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- Jun 30, 2012
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I have always like British motorcycles, despite their shortcomings. I was watching this video about the development of British cars and it seems to me there are some similarities in mindset involved in the background of the Norton factory. I have never seen a full documentary about the development of the Manx Norton, and the John Player Nortons. But since I began racing my 850, I have come to believe there is probably untapped potential in the design of the Commando engine. The problem might be that when we compare motorcycles, the basis of comparison might not be fair.
Manx Nortons were very strange. Nobody could just front up and buy one - you had to be a name rider. And the work's bikes were different. One of my friends has a work's 350. His father had owned it - he sold the 500, but there was no way he would ever sell the 350. It had come to Australia with Jack Ahearn. I knew his father at the time he bought it, but there is no way I would ever have known what it was and that it was available.
I don't think Commandos were ever raced with the same intent that which was applied to the Manx.
Manx Nortons were very strange. Nobody could just front up and buy one - you had to be a name rider. And the work's bikes were different. One of my friends has a work's 350. His father had owned it - he sold the 500, but there was no way he would ever sell the 350. It had come to Australia with Jack Ahearn. I knew his father at the time he bought it, but there is no way I would ever have known what it was and that it was available.
I don't think Commandos were ever raced with the same intent that which was applied to the Manx.