1974 Norton John Player Special | Jay Leno's Garage

Jay has owned this classic British twin for more than 45 years!
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1974 Norton John Player Special | Jay Leno's Garage
• 1974 Norton John Playe...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@hilslamer]

Sentiment is genuine, palatable, wholesome. Delightful that Jay acknowledges imperfections in the bike but still loves it nonetheless.

[@gvxclassics]

So, you've had that bike for 45 years and you just get around to showing us it? This is the kind of stuff we love to see, thanks again Jay.

[@RevengeAvenger]

If you want to see stuff he hasn't shown... He has about 300 more episodes

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

@@RevengeAvenger Correct me if I'm mistaken here, but wouldn't a vehicle necessarily have been "shown" if it were the subject of an episode of Jay Leno's Garage?

[@RevengeAvenger]

@@FoxMacLeod2501 If it was "Shown" it would have no other option than to be shown.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🖖🏼🏍

[@gvxclassics]

@@RevengeAvenger I've seen all 300. Amazing he still has new stuff to share..

[@paulmccool378]

This is the bike Jay was riding the day I met him, back in 1991, at a car show in San Fernando. I saw the bike parked at the end of a row of cars, and was checking it out, when I heard "So, you like my motorcycle?" from behind me. It was great fun meeting him, and talking old Buicks, that afternoon.

[@Flan133]

Jay's enthusiasm show just how special this bike is to him. As they say, "If you don't look back at your bike when you get off then you have bought the wrong bike." I think Jay found his 'right' bike. Thank you for sharing Jay.

[@johnmcclain3887]

I have to go out in my garage and stare at the Triumph I just bought a month ago, and only got delivered last week. It takes me back fifty years to my teens. Not in the least disappointed.

[@zxtenn]

HAHAHA, i used to have a 1974 Z-1 and I used to look at it like that but after close to 10 years and several explosions from big cams, etc. i sold it, nothing but a tinker toy. Speed and performance is relative to the time period, years later i had a 2005 Ninja ZX-10 and that would walk on my Z-1, even with Megacycle 417 lift cams it revved 10 grand compared to the ZX-10 which was easily 2 grand higher with such a linear power band compared to the almost on/off Z-1. Just as the early 80's Suzuki GS 1100 dethroned the Z-1 the GSXR destroyed the GS 1100, my buddy had a GS 1100 and it was mid 11's with a Kerker header and a good rider, Suzuki had a superior head design with that 4 valve head

[@hogslayr2703]

When ever I go out to eat I park my bike so I can look at it while dining. Especially the 1974 Norton I still have that I bought brand new.

[@javalos8423]

You reminded me of why I still have my Norton. I bought a 72 Combat in 73, and have had a love affair with it ever since. My main road bike is not the Norton, but all kinds of other bikes have come and gone in the last fifty years, but my Norton is still with me.

[@williamwintemberg]

Sing it Brother!

[@rcnelson]

As I recall, the shifting pattern on my Dad's Norton Commando was all down--no upshift for first gear. Funnest motorcycle I ever rode. Thanks Jay, for the memory.

[@danapeck5382]

@@rcnelson yep, 4 down

[@pearldiver7]

Well said. I have a similar history with my 72 Commando (purchased new in 72.) Wonderful and beautiful pieces of motorcycle history. Jay obviously feels the same, and knowing he does adds to my appreciation of him.

[@danapeck5382]

50 years+ on a Combat! Wish I'd kept my Commando S; the oil-soaked jeans were my biggest operating cost

[@benchaggaresmusic]

I'm 20 years old and just started motorcycling last August and I can say with confidence I'd have this over almost any modern bike today. I'm learning to become a bike mechanic and I was working in this shop one day and a 1965 Ducati Monza 250 came in and at the time there was also an 848 streetfighter and I could not take my eyes off that monza. There's something in modern machinery that's missing, almost like they're missing a soul. Thank you for making these videos, you're a true hero of mine, Mr. Leno

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Hi Ben brilliant to see another youngster into classics :) they are as good as you think to ride an experience I use my Nortons as dailys a Commandos a good option as there's pretty much every bit available new :)

[@piironengarage8030]

Glad to see younger people get into classic bikes. I'm 21 and putting together a norton commando for myself. Still a long way to go but can't wait to someday get it done and riding.

[@billsherer9815]

What sets him apart..he cares for and appreciates and values rolling history that at times is also art.

[@williamr3840]

Jay: "You always crush your hands under this fairing." Butch: "It's a small price to pay for beauty!"

[@rogerdunant8708]

Many thanks for mentioning Peter Williams Jay. A brilliant engineer and great rider. RIP Pete.

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

There's something special when Jay is talking about a bike or a car of his youth. There's a slowness the way he moves around them, like he's caressing them, not just pressing buttons and leavers. Nostalgia might be the word... but not a cold nostalgia: a golden one, might be a more apt description.

[@hogslayr2703]

Wow, I did not know you had a John Player and that you've bought it as a youth. I bought mine new and still have it as well. I've maintained mine as well as you have. Thanks for posting your John Player. Thank you.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

I imagine you know it is not a featherbed frame though. I bought my MkIII in 1977, still got it.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I love when Jay does his own vehicles! He knows so much about them and I’m always learning something interesting. I got a 1976 cb360t that’s been converted to Cafe and I wish I knew as much!

[@Ritalie]

I have a 1976 CB360T too. They have rabbies. According to FortNine, Ryan. He did a review on the CB360T (paralell twin) and he said it "has rabbies." Because it's way faster and more vicious than it should be. I remember getting a CB360T in 2002, and it was one of the most vicious engines I've ever experienced, it just wanted to rev off the tach. No amount of abuse was enough, the engine just wants to flat out SCREAM and go 100mph. I have no idea how Honda built such vicious engines, with only 2 valves per cylinder. Be sure you have the absolute stock air box and carburetors, and stock jetting, otherwise you're going to totally destroy the jetting, and there's no way it will ever have as much power as the original. The one I had, had totally stock air boxes, without any holes in the air boxes, and it would go 105mph (indicated) on the speedometer. The mistake people make is thinking that they know how to tune a carburetor and air box better than the 180 IQ Honda engineers in Japan... Well we don't. P.S. I should have never sold my running CB360. I've since puchased a non-running one, and it needs to be fully restored. One day, when the world isn't ending, I'll work on it.

[@robertmyers5269]

The 360T was just a perfect platform for a cafe racer. It was a strippo model to appeal to the guy who wants to fiddle. No electric start, 5 speed vs 6 speed transmission (IIRC) for cost savings. Longer rear swingarm for better handling at speed. Fun bike. I think I still have a brochure somewhere. Edit: my memory fog. The stripper was the C*J*360. I still stand by it being a good basis for a cafe racer, with the longer swing arm, 2 into 1 pipe and tailpiece it was halfway there.

[@nilo70]

I had a honda 360 too. I drove it all over town with my wife on the back and to the beach as well . GOOD TIMES !

[@jayshaw63]

I opened up the engine case of my 1976 CB360T just today. The threads in the case for the cam chain tensioner set screw are stripped. So . . . the set screw will no longer hold the tensioner push rod in place. I'm going to try to install a 6mm Helicoil tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[@SvenTviking]

Pronounced “Caff”.

[@lovecycling193]

I count myself as a true lover of motorcycles, and whilst I love new bikes you can't beat an old bike with heritage and a good old story behind it 👌 Beautiful Norton thanks for showing it to us

[@asacarrick1440]

I look at the modern stuff and I see impressive machines, I look at these classics and I see Works of Art

[@lovecycling193]

@@asacarrick1440 I Agree, even the more modern 916 was built in the eyes of the designer to form from above the hour glass shape of a woman and to look good, the reality of the 916 was the shape was as aerodynamic as a brick, the single sided swing are extremely heavy and not overly stiff, and the pipes become a great right leg cooker lol but it looked fantastic 👌

[@donparker1823]

I well remember having to go back and forth between right and left hand shifters back in the 60's and 70's. My BSA 350, Harley (Amerachi) 350 and Ducati 160 all on the right. The Suzuki 120 and Honda 750 on the left. These were all used (used up) bikes when I got them as I couldn't afford anything new. But I learned to wrench on them and still ride to this day. This is a sweet Norton Jay. Thanks so much for featuring this.

[@krissteel4074]

Quite a few of the european bikes had them, I had a couple of Bultaco Sherpas and Alpina which had the RH-shifter as well, some of the Montessas as well from memory Its not an easy transition to get used to

[@robertmartin1629]

As a old geezer I never had a Norton, all Triumphs & BSA's. The thing that got me about the video was Jays boots. As a 50-60's veteran, I noticed he had on a pair of cap-toe paratrooper boots. And a couple of the rear shots you could tell he wears them a lot cause the heels were about used up. Shows he's just a regular guy, not trying to impress anyone with the latest fashion. Never miss his weekly videos!!!!

[@craigbigbee6395]

They look like H&H, he needs to upgrade to Corcorans.....

[@Porsche996driver]

Those are jump boots ha! Regular Army boots would fit under the shifter better, but Jay don’t care.

[@MrBenryanuk]

They look like Red Wing Iron Rangers to me

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

Only wooses wear lace up boots, real men wear elastic sided work boots, like Baxter’s, RMs or an really old pair of Blundies, old enough to actually be made in Tasmania. Boots that can be simply flipped of while cracking open a beer at the same time.

[@moosey62]

I would say that's fighting talk Mick, but then you go on to say you prefer elastic-sided boots? I mean.. mate.. I'm freaking speechless. What's your favourite colour comfort blanket?

[@momnc4721]

As always, great history lesson. I absolutely love when Mr Leno does reviews of his own stuff especially the motorcycles🙏🏽

[@phillipdavis3053]

A retro reissue of that bike would sell a ton. Has to be some of the nicest lines I've seen . Beautiful piece of machinery. Thanks for sharing.

[@Ritalie]

Something people haven't realized... Dual headlights are the best looking configuration for fully faired bikes. The 2002 sportbikes are going to sell for $200,000 soon. Modern sportbikes look so putrid that they should be boycotted and banned by consumers.

[@JeffreyTheTaylor]

BTW, $3K would be about $17K today.

[@caribman10]

People have been trying to sell "Nortons" for decades and haven't been able to manage it. So trying to sell a JPN has no shot.

[@caribman10]

@@Ritalie I don't agree with the rest, but I agree that dual headlamps are best: GLASS LENS headlamps, that is. NOt the cheap plastic-lensed garbage infesting most current motorcycles.

[@Ritalie]

@@caribman10 Well, in terms of the overall look and the function, it just makes sense to have 2 headlights on a bike with a fairing. Because it provides twice the light and you can get much better lighting coverage. My 2002 Ninja had huge twin headlights and it was like "daylight" with the high beams on. You could see out into the sides of the forest, very easily when driving late at night on back country roads. They switched to single headlights on many Suzuki's and I'm not even sure where the headlights on located on some of these new monstrosities, like the Yamaha R7 twin.

[@williamwintemberg]

I can't say Thanks to Jay enough times for a ride along on this Norton! History and Beauty! Faults? Today they are features.

[@blitzebill]

Jay ignited all the memories of my 4 bikes over the years. from 200cc to the GPZ 750 and the Suzuki Katana in between. Miss them all.

[@flylear45]

My buddy bought a Player and that is what prompted me to get my Commando. Thanks Jay. Can't believe it took so long for me to see this one.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

That bike has awesome lines! Just an absolutely classic bike. It just oozes coolness. Thanks, Jay and crew! Always a pleasure!

[@johnmcclain3887]

thanks for sharing this Norton, I remember waiting for a friend's 73 Norton, over a year for delivery, and Ross's excitement when it arrived. I'd been through the left and right shift issue a dozen times by then, cataloging which feel, had which shift, between Triumph's Nortons, Ducati's and such, and I've just bought and am riding a 78 Triumph, Bonneville, taking me back almost fifty years. I'm enjoying my new bike enormously, still have an "old one" I built in 95, a Harley of some 90 inches displacement, and the Triumph is just plain fun, about 380 pounds, nimble, turns like a rocket, with a whole different vibration character than the Harley's, I hope I never have to leave the "old Brit bikes" behind. I had a 64 Triumph back in the seventies, and sold it, wishing I hadn't from the first moment of letting it go. I can really appreciate the way you've kept your bikes from their inception. I was an active duty marine, so constantly changing duty station's, and never able to keep anything until I got married and had a home, not a barracks. I was one who thought "John Player" was some racing genius or something, lol, good to know the facts!

[@johnbarrett8723]

I fell in love with the JP Norton when it first appeared. Could never afford it, so opted to restore a Norton Dominator Model 99 that was effectively a basket case, but cheap. My sweat equity came free. Years later after emigrating from South Africa I went to the UK on my way to Canada I viewed a JP Norton for sale in Yorkshire, but once again money was the object. Many years later I retired and wanted to restore another motorcycle, but no JP Norton available. Found a Triumph T140V and completed it a few months ago. Happily riding around my neighbourhood on the outskirts of Vancouver, BC. Loved the video, thank you.

[@TornadoCAN99]

Hi from a fellow Vancouverite! My '74 Commando keeps me busy wrenching btwn rides.

[@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454]

Former UK market Dominators owner here. Some Dunstall bits. Slayed Atlases Bonnie’s Beezers and Hogs except one 750 Dunstall Atlas. Great bike. Want a Commando now.

[@robertmyers5269]

Back in the day a friend of mine had a Commando (750??). An incredibly macho bike, for both good and bad. It was already long in the tooth -- separate engine and transmission and the vagaries of British design and craftsmanship, but it had an undeniable charm. Jay made a slip though. The 'featherbed' was the frame design that preceded the 'Isolastic'. They weren't the same thing.

[@nelsong4719]

You're right about the frame. I believe it originated in the Norton Manx racer but I was told my 68 Matchless G15 MK2 had a feather bed frame. I'm not so sure because my favourite Norton the P11 was said to have a Matchless frame. Does anybody know?

[@moosey62]

The Featherbed Manx Norton. Perhaps the most beautiful racer of all time.

[@philhawley1219]

@@nelsong4719 The G15 and the P11 both used the Matchless frame. Matchless, AJS and Norton were all part of the Associated Motor Cycle group and used quite a lot of each others parts.

[@donwilcox501]

Yes, Featherbed frame predated the Commando. It was a frame design used by numerous models and legendary for handling, but solid mounted engines vibrated in it. My recollection was that Bob Trigg was the innovator of the Isolastic frame, not Bernard Hooper. Hooper was designer of engines for several makes of British motorcycles

[@phillipwood9833]

in 1974 I was 12 and went to school by bus but I used to get off 2 stops early so I could walk though the town and drool over the Peter Williams/John Player Norton in the window of Biggleswade Motorcycles. it meant a 3 mile walk but it was worth it to see this beast. 😀

[@tomsundry2785]

I had a 1974 Norton Commando Mark 3. It was the last of the pre-electric start and had the right-side shift, (1 up, 3 down). Mine did not have the ‘gator boots’ over the down tubes, as I see Jay’s does. I loved the handling and the overall ‘coolness’ of the bike. I have the OEM shop manual and several original advertising brochures. If you had any doubts about your manliness, you dispelled them when you kick started that machine!!! Mine started so easily. You could lean so far into corners. What a great ride. What a great sound.

[@nicks_mix]

I applaud Jay's impeccable taste in motorcycles.

[@peterbasile2694]

I have been riding my 74 commando for 45 years its as thrilling to ride now as it was when i bought it hey Mr. Leno, hope to see you at lars Anderson museum in September

[@aldupuis5197]

Owned a '73 850 Commando for 36 years, sold it in '14. I was the second owner bought it In '78. Last plated in '82 then got a Goldwing. Norton sat in my garage all those years. Fired up two or three times a year though and short run down road. You have a nice bike Jay. At 72 I still ride ('03 Yamaha Silverado 1600) and am grateful to being able to. Someday though, I'll have to give it up and that will be a sad day. Great content, great channel, excellent host. Thanks!

[@JR-bj3uf]

I worked as a mechanic back in the late 70s and early 80s at a Triumph/Norton shop. I did a lot of Triumph and Norton work. The Triumphs were nice especially the three cylinders (when they were built right) but it was always Nortons for me. I have owned 4 of them.

[@lornespry]

I agree with you Jay: when you can't ride anymore, you'll just keep it and look at it! I rode the Commandoes with the "Isolastic" engine suspension, but my fave remained the 'Atlas'. Sad to hear about the passing of Peter Williams - one of my racing icons back in the days - a great gentleman sportsman. With thanks!

[@ronlynch7744]

The choice of cigs for my parents in the 50’s & 60’s, John Player. The Norton looks like a Buck Rogers bike with the fairing & duel headlights. Thanks Jay. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@MrSapper21]

*dual

[@slimdudeDJC]

@@MrSapper21 My father smoked Camels . . .

[@moosey62]

Ten Number 6. The choice of discerning 1970s 12 year olds the land over.

[@keithhoughton4308]

@@moosey62 Ten number 6? Luxury. We could only afford 5 Park Drive.

[@shaunwilcox1345]

Jay is a national treasure.

[@mikecartlidge5355]

As always a great review by a true gentleman who loves vehicles for what they are, not what they are worth. I still have my Commando 750 Roaster that I bought way back in 1972 second hand, it is a part of my life, also a photo of me as a young m/c mechanic sitting on Dave Croxford"s works JPS Norton when it was loaned by Norton to the shop I worked at for display.........Mike Cartlidge (UK)

[@geekdomo]

I gave up riding years ago. Glad to see you are still at it Jay even though you feel your time in the saddle with the Norton may be coming to a close, its pretty great you can say goodbye

[@williamwinslowhansen]

What makes it special is it’s a record of you . How you have worn it and cared for it treasured it . We make things special out of the dreams that things evoke in us . Something like that anyways . Look at the complexity of the design and it’s representing the peak of a bygone era at the same time nodding towards the future . Fantastic bike jay fantastic record of your passion for motorbikes . Amazing episode.

[@getriteb4ugetlft]

Thank you for all your efforts to keep Motorhead history alive! I truly appreciate that you don’t have to do this but you do! Thank you again.

[@TucsonDude]

It seems that car-only enthusiast channels are a dime-a-dozen, nowadays. Jay takes it to the next level with bikes, restorations, historical stories and classic cars.

[@MKBinDC]

I've learned so much about motorcycles by watching Jay's videos.

[@alexcaskie6054]

I enjoyed this much more than I should've. I bought a Honda CB500T new in 1975 $1400, for motorcycle messenger works.. We only dreamed about Norton's

[@Lyingleyen]

WOW!!!!!! Awesome!!!! I remember seeing the adverts for these. The end of an era.

[@amdg2023]

I uncrated at least two of these, John Mahoney set them up to perfection at Salems Motorcycles in Phx, I got to road test them and they were an eye catcher.

[@joyl7842]

What a piece of technology. Like Mr.Leno said, it's just in the middle. You can see the new and hear the old in it.

[@dcstrng1]

Never could afford a JP Special, but rode many Nortons (P11 - Commando) from Florida to Washington state and many in between, so good to see a genuine article on the road again...

[@middlesiderrider]

I'm glad Jay mentioned the Honda 750. When he said the Norton was the fastest thing around, and vibrated less, and made a big deal about the front disc brake, I was thinking, "What about the CB750?!!" I just had to sell my 1975 CB750 that I owned for sixteen years. Years ago I rode it from Iowa to Utah and I had an Airtech fairing that looked just like the Norton's. I even put dual headlights on it(using a '71 Pontiac LeMans headlight assembly). Really wish I hadn't had to sell my bike. And my LeMans. Oh well, I've still got the memories.

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Yes, I recall the Norton 750 Commandos, Honda CB-750s & the Kawasaki H-1 500 c.c. Shoot outs. They were called superbikes. I had the Kawasaki. I miss it. The Triumph Street and Speeds have my attention for the triple induction roar.

[@middlesiderrider]

@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 I would love to have an H1, or any of the other multi cylinder 1970s 2 stroke street bikes. In highschool I had a friend with a Suzuki T500 Titan, and another with a Yamaha RD350. Both bikes at that time(early 2000s) just seemed like beat up, ratty old junkers. But man oh man when you rode them! You had to be careful or you'd be wearing the bike as a hat. Easy wheelies

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

@@middlesiderrider Yes, " easy wheelies ". I rode an RD-350 once. The H-1, I considered to be an heavy ( 385 lbs. ) motocross bike for the street. When compared to the MX bikes of that era. It had the thrill of a fast horse. Loved the induction howl. I'd shift mine at 7400 as both the torque and HP were all in by then. Only saw the higher rpms approaching top speed in 5th. The fastest that I ever pushed it was 121 mph, but there was more left in it.

[@middlesiderrider]

@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 I'm not sure how much the RD weighed but I could literally pick the whole bike up by myself(I was a big kid, 30lbs heavier back then). Unfortunately that bike meet a sad end when my friend let everyone ride it. Two of our crew crashed it, one of them standing it straight up, hanging off the bars and dragging his legs. It ground a hole through the license plate because it was dragging on the asphalt. Just dumb kids ruining everything, not knowing what we had. My cb750 I got going 135mph on a deserted farm road in Iowa. Of course that's 135 indicated on the speedo. I had a Dyna ignition and hot coils, a pipe and rejetted carbs, and that fairing helped aero. Been a long time since I've gone that fast.

[@warringtonfaust1088]

Don't give up too soon Jay. I'm 76 and still ride my kick start Commando. Like you, if I ever feel I can't ride it, it moves to my living room.

[@Nafeels]

Aw man, I was hoping for the 1990 Norton F1 with a rotary engine and a sick black JPS livery making an appearance here, but this one's cool too. I also agree with you about the twin headlights too, but I guess at this era they were probably considered ugly compared to the more traditional single unit. Gorgeous girl. Thanks for the showcase, Jay!

[@brucekastel707]

I seem to remember that in addition to the RH Gear Shift it had the racing pattern of 1 Up and 3 Down which really made it tricky coming off of modern bikes.

[@mightymoshe]

More classic motorcycles Jay! That was lovely. I’m a millennial who prefers the classic vintage then to most modern bikes. I own a restored 1962 BMW R69S ISDT along side an R9T roadster. The R9T was my first bike and was the catalyst to the world of vintage motorcycles.

[@rattlesnakedaddy7566]

Nice review. I love the John Player's. I still have my first bike, a 1969 Norton Commando "S". It is now sporting a Interstate tank for better range, as well as a few other modifications over the years. I threatened to switch over from the TLS front drum to a later disc, but never did. It was my only bike for many years, and is still my favorite to ride.

[@DavidSpiers]

always a pleasure to watch someone appreciate and enjoying these wonderful bikes

[@biyouco]

I love it when you pull up your bikes for a show and I’d love to see something on the Honda CB400f Super Sport that I’ve seen in the background. It broke some ground in its time.

[@TheSpencer1982]

You are an inspiration to us younger riders! I’m almost complete with my first restoration of a ‘66 Bonneville, then on to my ‘64 Norton Atlas project. Well done!

[@asacarrick1440]

I'd like...love to see those mate

[@mjustice8231]

Jay, you are a legend, can listen to you for hours, thank you for all the knowledge you put out in the public domain, every video is an amazing story

[@minkcreeksyncros]

I love that Jay has had this bike for 45 + years. Wish I could have kept all my rigs for that long.

[@mountainmandale1587]

Incredible bike for the time it was made. Thank you Mr. Leno for keeping this close to original.

[@dinzeinxsuateach9880]

Stored one of these for a friend for a few months and took it out a few times. It just felt very different from my Triumph 500, Honda 350. Firstly, it just seemed to take curves better; maybe how you had to lean down had something to do with it. But most impressive was when you opened up the throttle, it felt like what happens when you squeeze on a watermelon seed and it just shoots out! Even a bike I had later on, Moto Guzzi Centauro, with almost twice the horsepower, didn't feel like that

[@jamesrickerby2756]

if I had as much wonga as Jay i would have spent it the same way as him. in the 60s I wanted a BSA gold star never got it, married with 2 kids did it for me as far as bikes go. then after a looong, time bought non runner 650 Super Rocket. got a electric start on now, as i am 76. I have had Indian, Triumph, but never Norton, but I have ridden them, great to see you on all your shows keep the program going. my favorite street bike was Norton International. would have to sell house, to get a good one now. keep riding man your shows great.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I fell in love with this motorcycle when I first saw it on the showroom floor in 1974 but I was an Army Private and could not afford it. Ten years later I got a V4 Honda Sabre with the Hondaline fairing that had a similar look, sort of.

[@monkeyzx9]

First bike I ever sat on was my Dads one of these. Beautiful and lovely to see.

[@Silvergreenelsinore]

I really enjoyed this. Jay really is the last of the true old school gearheads. I love his enthusiasm for these machines. He pretends not to remember the name of the "what is it called Lockheed disc brake" but he's just dialing it down for us mortals. I've had a Canary Yellow Norton 850 Commando for about 10 years and when I open the garage it makes me smile when I see it. Keep it up, Jay!!

[@daveco1270]

I've never heard of the John Player Norton. That's a nice looking bike. Fired up first kick...the sign of a well tuned, well cared for British twin. I've got a 70's Honda CB750 and a 60's Triumph TR6. It's interesting to go back and forth between those two bikes knowing the history Very different motorcycles but both are awesome in their own way.

[@asacarrick1440]

Dyou know TR6 is also a classic Triumph sports car. Look them up...a fella driving one always had a sweet Chic along side

[@wayneo7220]

I always had a soft spot for Nortons and the up-swept pipes. A friend I rode with in the mid-'70's had a Commando, I had a Honda 750. We swapped once and I was in heaven.

[@markkeyser]

Fantastic bike. Brought back memories of my old BSA's and jumping back and forth from Hondas and trying to remember which side was which. Kick starting the Goldstar was a thrill as It could smell fear. Those were the days!

[@DeutschlandGuy]

I had a 441 Victor BSA that had to have a compression release lever just to kick it over. I loved the yellow and silver tank. That single cylinder thumper sounded like "half-a-harley" when it idled... It was so cool. 😅 😂 🤣

[@markkeyser]

@@DeutschlandGuy Those were the days: kick starting, tickling the carburetor, advancing/retarding the spark & on and on and on...!

[@wesleycountry5986]

Jay, thanks. For me it was the 650 Triumph, had a garage full in my youth, still remember the routine, tickle the Amals,, two kicks, ran capacitor ignition, and crack that throttle! 😄

[@mcseforsale]

Loved these type of bikes. I was born in '70 so these were just before the "superbike" came out in the 80s with the GSX and Ninja. But, these always looked way more fun. Throw in a video from a band called A'ha and it was over for me. Love the cafe style.

[@brianperry]

In the late seventies small group of us sixties bikers would meet up in a county Pub. I owned a Guzzi LeMans 850, there was a Ducati 900 SS and a couple of Laverda...Italian stallions ...however, one guy owned a John Player Norton fitted with black megaphoned exhausts... It sounded fantastic when giving it ''A bit of Wellie''. Thanks for reminding me of a time long since gone....

[@paulb.2125]

Jay is a smart man to buy and hold onto this beautiful rare classic bike.

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Now that's such a beauty my 68' Commando is one of my all time favourite bikes to ride next to my 27' 16h :) can't go wrong with a Norton. My dads bro raced a Commando back in the day.

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

You'll always be known as the top car and motorcycle collector that made his money doing comedy. Thanks for making this bike interesting for us car guys.

[@livingthedream669]

My first motorcycle was a 1975 Norton Commando 850 MkIII Roadster. It had all of those features, minus the JPS fairing. I am an idiot for selling it. Thanks Jay for taking me down memory lane.

[@geewillikers5342]

As a motorcyclist there must be a word for the time between when you feel a bee hit your helmet until the time they sting you.

[@ModernNeandertal]

I graduated high school in 1974 and owned a Honda CB750. A buddy of mine owned a Norton. Riding with him one night out in the country a raccoon ran out of a ditch and the Norton's center stand scooped the brain right out of that poor critter's head. I was riding my Honda behind him and witnessed the raccoon's exit. Some things just never can be forgotten.

[@vanwandererx852]

I love jay talks about the car(or bike)just by himself.he is very eloquent that way.

[@waynester71]

Loves Jays genuine passion for cars & bikes.. I have 5 bikes in my garage, and love them all.. I just added a 1990 Kawasaki ZXR 750H2 as it was a bike I lusted after in my youth 😊

[@Namburiadityasairam2605]

About Norton's revival - TVS which is a massive Indian 2-wheeler manufacturer has bought the name. People not from India might remember that BMW partnered with TVS to produce the G310 line up, the bike was designed and made by TVS but exported abroad and branded by BMW. So, these guys are up and coming. Plus, with Royal Enfield's success in combining English heritage with Indian domestic market, manufacturing and leadership, many two-wheeler companies in India are vying to emulate the same. India is the largest 2-wheeler market in the world, and these companies have the resources to push for revivals. Aside from TVS trying to bring back Norton, Mahindra (their tractors are famous in the west too) has bought BSA and will be relaunching it, aside from Jawa (an eastern european brand that was popular in India) which has already been done. Exciting times ahead for those who love the English way of motorcycling (Indians love long stroke and riding on torque).

[@R2_D3]

You drive a car, and you ride a motorcycle, Jay! ;) Great peace of history!! Instant ''Mad Max'' flashback memory!

[@jerrystephenson1172]

I love it! I had two Nortons, a 61 Atlas & a 72 High rider. The sound of the bike is unique & takes me back right away to my youth & those crazy times in the 70s.

[@asacarrick1440]

Jay Leno is the high tension lead that gives life to motor cycling.

[@word67]

Not that I ever doubted you Jay, but this purchase alone establishes your bona fides. I'm your age and grew up just up the road from you in Raymond NH. I did end up with a used 74 Commando that I turned into a not quite stock Dunstall Cafe bike. I was involved in the Northern New England Norton Owners Association and we hosted a National Rally in 2001. Hundreds of Nortons in onc field. What a sight. We had the Guy with the Circuit Camera fly up and shoot some epics shots. I'll have to check to see if there were any John Players there. ( how could I forget?) Anyway great to see this wonderful bike on your channel

[@Porsche996driver]

Jay’s going to be riding that Norton for many years to come! 🏍🏁 Imagine how that exercises your brain with brake on the left and shifter on the right?

[@guenterkoppelberg9376]

It's even more complicated than that. What Jay didn't tell you is that first gear is all the way up and fifth is all the way down. So, you're up-shifting by pushing the lever down and down-shifting by pulling the lever up. And all that with the wrong foot. Try to remember that when you are chasing somebody on a Honda on a windy road...

[@luvyesmusici4886]

My uncle got on a friend's Norton or Triumph back in the day, going down a steep hill. He thought he hit the rear brake, but was the shifter instead, and went over the handlebars.

[@blubyu1100]

Great memories Jay. Had a 75 black 850 saw you at the rock store on a yellow 750, great times. Thank you. Recently visited the motorcycle museum in Solvang CA. Amazing collection maybe you could do a show from there. Thanks for all you do.

[@devinlaboda2572]

I'm 27 years old and i love this bike. I gotta have one ! Lol

[@pearldiver7]

You have great taste ;-)

[@LouT1501]

I remember when those came out and thought they were really cool then. Nothing like a snortin' Norton!

[@ryanburke6158]

Jist gotta say, as a younger rider, im 31, ive always been in love with late 70's and early 80's hondas. Ive owned a 81 cx500 and a 86 rebel 450, and an 02 heritage softail harley. The 81 cx500 was by far my favorite ride!! Thanks for showing us old bikes Jay!!!

[@ChristopherBell]

My watching this channel is becoming less about the vehicles and more about watching Jay enjoy the vehicles.

[@nealarmstrong6068]

I love the player, have a 71 commando no disc, dual leading shoe front brake, will never sell it. Bought it new from Doug Douglas Motor cycles in San Bernardino. Great production value …… as always….Thank you Jay

[@cmennare]

A truly gorgeous machine. British twins will always be my favorites.

[@daveb1268]

The isolastic frame / Commando design was the brainchild of Bob Trigg & Bernard Hooper - the last Norton twins to utilise the featherbed frames were the 750 Atlas & 650 Mercury. The JPN replica was designed by John McClaren. All Commando models share the same basic 'Skeleton' & so can be converted into almost any configuration. There are now perhaps as many 'replica replica' JPN's as factory originals ! This example is stunning - a real treat to see & hear it on the road, thankyou Jay.

[@tmackinator]

I have a '71 commando 750. I'm about your age and the machine rips as far as I'm concerned and has more soul than anything on the road today.

[@markr5132]

The fact that Jay bought this in 1974 before he made the big bucks finally convinces that he is afflicted as me when it comes to motorcycles and cars. Their are many that only have giant collections (almost none like Jays) after they make big $$ but before they have funny money you find out who really have the decease. Jay, you now officially have the highest get level of my motorhead respect!!

[@mtacoustic1]

My friend had a Norton 600 Commando in the 70's. He let me ride it once and I thought it was the end of the world at 600cc's (I only had a Honda 90 Trail). Now I have a '96 Buell Lightning, roughly the same weight and size as the JPS. Way more fun than a liter bike!

[@robertturnbull2903]

As a younger guy my dad always talked about a Norton he owned. I have lusted after one for a long time and now have 2. I have both 1973 bikes one 750 commando and one 850 commando. I have been waiting for a long time for you to do a video on one. I bought the 750 in California and would have loved to stop at your shop. There is something about these bikes that words can't express.

[@standswithfish]

What a cool ride! Got to hand it to you Jay. I'm 62 and took my son's car out for a few miles and couldn't feel my hands when I came back!

[@Moto_Plus]

About time Jay does more bikes! That seat is a freaking Lay-Z-boy couch.

[@nealsteik9408]

Yes, more bikes, please!

[@rayray7405]

That seat is far from lazy boy . Just saying .

[@DeutschlandGuy]

Ha! I was just about to say the exact opposite thing. ... Not being a "bike guy" at all, I always feel like I was cheated out of a week of waiting when Jay does a bike video. 😅 😂 🤣

[@A-FrameWedge]

Not with that riding position, and the padding did not look that thick either.

[@CaptHollister]

@@DeutschlandGuy Most of us around here are fully bilingual between bikes and cars. I really enjoy his bike videos and wish he made more.

[@ajay-xjs]

That's a very handsome bike, I don't recall seeing one before so I'm glad you shared it with us. My dad smoked JPS but I only remember the black/gold paint schemes, the red/white/blue looks fantastic.

[@BrinToo]

I loved my 71 750 Commando, pity I had to sell due to eye problems, wish she was still with me 😎 great video bring back the memories.

[@barryrudge1576]

Back in the beginning of the 1970's Norton motorcycles took over a building right next door to the local police station where I was a young constable in my mid 20's. They used the building to pack motorcycles for export with the majority going to the USA. As a motorcycle enthusiast also a Police advanced motorcyclist I would occasionally pop in to have a look round. The staff were very friendly and at times was offered a quick ride around the building on a brand new machine, something I never declined and usually without a saddle as they were being knocked down for packing. The Norton 750cc commando was the major export machine at the time. I still have a motorcycle a mid 90's Kawasaki ZZR1100 but I'm afraid no longer fi enough to ride it.

[@steveparish9210]

I'd forgotten about this bike and Norton girl s, liked the Interstate too and commando. Thanks Jay. Remember the BSA girls. I remember when I got the final issue of Cycle magazine I'd thought the world had ended

[@arth3102]

When I was a kid my grandparents lived a few blocks away from the Norton Dealer in Montebello California I was probably 10yrs old then I when we visited them on the weekends I would walk to the dealership just to stair at the Norton's. I'm 59 yrs old now, andnd I still love motorcycles. Great video. Thank you Jay.