Pictures of your Norton Commandos

I always wanted a world champion to ride one of my bikes, I always had Nicky Hayden #69 in mind and after he had won the Moto GP Championship, I was so happy for him and his family. But alas Nicky's life ended way too early. In retrospect I did get some of the modern Daytona champions on my equipment at the end of the race day, when they borrowed my "famous" CT70 pit bike to run some last minute errands or travel the pits to see friends at the end of the day. One thing for sure they always came back with a big grin on their faces. And Nicky was the world Champion he dreamt of becoming and one heck of a dirt tracker that would like my Commando set up.
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After over 10 seasons of racing the little white #3 Commando with no major engine work, along came the AM-CAN Vintage weekend in Y2K, (2000) culminated with FIM Super Heavy Weight #1 plate win. Wood just rode hard and used the Commando's
power to blow by the race leader, a 1000 cc Moto Guzzi on the short NHIS straight and leave everyone in the dust. The trophies were huge and the smiles a mile long.
Pictures of your Norton Commandos
 
I'm putting a lot of photos up before I put the albums into cold storage, because I told some of the riders I would and let them see the pictures.

1) the 1972 bike in street trim. And a working Lucas system with lights and horn. I never did like the front disc, and stock rear sprocket but that soon changed. But I was still learning how to ride and use more of the power to get around.

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Gary Johnson of CT. usually riding the wheels of a Trackmaster Triumph, but trying out my CHR Commando, he rode carefully and brought her home in third, It is a whole lot different than his usual ride, but he adapted well and rode smart. You can see he was really "leaning into it" and not worried about and iso flex, it was rock steady.

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Everybody loves a nice comfy seat, The girl from Crazy Wings came out to allow me a photo shoot and she was happy with the results, other employees did not even realize they were taken right in front of the restaurant. My Norton Girl!

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Don Emde came to NHIS to do a story and ride Todd Henning's Premier 500 CB450 Hondas and got a chance to ride my Commando in a race with Todd, Emde did well and was staying close to The Honda. Todd had to push pretty hard to open up a lead. But Emde had a good time and had a little fun riding some of our bikes and putting on a show. He liked the seat too!

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MichaelB said:
Lovin it CARL!!!

Keep em coming.............
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Don't encourage me, But one more today.

Dick Gariepy #55,Gunstock NH 2000 , the original Laconia track, Dick wasn't set and lined up when the flag dropped. he stalled the bike was push started in the opposite direction, turned around ,turned it on and gave it hell.

This meant so much to him . it was his second season there riding my CHR Commando at the Laconia track. His family, best friend , Joe Bolger and all legends and old time fans saw the results. Dick G. did a cooldown lap without knowing he had won, so the Checkers were a surprise to him when they handed them to him. But he proudly took the lap of honor and shed a few tears before he came off the track to all the accolades a champion gets from friends and family and pit crew. "Checkmate and Checkers."

It looks like all the fans in the background were kind of shocked . I think my bike liked it too.

Pictures of your Norton Commandos
 
Carl H said:
My first road racing bike. I went to the Oho National rally on my restored from a basket case 1972 Combat. I spent the winter camping with her in the Keys and carried all my camping supplies on the rear rack. Then came home and went to work to get it wired up and ready for USCRA racing. It was used for my first season , before I set up a new bike that became a Class Champion 4 times in a row and some major AHRMA several 1st in Sportsman 750. and in the AMCAM races held in New England. The bikes proved to be fast and the riders that took over proved them to be what a Commando was built to be. The ultimate warrior and something to be respected for its grace under fire.View attachment 122664
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Does anyone sell this luggage rack? Or fabricate?
 
My latest acquisition, 1971 Norton Commando Long Range Fastback. A whopping 36.9 miles since total Baxter restoration. I had to replace the Norvil rearsets as they're not very comfortable with my leprechaun legs. My '75 850 is awaiting a head gasket and my '72 Interstate 750 (combat) isn't quite photogenic now. Maybe in the spring.
 

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bobbitybobbity said:
My latest acquisition, 1971 Norton Commando Long Range Fastback. A whopping 36.9 miles since total Baxter restoration. I had to replace the Norvil rearsets as they're not very comfortable with my leprechaun legs. My '75 850 is awaiting a head gasket and my '72 Interstate 750 (combat) isn't quite photogenic now. Maybe in the spring.
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Looks Great!!!
 
Thank you. I'm just sitting here, tail thumping on the rug, waiting for a dry day to test ride it. The rearsets were really uncomfortable for me.
 
Carl H said:
My first road racing bike. I went to the Oho National rally on my restored from a basket case 1972 Combat. I spent the winter camping with her in the Keys and carried all my camping supplies on the rear rack. Then came home and went to work to get it wired up and ready for USCRA racing. It was used for my first season , before I set up a new bike that became a Class Champion 4 times in a row and some major AHRMA several 1st in Sportsman 750. and in the AMCAM races held in New England. The bikes proved to be fast and the riders that took over proved them to be what a Commando was built to be. The ultimate warrior and something to be respected for its grace under fire.View attachment 122664
Click to expand...
I had a similar rack on my 850 Commando in the 70’s.
 
I have a few, but this is the latest off of the 'bench' (when I say bench I mean front porch!!!) It's had a few owners since the last guy that loved it, sadly passed away, and it came to me a few months back in a sorry state of assembly. I always fancied making an Interback, so here it is, it was a recommission really not my normal restoration job, the bones were too good to strip it with no cause. 69 750 'Interback'
 

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This 71 750, came to me as a cafe racer with a destroyed engine than had sat beside the sea for a decade or more, it was a nice project that went smoothly considering the challenges faced.
 

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