What’s the best none Norton Norton ?

When the BMW 1000 rr came out and took the crown as world's most powerful production Superbike I was thinking of buying one. I joined the 1000 rr forum and followed it for awhile.
The first interesting thing was a poll taken to see which riding mode was used. I recall the three modes gave something like 140, 160 and 185 bhp.
Everyone had tried all three modes and most were using the lowest power setting.
The other very frightening thing was a section labelled " Our fallen comrades"
This was a list of forum members who had crashed and died on the bikes. It seemed there was a new name added to the list every couple of weeks. Most were in their 20s or early 30s. Some left young families behind.
I lost all interest when the forum Moderator, a nice fellow and a seasoned sportbike rider of 37 with a wife and young kids, crashed and died on his BMW 1000 rr.

A few years later I got the sportbike itch again and purchased a lightly used Daytona 955i. At 160 bhp it is similar in output to the early BMW in its mid mode.
That is still way too much for the road so I don't ride it much at all. When I do the temptation is there to use full power.
Most of the time I would prefer to ride the old MK3 850, it's plenty fast enough.

Glen
 
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No one took the bait!? Fair enough say I, and it is the season of good will!!🤣

Although there is a case to be stated that the V4 is the most advanced bike Norton has ever produced, for obvious reasons - beauty of course though is most definitely in the eye of the beholder!

Behold this - most definitely a beauty! My guess is she handles pretty sweetly as well.


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No air filtration? Strange indeed.
Jon Munn is, I believe, the principal of Classic Style bikes in Melbourne - I bought my 650SS from him about 11 years ago.
He also assisted in transport of my cNw bike from port to my house (when the importer failed me) - Thanks Jon!!
Cheers

PS: Is Jon Munn a member here?
 
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Agreed - but actual "on the road" use proves the Commando to be a very competent bike compared to the "newbies".
A local motorcycle dealer principal with many ultra-modern sports bikes (super-flash 220+hp Ducatis) complained to me that they are much too hard work to ride on public roads. He's asked if I might help him get a '70s Commando on the road.
Go figure...
Maybe we've got it right in the sweet spot?
I agree with the sentiment Rob, but a bit of a ‘call’ comparing (on any level) a vintage Commando with most modern sports bikes. The power is there on these hyper-bikes, but the rider doesn’t have to access it fully. Even in ‘soft cock’ mode the majority would embarrass most vintage bikes with even an average rider onboard.

The ‘sweet spot’ though, of course, is where we choose it to be. If we get a serious buzz when cornering our machines at speed, it doesn’t matter what we’re riding. Anybody can go fast in a straight line!
 
For sheer fun my 1991 Kawa zxr400 is an absolute hoot - best fun I've had in years. Wind it up into the powerband to howl at 12000rpm+ and it gets the adrenaline going but at legal road speeds. It is interesting that the new z4rr with a similar engine/power/ delivery has had such rave reviews from riders who normally wouldn't be seen dead on anything less than 200Bhp. For sweet spot I think my 110Bhp Ducati Supersport is pretty much spot on...
 
For sheer fun my 1991 Kawa zxr400 is an absolute hoot - best fun I've had in years. Wind it up into the powerband to howl at 12000rpm+ and it gets the adrenaline going but at legal road speeds. It is interesting that the new z4rr with a similar engine/power/ delivery has had such rave reviews from riders who normally wouldn't be seen dead on anything less than 200Bhp. For sweet spot I think my 110Bhp Ducati Supersport is pretty much spot on...
I used to have a yam fzr400 exup
That didn't do much until it hit 12000rpm it used to crack me up
Such a lot of fun but I wouldn't want to do a distance on it
 
The Ducati GT1000 has been a very worthy replacement for sold off ‘72 Combat , at +/-90hp all I really ever needed plus comfort and ease of maintenance ….
 
The Ducati GT1000 has been a very worthy replacement for sold off ‘72 Combat , at +/-90hp all I really ever needed plus comfort and ease of maintenance ….
I have always liked the Duc GT1000 can you explain the ease of maintenance ?
 
I change oil & filter end of each season, change belts @ 4 yrs , valve check/adjust done at belt change , bleed brakes/clutch too , other than keeping bike clean along with air filter that bout it …. of course I got tires & chain to stay on top of but compared to Norton , just not near as time consuming …. hope that answers your question …. this season I will renew fuel filter & fuel lines within tank they are original in ‘09 so 15yrs ….👍
 
Always imagined that the riding experience between the standard GT1000 and the 961 would be somewhat comparable. Different twin configuration of course, but weight and performance figures are similar.

The Paul Smart version is premium of course! This is one stylish motorcycle and I’m guessing you’d be in no doubt that you’re riding a big twin!!😀

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Always imagined that the riding experience between the standard GT1000 and the 961 would be somewhat comparable. Different twin configuration of course, but weight and performance figures are similar.

The Paul Smart version is premium of course! This is one stylish motorcycle and I’m guessing you’d be in no doubt that you’re riding a big twin!!😀

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I see there are 5 in Oz for sale between $40-$55K AUD (2005-6)
 
Including the one I posted above Rob - across in WA!

……….’er indoors’ would castrate me with a single glance if I even suggested it!!:rolleyes:

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Interesting battery placement given recent efforts to do the same on the 961.
 
That is a beauty no doubt , however , some of the SC models can be very demanding of the
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pilot 😉…. I’m old man now , once I decided to try and get to one bike in shed , the GT stood out as a real life everyday ride … the Sport in front of mine is ridden by a guy slightly younger than I , he is retired power lineman , while Daniel finds ride position demanding , he always ready to meet for coffee in middle of our homes , bout an hr each way for us both ….
 
On Kijiji Canada this morning there are 8 Sport Classics listed for sale $19,000-$34,000 cad …. price seems to continue upward for now …
 
Hold their value pretty well over here too! This is Sports Classics and others within the range.

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Although I think this guy is ’avin a larf’!:oops:

What’s the best none Norton Norton ?
 
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Or……….. does this old school British cool clearly outshine most of those Italian rapscallions (performance deficit considered)?

Not apples with apples - but maybe cool with cooler!

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Always imagined that the riding experience between the standard GT1000 and the 961 would be somewhat comparable. Different twin configuration of course, but weight and performance figures are similar.

The Paul Smart version is premium of course! This is one stylish motorcycle and I’m guessing you’d be in no doubt that you’re riding a big twin!!😀

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This is by far the most uncomfortable bike ever produced, looks gorgeous though!!
 
This is by far the most uncomfortable bike ever produced, looks gorgeous though!!
More uncomfortable than a 6+ footer adopting the cafe racer crouch of a Norton 961 CR!:oops: Geez, that thing must really be an instrument of torture!!
 
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Serious question...
Can the Paul Smart 1000 be made into a comfortable riding position?
eg: Moto Guzzi "riser style" clip ons, more forward foot controls?
Anyone done it? Can it work?

PS: I'm not as young as I once was!! Although I do recall the 1000 katana was very bad on the wrists until about 140kph where the wind pressure lifted your chest. That's my excuse for all those speeding fines anyway.👍
 
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