Tanshanomi's web site is impressive list of bikes the man has owned or ridden enough. He's pretty honest, fair and balanced opinions on well over a hundred bikes. I jut love his description of the 850 Commando -
Performance
A Norton Commando that's been properly tuned and 'fettled' can run with an fuel-injected 1200 Sportster, courtesy of the 1970's total lack of emissions regulations.
Handling
The Isolastic rubber mounts may have made things more comfy for the rider, but they demand rigorous maintenance to ward off that 'hinge in the middle' feeling. Even when adjusted properly, skinny 19-inch rims, rigid footpegs and ancient suspension make approaching the edge of the envelope a dicey proposition.
Looks
The Norton 850 Roadster is one of the most classically proportioned motorcycles ever.
Reliability
They can be kept in fairly reliable riding condition, but only with constant attention by someone who doesn't mind a day in the workshop for every day on the road.
Practicality
Having the Venus de Milo or a B-24 Liberator in your garage wouldn't be at all practical; the Commando 850 is like having both.
Desirability
Heart votes 5; head votes 1.
Overall
A Norton 850 is not so much a motorcycle as a force of nature. Like a tornado, you should run from it, but you're just as apt to be fascinated by it.
Performance
A Norton Commando that's been properly tuned and 'fettled' can run with an fuel-injected 1200 Sportster, courtesy of the 1970's total lack of emissions regulations.
Handling
The Isolastic rubber mounts may have made things more comfy for the rider, but they demand rigorous maintenance to ward off that 'hinge in the middle' feeling. Even when adjusted properly, skinny 19-inch rims, rigid footpegs and ancient suspension make approaching the edge of the envelope a dicey proposition.
Looks
The Norton 850 Roadster is one of the most classically proportioned motorcycles ever.
Reliability
They can be kept in fairly reliable riding condition, but only with constant attention by someone who doesn't mind a day in the workshop for every day on the road.
Practicality
Having the Venus de Milo or a B-24 Liberator in your garage wouldn't be at all practical; the Commando 850 is like having both.
Desirability
Heart votes 5; head votes 1.
Overall
A Norton 850 is not so much a motorcycle as a force of nature. Like a tornado, you should run from it, but you're just as apt to be fascinated by it.