have no idea what a Norton is.

 

ILLF8ED

Joined

Dec 30, 2003

Messages

3,689

• Aug 26, 2014

• #6

Not sure if it's the machine or the hype, but after 41 years of Commandos I still own one. I recall the motivation for buying a Commando in the 70s and 80s was they were cheap and fast. Not so cheap anymore, probably not so fast either compared to the new stuff. Definitely a personality and differentiation from the new machines. I still consider the Commando my main ride. The Sportster is my back up bike.

 

D

daveparry

Joined

Jul 4, 2009

Messages

372

• Aug 26, 2014

• #7

You just beat me David, I've owned my '73 Interstate 850 for 39 years!

 

K

kerinorton

Joined

Feb 12, 2013

Messages

1,559

• Aug 26, 2014

• #8

I've owned my 750 since January 73. My backup is an 850 [ really my main ride now as the 750 is the showpiece ]

 

ILLF8ED

Joined

Dec 30, 2003

Messages

3,689

• Aug 27, 2014

• #9

kerinorton said:

I've owned my 750 since January 73. My backup is an 850 [ really my main ride now as the 750 is the showpiece ]

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I've noticed in the last 10 years the decline in ratio of 750 to 850 on the club rides. We used to be in the majority on 750s and it should be that way as production numbers of 750 greatly outnumber the 850 - 5 to 6 years production versus 3 years.

 

Torontonian

Joined

Dec 28, 2009

Messages

5,421

• Aug 27, 2014

• #10

The 850 is perceived as more reliable. 750 seems fine 2 me. :|

 

L.A.B.

Moderator

VIP MEMBER

Joined

Nov 20, 2004

Messages

20,415

• Aug 27, 2014

• #11

illf8ed said:

We used to be in the majority on 750s and it should be that way as production numbers of 750 greatly outnumber the 850 - 5 to 6 years production versus 3 years.

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Although 750s were certainly made over a longer period, they were built in far fewer numbers during the early years, so yes, 750s probably do outnumber 850s but the difference isn't as great as one might think.

 

ILLF8ED

Joined

Dec 30, 2003

Messages

3,689

• Sep 2, 2014

• #12

daveparry said:

You just beat me David, I've owned my '73 Interstate 850 for 39 years!

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41 years ago...my first '72 Combat. It was new then. Waffle stompers and bell bottoms. Yes the bell bottoms would snag on the kick start. Bummer, man.