1974 Norton Commando Restoration By Colorado Norton Works GoPro Hero 3+

[@ThePdxster]

When I was in high school back in the '70s, there was a bright yellow Norton Commando in the local dealer's showroom window. I used too dream about that bike and went back numerous times to look at it. It will always be my ultimate Norton. As for the restoration, it's gorgeous! Anyone that follows the car auctions knows the "resto-mods" used to be worth about half the value of a concours restoration, now they can bring much more. Not everyone that owns a classic is a mechanic.

[@nigeh5326]

If only Norton could have built them this well in the late 60s. Beautiful bike

[@ihatesafesex]

i bought my 1975 mk3 brand new as a leftover in 1977. i love my norton. it shakes it leaks oil and it throws parts on the ground. i've eliminated most of the leaks and parts dumping through hard work and sealants but i hate spending $11 a gallon and mixing race fuel with pump gas and lead additive to get 25 mpg. i decided to send my bike to colorado norton works and will get it back this spring better than ever. i own right now hondas(3), a kawasaki,a gas gas,and a yamaha but my norton is my favorite by far and getting rid of some outdated engineering will be a blessing. mr. rambo takes a lot of time and consideration to ensure that his bikes still retain the norton soul in a reliable package and that sounds great to me. ps, anyone who says with all these mods it's just not a true norton anymore, think of all the mods and replacement parts on your so called stocker you put on to make it run right. i cannot do what this man does and usually do not allow others to work on my machines. this is my 40th birthday present to my bike from me....she has served me well for many decades and deserves this!!!!!!!

[@pearldiver7]

+B FRANK Love your comment about "this is my 40th birthday present to my bike from me....she has served me well for many decades and deserves this!!!!!!!" I totally agree. It's gonna be great to ride the ol' Norton on the road again.

[@valhemp]

A beautifully re engineered Norton. OUTSTANDING to say the least. Thanx for sharing.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Nice to see a guy actually ride a true show bike. I just took delivery of my “new” Norton; fresh out of NYCNorton w a 920 kit. Looking forward to the end of COVID to our miles on her 👍

[@chuanist]

This is a truly beautiful bike, and the modifications all make a lot of sense. Having said that, I will also say that I put 13,000 miles on an original 1974 Norton Commando Mk II that I bought used with 3,500 miles on it. Everything worked well, including brakes, suspension, clutch, engine and 4-speed trans. The original carburetors were so easy to adjust and synchronize that I put the idle down @ 500 rpm. It would not die at a light! I maintained it properly and drove it like a raped ape. Confidence-inspiring handling. Better than any bike I had before or since.

[@hollowaysteve]

Just came back for another look. Still beautiful and looks amazing on the move.

[@SpudsMcHaggis]

Best of both worlds is the only way to go. Modernising classic bikes and cars allows people to still enjoy them whilst being a lot safer and more reliable. Thank you for sharing your beautiful looking and sounding Norton.

[@stuartmiller9648]

As a biker and having built custom bikes i can appreciate the high standard of work gone into this...beautiful bike,great improvements while keeping it looking standard...stunning bike mate!

[@frankmurray9172]

Stunning bike, just love the clean lines and so useable. The original designers would have applauded it I'm sure.

[@servicarrider]

Beautiful motorcycle. Norton, Triumph, BSA, Ariel. I loved them all in their heydays and I love now. I don't care how much this guy spent on his bike. It's his money, his bike and his desires. God bless him for having the disposable income to spend on something he loves.

[@rickysan1045]

Beautiful Commando with all the modern goodies installed. I rod the same Commando 750 in 1973-74 before and was so amazed to see all the upgrade you have made to make the ride so enjoyable. Happy riding!

[@cashstore1]

I made a video of the shop about 10 years ago. The place was really clean. The owner very gracious.

[@7norton4]

Nice bike. Good to get a detailed description of the work they do. Looks like a Top Notch build.

[@felineth56]

I would love to have one like this! Absolutely beautiful!

[@ilikezappa]

That is a cool bike . It looks great in yellow.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Stunning. Would'nt change a thing except binning the indicators. And this is from a Meriden Triumph owner. Kudos.

[@keithattwood59]

I built two 750's years ago. Life goes on and they got sold... I miss them!

[@briancritchley498]

I grew up in the era when they were new I had two and rode many more as I was a expert at getting them running right, I knew when they were right when at around 4.000 rpm they would lift the front wheel in second, handling was like the bike could understand you brain, low end grunt was fun let them rev & hit the corners was pure fun.. yes they were a high maintenance motorcycle but the pleasure of riding made it worth it, I still ride, 63 .to me the Commando was a true fun work of motorcycle art..

[@michaelhenderson5428]

Hello, I own a 1967 Bonneville Triumph that I purchased in March or 1967. Rode it for years and nothing ever fell off and never broke down on the road.

[@davidfrankmarkham7637]

Of all the bikes I have owned I miss this one most! Mine was an orange High Rider!

[@mariloudexter-baker686]

It's is really amazing how you've done the restoration, I salute you Sir!

[@Jonsson474]

The first bike a got to sit on as a kid. A yellow 850 commando. Has been my favourite bike ever since.

[@1400IntruderVS]

That is a beautiful machine

[@MrAndrew1953]

Beautiful bike. I remember having one of these blast past me in Perth, Western Australia in 1972. You had to know your way around a bike to own one and keep it going.

[@bruceferguson6637]

Absolutely beautiful bike. Must be great to have the bugs ironed out. In the '80's I had a 750 Roadster and an Interstate (for parts). The only mods I had were a Boyer electronic ignition, Bilsteins and a large bore single Mikuni carb kit. I re-shimmed the Isolastic Suspension mounting points which was a pain, but it tightened up the handling. Overall, the best handling bike I'd ever owned. Never rode a Featherbed-framed Norton, though. I'll go to my grave wondering how much better that was.

[@Chromosome1919]

Thats one spankin' clean bike you got there fella!

[@Xynudu]

Great job. Commandos always look great in yellow. Top bike. Enjoyed the video. Cheers Rob.

[@loknlode]

That is a fantastic motorcycle.

[@pdm2201]

It’s a tribute to the original Commando that so many people still own them in one variation or another. I’ve owned about a dozen bikes in my 68 years, Guzzi Le Mans Mk. I, 500 Honda V4, BMW R100Cs, etc. but my 74’ Commando is the most fun to ride by far. Also needs the most attention but I don’t mind. A single Mik carb, Boyer ignition, 13 mm master cyl, reed pcv valve on the breather hose and longer kickstart lever make it better. I like this CNW bike but prefer the polished fenders. primary cover, and Smith instruments. At least this bike still has a kickstart.

[@jeancalabro2721]

Wonderful bike

[@andrewcasados7104]

I own a 1971 Commando Roadster which I purchased brand new in the spring of 1971. This Norton is my daily rider from April till November. I have upgraded most everything from carbs to the ignition system. I get most original replacement parts from Carl at Southwest Cycles in Albuquerque. I do all the work on it myself. Some aftermarket parts I have purchased from Colorado Norton Works, but I find them over priced. There is something to be said about riding and working on the same bike since it was new, 45 years ago.

[@b.r.buckeyeman460]

Great to hear that you're still using your Norton Andrew, wish I still had mine, ride safe. Greetings from Cornwall.

[@markgrice8088]

nothing but respect man, bravo,bravo !!

[@l2br70]

Congratulations amazing bike,style supreme.

[@harryviking6347]

I got a 750 norton commando fastback in 1972. that was probably the best english bike at the time. Mine did not leak oil and it was so comfortable to ride...and the noise was incredible! 90 plus decibel. Would love to get one now just for fun!

[@TerribleTimes]

wow sounds like a real smooth motor, great byke!

[@redgoldcu]

Bill, Love that Canary Yellow on your Norton! Nice high visibility for safety too! Too much yellow for a car, but perfect tasteful amount on a bike! Steve

[@scottc977]

Bill, What a beauty. I owned a 64 Norton Matchless, the Commando was an improvement, and your ride is a quantum leap forward. Mine was,,, frankly a pain in the butt. The power of the Atlas engine was fun, but not worth the trouble.

[@johngreenwood1972]

Stunning bike.

[@enriquelaroche5370]

I had a 71 Fastback, only old stuff that was a pain was the Carbs and Valve guides. Loved it.

[@janarvenyaas85]

You Sir probably own the best looking bike on KZbin!

[@harryflashman3141]

Agreed this an amazing bike. If the manufacturers had done that back in the 70 s they would not have gone bust.

[@nigeh5326]

I agree it is Ace! Colorado Norton Bikes are so well built painted,polished and that seat looks great. I recommend looking at the website gallery Seriously Some of the most Beautiful Nortons I have ever seen

[@lapalan8149]

+Morgan Wasem You got that right. An electronic ignition would have been a blessing in 1969 on my commando fast back. I had to start the damned thing wearing only a T shirt, even in the winter, to prevent heat exhaustion. Oil leaks were a pain as well. But it was fast and great handling.

[@radianman]

Gorgeous bike!

[@MrJmart17]

Very nice video of a tastefully modified Norton. I knew every inch of my 1973 Hi Rider and appreciated it for what it was but the leaky porous head

[@MrJmart17]

was hard on shoes. The bouncing speedometer and tachometer looked great and I would miss them in a build like this but I can appreciate what the package has to offer. I'd like to take that Norton for a ride. The cost isn't relevant. It's a hobby. You don't expect to get all of your investment back! Nice to see a Norton getting so many practical modifications. The dry primary conversion eliminates another oil leak. Who wouldn't appreciate a little more grip from the front disc? Great narration from a rider who knows his bike.

[@dwoaks1]

I think it's awesome if I had the money to order one I would. Great video and great bike.

[@Honourable66]

absolutely beautiful

[@turbomustang84]

My 74 Commando had electrical issues and leaked oil but ran like a beast and never stranded me

[@ronanrogers4127]

Those Australian parts are really good, the pressure cast cylinder head, but most importantly the trispark ignitions revolutionise these old parallel twins (Beezas, Trumpeys and Nortons). Short of installing programmable ignitions, trispark are the best.

[@obfuscated3090]

Visit a Norton rally, and if possible attend Barber Vintage. You can wallow in the museum, and CNW and other vendors bring plenty of Nortons and everything else with two wheels.

[@kenkozma9894]

Sure would like to do that to my 74 NORTON. Very nice

[@seiji5705]

Beautiful motorcycle !

[@binnsh]

Gorgeous! Enjoy it.

[@greenstreak750]

That is the ultimate bike. One you love, but have the resources to fix the shortcomings it has. Great job on the bike, I would love to ride it.

[@gphilipc2031]

100% Excellent Bike Bill.

[@tww1491]

Always enjoyed riding a friend's Norton; had a 69 Bonne then. One hour of maintenance for every hour on the road. You had to be prepared to fix on the roadside as I recall. Honda's CB 750 changed all of that. Remember a Honda CL 77 scrambler I rode while in Japan in the 60s in the USAF. Those were good times.

[@nicnak4475]

Beautiful bike and sounds great !

[@mariog4707]

It’s a beauty - wish it was mine.

[@sagardahat3249]

Look a that throttle response, Awesome bike.

[@daddydave3541]

Lovely bike I want one.

[@markgrice8088]

thats one gorgeous Commando...

[@mikemorrison9895]

I rode Nortons and Greeves, both British bikes, all through the sixties and they did not shed parts or quit working. In fact as far as I know the bikes I had are still going!

[@jannadrielcervo7753]

Sweet bike.

[@cowboysam1957]

Beautifull machine!

[@dennisedwards9672]

Owned a 71 Norton 750 Commando Roadster New. Bought in Wurzberg Germany. Miss it

[@robricketts340]

Beautiful motorcycle. hope you;ve got safety catch/spring on the rear brake peddle fitted

[@FBPrepping]

Old design but with modern materials and techniques...wonderful results. Just imagine how a Beetle would work today, manufactured with modern tooling and materials!...

[@vegantoxophilite2594]

The only thing that's ever fell off my 600cc 1960 Norton Dominator, was the pillion passenger that was caught unawares by the mid range acceleration it had.

[@makeyour77]

Sweet little horse!

[@kiwiborn3713]

Awesome bike mate.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Dream bike. Wonderful

[@jrgordon47]

Love your video...had 4 of these beastly beauties...Cafe Racer, Street stock and 2 High riders (brought out to 850 @ 12.5/1). An absolute Love Affair. A few things though...1) The 2 side panels (triangular) also allowed you to carry some tools. They covered, as you know the oil reservoir and battery but where covered with an internal divider, for strength. 2) Whitworth tooling and usage are Greatly misconceived. The changes and acceptance of BSF (British Standard Fine)...BSC (British Standard Cycle)... and the original BSW (British Standard Whitworth)...all of this was an attempt to standardize manufacturing and serviceability. There's a lot more to it...leading to the different names for wrenches...(not wenches), and (Spanners). Check out the reasons for things like a Spanner and a socket. 3) And last...Most of a NORTON can be disassembled with Previously removed parts. I hollowed out my seat (Girlfriends) back end and fucked in parts of the Manuel. Hay...I drove, she rode...and fell asleep, many a time

[@loganjacobs5131]

Beautiful motorcycle

[@MrsWorthIt]

Nice looking ride!

[@agussugiarto9177]

Soo simple, nice motto.

[@bigrichtexas9724]

excellent,i had a 1970 fastback previously owned by a series of careless owners,i was always working on it,eventually i sold it to buy a kawasaki 900,i should have kept it.....

[@jimsh2756]

I'd love to see a photo of the before restoration for this bike.

[@tyrssen1]

Magnificent! Absolutely nothing wrong with "re-engineering" an older bike ... after all, that's basically what all the cafe racers of the 60's were trying to do! (And NO, ya DON'T "need more helmet," in spite of what one commenter below says. I damn near got killed one night because I couldn't hear an ambulance coming, thanks to the damn helmet. I've used helmets like this one, ever since.)

[@casperghost7665]

very pretty bike. I'd love to take it for a spin

[@themotochannel]

You like it even though it's not an original Norton?

[@casperghost7665]

+The Moto Channel it is still a nice bike with a Norton soul. so it's not original? meh...Norton would probably be please as punch to see it.

[@pearldiver7]

+Casper Ghost Exactly. As someone else said, it's still got the soul of a Norton.

[@tmr626]

Bill, it would be nice if you made a video once you put a set of Dunstall megaphones on that puppy!

[@jacquesleclerc2761]

This Bike is a Dream....!!!!

[@GeneralMe100]

my Norton Commando is totally stock original and doesn't leak a drip of oil ticks over perfectly and I have done 75.000 miles on it cruising at 80 to 90 mph, I use it as my only motorcycle, it has amal mk 1 carburettors although they have been replaced for new ones which are still made, commandos aren't whitworth anyway, it wasn't used in the 1970's. original commandos from the 70's are very reliable and can still be used today as an everyday motorcycle. I will admit though they do sump oil if left a week or more, the way to minimise this is when you leave them make sure they are on the compression stroke.

[@pearldiver7]

Glad you're enjoying your bike, but one disagreement on your comments: Nortons were Whitworth - I purchased a new Commando in 1972 and still have the bike, and it definitely uses Whitworth-sized hardware. Just my two cents.

[@GeneralMe100]

***** Yeah your sort of right, but there's as much 'AF as there is Whitworth on them and plenty of equivalent's fit.

[@pearldiver7]

I agree with your reply, they are a mixture of Whitworth and other. Glad to hear you're enjoying your Norton. Wonderful motorcycles with loads of character.

[@GeneralMe100]

thx man, I also got a 650ss that I've yet to restore, its a whole bike but a bit of a rust bucket..lol, thumbs up to a fellow Commando owner :)

[@fisselfritz]

Love that painted primary case. Throw away the tubes of Simichrome Polish!

[@magna59]

Very nice .......... but why would you stop the brake line on the bottom yoke ? This is so much nicer than the new ones .

[@davidharrison6615]

i remember when the police used this bike is a patrol machine . the radio was the size of a large shoe box fastened to the fuel tank . hand held phone with a speaker that worked full blast so it could be heard over the engine with a huge 5 foot aerial on the back . good old days lol ! nice bike .

[@josipk.4810]

What a gem.

[@markallen5839]

Lovely looking bike, but a little misleading to say it is a 1974 model (everything is new).....my own 1974 Norton is in being tuned and serviced right now and I can't wait to get it back again!

[@BorisW150]

Such a beautiful bike and a great, detailed review too. It is a shame that today's bikes are so ugly compared to this classic.

[@fercuevas5772]

So it’s no longer a Norton, a beautiful look a like

[@441rider]

They do nice work,

[@sandeepravtale403]

Your bike looks like 💎

[@kirkyandka7712]

That bike is drop dead gorgeous! Do you have a cut out switch on the side stand? Many years ago in England the police used Commandos, one of their riders forgot to retract his side stand, the result was unfortunately fatal.

[@jacknielsen7328]

Super nice bike

[@clivebuxton1593]

awsome,since the commando came out engineering has come such a long way,,if only we had the engineering then that we have now the commando would have been world beating then,having said that i\m 60 and ridden dozens of british bikes,even had a yellow commando,gus kahn cafe racer...love the seat and black primary case,,now have 1954 land rover and looking for a commando,,loved triumph t150 trident i owned and 759 f2 honda,but brits are best ,, mid life crisis,,what me ..

[@bazzamow7031]

Love it in yellow

[@SS-sh6ww]

i Luv the color. 👌

[@flyingmerkel6]

The British bikes had a great basic design, but the execution was not up to standard. Middle weight twins are a near perfect compromise. I'd like to see the final price tag on this bike. What would a '74 Honda CB 750 be like if you sunk the same money into it? I live in Orange County, hope to see you on Ortega.

[@inick54]

British bikes didn’t fall apart They dropped a bit of oil from time to time but they’ were pretty reliable, simple and very honest Don’t know what is guys talking And I doubt if he does either But very nice bike In its day the Norton Commando could reach 0 to 60 miles an hour and 4.1 seconds

[@Gr8Layks]

One question for TMC: How much did this project cost the owner? I'm genuinely curious. Great looking bike--I love the colors too.

[@dan3510]

I've got my eyes on an old ebay sale that states all original parts and in running condition. So what would you say his prices are. My fathers was sold out from under him by his brother back in the 70's while he was deployed in the Navy. Kinda thinkin to have one restored and let him borrow it on the weekends haha

[@upforlastnameleft]

Cool bike, cool guy

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

Bad ass bike.

[@jesuisravi]

Beautiful! What did it cost to rebuild it? BTW: You need more helmet.

[@crobulari2328]

Sure does !