Norton Commandos in the bedroom

[@paulblouin6955]

Thanks, Mike. I put them in the house because the garage and the old shed were not moisture tight enough for me at the time. The garage deficiencies have been corrected, and there is a new heated insulated small shop. Both have old isolastics. The MK II has the normal swing arm wobble, and the (unknown type) rear MC on the MK II started leaking while sitting. Other than that, they need new gas and oil. Surprised nobody mentioned the Lotus Seven. Life has had me spending less and less time at that house.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

The Lotus 7 is very nice, does it have the twin cam engine ?

[@swooshdave]

Paul, I drooled on the Lotus plenty. I think I got most of it wiped off. :-)

[@paulblouin6955]

@@453421abcdefg12345 No. The Lotus is a '65 MK II with some frame mods. more like a MKIII plus a tubular steel rather than riveted aluminum transmission mount. The engine is a 1500 Cosworth MK VIII, which is a Pre-Crossflow Kent with DCOE40s, and tapered steel intake manifolds. Carbs were bad from sitting. Had a little backfire fire/meltdown. All fixed now and ready to be reinstalled. It weighed 1050 with half a tank of gas, a few tools, and my autocross stuff included. Dyno papers from before I bought it in '87 showed 101 hp at the crank. Lotus quoted 85. Engine was built back then by Vanguard Racing in Ohio. Jay Ivy in Portland built the street engine in the MK II Cortina GT you didn't see. 135 at the crank on pump gas. For you Brits, Johnny Herbert won the Formula Ford Festival using a Jay ivey engine in his car, straight from Portland, OR. First winner using an American Formula Ford tuner,

[@stewy62]

I’m sure I’m not the only one who would enjoy more rides through Oregon ! That was a lovely start to my Sunday morning 🇬🇧🏍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Stewy! Glad you enjoyed the video. It was a really enjoyable day out. Best wishes, Mike

[@randalmontgomery4595]

Me too.

[@iivaridark6850]

The 360 crank engine of the Thruxton 900 sounds much more British and pleasing than the later ones! Thanks!

[@paulblouin6955]

I would own a scrambler if it had a 360 degree crank.

[@garycb8592]

Wife and I took a trip out to Oregon and visited the Tillamook Air Museum and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse years ago. Beautiful country. Thanks for posting.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Gary. Best wishes, Mike

[@shashimenon1000]

Hi. Iam using my bose sound sport headphones while watching this. The deep rumble of the bikes is like a great head massage. Outstanding. What views. Great video.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Shashi! Glad to hear that the sound is coming through okay. Some of the engine noise is lost a little with the microphone being tucked into the helmet, but it still seems to work quite well. I'm really pleased with the sound quality with the current setup. Best wishes, Mike

[@jimcockburn4652]

Norton had two variations of camshafts for Commando which are enough selection without the need to have the camshaft ground or modified, you start that bullshit and you start creating problems such as premature valve guide wear. It can be done but be prepared for cylinder head removal and overhaul after a short period. The engines in Commando and other model Norton are near bullet proof all they need is maintenance and care.

[@jimcockburn4652]

Well said mate. For how many years did Norton build a parallel twin with little to no problems.

[@berniebne8243]

Some of the best Fish & Chips I've ever had was in Ketchican Alaska. The Pacific Cod was so fresh and tasty. Amazing story I'll bet it's a real wrench for Paul to part with those bikes. Enjoyed the footage & especially the drone.

[@shashimenon1000]

Was there year before last. Agree. Fantastic fish n chips. The crab legs werelonger than my forearm! My word.!

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

Thank you for the enjoyable ride this morning. More Norton’s hidden in a bedroom wow but you can tell he loves them bikes. They must keep him close to his family. Great rides thru Oregan on a Sunday morning thank you

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you RL! Glad you liked the video. Yes, it was a very nice and touching story hearing about the history of Paul's family and their bikes. Cheers, Mike

[@tubadude905]

Lovely countryside, cool bikes...and a great soundtrack. Thanks for taking us along for the ride Mike!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes, Mike

[@JRondeauYUL]

That was quite a nice ride, before the leaves start to turn red. And a great visit too. Cheers 🍻!!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Merci Jean-François. Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Mike

[@randalmontgomery4595]

The green Commando looks great with those mag wheels, a modern look

[@pikebobstar2033]

Yeah. Get what you mean about riding while the sun shines. Coming to end of season in blighty. Had to lay up my bikes for winter early (long story) but like you, time to start the winter projects. Those Norton's were fantstic! Great bikes, great scenery, great ride 👍

[@exb.r.buckeyeman845]

I once had a long stroke single knocker Manx engine in my bedroom, which I bought from all places Gravesend, about 1969.

[@GrahamMeehan]

The roads look amazing to ride it’s on my bucket list , one day 🙏🏼

[@tadpoles10]

'Excellent' What a great way to start sunday, a morning ride with the 'lads'. I really enjoyed the ride, almost tasted the 'Fish n Chips' making the most of the good weather. It was useful to have the map 'view', I very often look up were you ride to & estimate the miles if they are not mentioned. Interesting couple of bikes Paul has along with the history. I have the feeling he's still quite attached to them for now. My view is once that feeling can be 'eased' then it's a good time to let them go for someone else to enjoy, after all they were built to ride. Not easy but once made the decision is imo a good one the memories are still yours along with the photos. Thanks Mike, Dave, Tom & Paul for doing the 'heavy' bits. atvb t ..

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Terry for your great note and comments. Hope all is well, Cheers, Mike

[@PLINKER]

That was great! Very nice country that you rode through! Love the sound of you machine!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Tom! I do like the sound of the British Customs Predator mufflers. They sound great around town but definitely had to wear ear plugs for the longer rides. Cheers, Mike

[@MothershipVideos]

Beautifu scenery and nice looking Nortons for sure. The Thruxton sounds alright, as well, with the 270* throw crank.

[@swooshdave]

The 2014 Thruxton was a 360˚ crank.

[@davidmacgregor5193]

Hi Mike, in the early 1980's a mate of mine who lived in Gomersal was a collector of Triumph T150 and T150V Tridents, he had fourteen of them scattered throughout his home. The Tridents were in several stages of being rebuilt, newly stove enamelled frames, rebuilt wheels and forks, newly resprayed petrol tanks, fully rebuilt and partly dismantled motors were in every room of his home. I lost touch with him when I went to work in Telford, so I don't know how many of his Trident projects were ever finished.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Wow, thanks David. I'm hoping to see a few more Tridents in 2021. They are amazing bikes. Best wishes, Mike

[@davidmacgregor5193]

@@TheMightyGarage Yes Mike, I know how good the Tridents are, in the early 1980's I owned a T160V with a Norman Hyde 850 big bore kit installed, that machine was the best handling motorcycle that I've ever owned bar none. It was so powerful that it kept on snapping the rear wheel spokes, I eventually solved the problem by having the wheel laced with MG sportscar spokes. I traded the Trident in against a brand new Triumph TSX, but that's another story for another day. Ride safe Mike, Best Regards, Dave.

[@TheReverb1]

Hello; beautiful landscapes that you have there. The road inside the woods is very similar to what you find in several places in Japan. Drone shots were very dramatic and pro level. Thanks

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much for your note. I would absolutely love to visit Japan and experience the vintage motorcycle scene. It looks really cool. Best wishes, Mike

[@spotsterjon74cu]

Great video, bikes and scenery. More please👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Jon. There are more vids in production as we speak 😀

[@JimStone2]

The detour on the way back is finally gone! It's a nice piece of road. Enjoy your videos. You've nailed the audio.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Jim. That was a bit of a white-knuckle ride! Especially when you meet the logging trucks coming the other way 😬 Best wishes, Mike

[@dogpaw775]

the mic sock works a treat.

[@swooshdave]

Dead cat for the win!

[@larrys.3992]

Magical day! Good ride, fish and chips and look at Norton motorcycles. Your making me homesick.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, thanks Larry!

[@54macdog]

Still loving the drone shots. Maybe feature it in a future edition.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much! Dave and I have been chatting about a possible technology overview session in a future vid. Cheers, Mike

[@bige3728]

i look forward to your videos on sunday mornings what stunning scenery stunning roads are there any cars in oregon i looked at the milage 72miles of stunning riding roads thanks mike and to have two nortons not ridden they need to be recommissioned for the road then he will know what he has missed all the best

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you E! Really appreciate your note as always. Best wishes, Mike

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video they look fantastic stay safe looking forward to next one 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Richard! Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Mike

[@henryhawk7038]

When out west on my road trip. I changed my oil in a grocery store parking lot in Blanding I believe it was. The shop foreman at the Tillamook Ford dealer disposed of it for me. Great looking bikes he had. Enjoyed the vid Mike.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Henry! Best wishes, Mike

[@snbailes1]

Magic, wonderful ride, scenery, wonderful bikes. well done Mike.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Neil! Glad you enjoyed the vid. It was a great day. Cheers, Mike

[@daveb1268]

Thanks Mike, that was a real treat !

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Dave! Cheers, Mike

[@wdhewson]

Not much wrong with those early big Suzuki Fours. Big grunt, and capable of a wild scream. Great photography. Thanks, That doesn't happen by accident.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate the great feedback. Best wishes, Mike

[@williamharring2592]

Mike!! What a video!! Beautiful Camera work!!! The ride was great!! What a ride!!! Enjoyed!! The Norton's you looked at had some history!!! Paul was patenate about them!!! And the lunch you all had made me hungry for fish and chips!!! Id better get back down to Big D triumph and see them and stop at Plano at European cycles!!! My friend Paul likes to go to these dealers!!! He has 2 triumphs, the 2018 bobber and the 2020 triumph one!!! Take care and have a good week Mike!! Take care!!!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much William! I’m glad you enjoyed this video. Yes, it was one of my favorites. I particularly like the drone shots that Dave took. It was a lovely remind her of a really enjoyable day. Best wishes Mike

[@ouncynassif321]

Preparing for a solo DGR, good morning from Lebanon again ☮️💖

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Ouncy. Hope you had a good DGR. We had a good time. It was very low key. 2 friends and I rode to a local cafe where we met just a few friends. It was a lot of fun. Best wishes, Mike

[@danmcneil7181]

Thanks for the great video. Oregon looks like such a beautiful place to ride. You are very fortunate. Cheers, 👍🇨🇦

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks Dan, It really is a great state and I count myself very lucky to live here. Best wishes, Mike

[@Marbleheadjed]

Great day ! Nice to see the gs rolling with you guys . I have a77 gs550 down with an electrical issue . Thanks for the virtual ride . Beautiful bikes , my Dad worked on his Honda in the kitchen much to Moms chagrin lol.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Haha, thanks Jeffrey. Great story. Cheers, Mike

[@Beeza56]

This is why I enjoy living in the States Mike. Catskills in my case, but the vibe is the same. And, of course, meeting all the interesting people who still have their Brit bikes from back in the day. Always a pleasure. Thanks man and all the best, Ian 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Ian! Yes, that was a really good day. I enjoyed it a lot! Best wishes, Mike

[@eternallearner8185]

I see these fantastic riding locations all over the US on KZbin and think how lucky you blokes are, so much so that I'd think about moving there , I'm in Australia, then I remember that it's only that way for 6 or so months. Make the most of it!

[@swooshdave]

That gives us the other six months to work on all of the projects.

[@Doug19651983]

Boy, we sure live in a beautiful place don't we.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Doug, it is such a beautiful state. I love Oregon! Best wishes, Mike

[@michaelhayward7572]

Wonderful part of the world. I've only heard good things about Oregon and the city of Portland.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Michael! Oregon certainly is a wonderful state and the beautiful city of Portland will hopefully be great again. Best wishes, Mike

[@ThePianoCentre]

The fish and chips looked nice ( thought you were in Scarboro again) thanks Mike 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Haha, the fish 'n' chips were quite good but I'm sorry to say nowhere near as good as from the chippies in Scarborough! 😉 Now you have got me hungry for fish 'n' chips (and of course mushy peas!) again 😉

[@davidmacgregor5193]

@@TheMightyGarage Hi Mike, the best fish 'n' chips that I've ever had was at the harbour in Bridlington in 1970, I put salt and proper malt vinegar on them, not that non-brewed condiment rubbish that chippies pass off as vinegar today. I can smell that lovely aroma now.

[@TheDavey333]

Fish, chips and Norton’s not a bad way to start the day 😀 That Green is a great colour, looked good with those wheels. An impressive pair to keep,in your back bedroom. Great drone footage, thanks Dave 👍 and what a view. Thanks for sharing Mike and good to see you out on the Thruxton 👍 All the best for your hard to do editing 😂

[@TheMightyGarage]

Haha 😉 thanks David. Yes, a lot went into that video. It became a bit of an epic production!! 😂

[@hotwheel6663]

Beautiful Nortons, green one Lester Mags?

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

You have got some lovely rides in Oregon, interesting to see the "left hand drive Norton"

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, it can get confusing at times, Kevin. Early Commandos with right-hand shifts but riding on the right and newer Commandos with left-hand shifts. Then if they have rear sets, it can get even more confusing 😉

[@sf940477]

Need to get on with my projects 😆 but the weather is so good..Enjoyed that Mike , Oregon looks lovely ,some great looking roads and scenery.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Stephen! Good luck with your projects! I'm the same. I can't seem to get my backside in gear and get on with them. I think I spend more time worrying about what I need to do than the time it would take to just get the jobs done! 😂

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

Another great video, Mike. I am always fascinated by motorcycles people have hidden away. You and I have more than Nortons in common, I too have a Thruxton. Thanks for the new video.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Ah cool! Thanks. Yes, I am ashamed to say that I don't ride the Thruxton as much as I thought I would. It is such a great bike. Best wishes, Mike

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

@@TheMightyGarage Speaking of old motorcycles hidden away, I snagged a 1969 Commando this morning. That's my earliest Commando.

[@sticksnstuffguy93]

Wonderful video as usual! I hope your staying safe considering you live in crazy town USA! Have a wonderful day!

[@swooshdave]

As long as you stay out of downtown or the wildfires it's not bad. :-)

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks Simon. Yes, thankfully we hardly notice what's going on in the city where we live in the "burbs". Cheers, Mike

[@kevinschilling1368]

beautiful !

[@nealebradford6417]

hi mike, great vid, what pipes are you running on the thruxton, sounds good, take care.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Neale, they are the British Customs Predator mufflers on the Thruxton. I had the bike re-mapped when I got them when I first bought the bike and still have the original pipes in a box in the garage.. don't think I would ever put them back on 😉 Best wishes, Mike

[@snake_eyes_garage]

That Thruxton sounds nice and I can tell by the voice-over that it is a comfortable ride. I guess you get used to switching control sides but that would bother me a little. All my thoughts and prayers for everyone in Oregon following this very difficult fire season. Such beautiful country.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Conrad for your kind words. It is much appreciated. Best wishes, Mike

[@rafaelpelizza7898]

Saludos desde Argentina muy buenos los vídeos los veo siempre...

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hola Rafael, ¡muchas gracias por mirar! Mis mejores deseos, Mike

[@coreylevenson]

Paul has good taste. Two Nortons, a Lotus Seven and a Dave Alvin t-shirt. So, will he keep the bikes or sell them?

[@swooshdave]

My vote is he better keep one of them.

[@TheMightyGarage]

@@swooshdave Yes, I agree Dave. I think Paul should definitely keep one of the Commandos.

[@paulblouin6955]

My wife was acquainted with the Alvin brothers when they played in her friend's basement in Downey. I saw The Blasters at the Palladium in 81 or 82. Weve seen Dave with and without his brother, and Jimmy Dale Gilmore at the Coach house in the last few years. Had him sign a couple of his poetry books "All the Hard Times are Now Behind You" for my Nephew and I. He is a really good poet and songwriter. Fortunately, or unfortunately, he doesn't play the really heartbreaking and gritty stuff in the shows, A lot more upbeat

[@59jaguar]

Great ride! Thanks mike!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Roger! Cheers, Mike

[@nativerhythm1564]

Hello in Oregon! Is that the OEM handlebar for a '14 Thruxton? If so, is it a 1" bar or 7/8"?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi, thanks for your note. The bars are completely stock that came with the bike. They are 1" bars. Cheers, Mike

[@nativerhythm1564]

@@TheMightyGarage Thanks Mike!

[@peterwilliamson4296]

Great video that really takes you along thanks. Wonder how the 900 ride compares to the Norton 850. I sometimes think Commandos should only be black and gold!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, thank you Peter. The Thruxton feels very different to the Commando. The Thruxton is in my opinion very heavy, but I'm a small guy and I haven't owned new or larger bikes. Many bigger guys think it is actually too small. However, it is a wonderful bike. It's flawless in many respects. I just hit the button (when the battery is charged of course) and ride off! It's really smooth and very solid on the road once it's under way. I find the gearing very high and probably don't rev it as much as I should to get the most power. It's also a bit of a challenge to move around the garage and the turning circle seems very limited, but it's a great bike. The Commando on the other hand feels light, nimble with lots of torque and tons of FUN! It's definitely more enjoyable to ride and it has much more character. Dare I say it has.. soul! I agree with you about black & gold.. funnily enough nearly all my bikes are black and gold, so there must be a pattern there 😉 Cheers, Mike

[@BrendanGM]

Lovely bikes but that Lotus - I nearly wet myself. I have a sew on Lotus patch that I bought at Spa in the 90s but haven't had a jacket worthy of it yet...

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Brendan, if you like Lotus, you might like this vid from the Barber museum last year. The good stuff starts at the beginning of the movie! Cheers, Mike. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3echYicjdVjj9U

[@BrendanGM]

@@TheMightyGarage I'd forgotten that series - thanks!

[@kdsowen2882]

Nice bikes (I think he just wanted a hand to get them out ! ) Your thruxton has a lovely deep rumble Dave NZ

[@jimcockburn4652]

Mate Norton has a selection of camshafts for Commando, the standard camshaft and an original Norton special grind camshaft for those who like their bike with more grunt. I had two friends who had their Mk2s cams reground, both bikes went like a dog shot in the ring but both machines had premature camshaft failures.

[@nautn]

What great ride. What has become of the Nortons?

[@dducdude6315]

You had me at Nortons he wanted to sell! Perhaps we should chat?heheheh.... Another great Sunday view with a hot cup of hot lemon tea, both good for the soul..Many Thanks Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you E! Hope all is well with your quest for a Commando! Good luck. Mike

[@paulblouin6955]

I want to sell them, or maybe just one, but each will be roadworthy first. The MK III didn't have 100 miles when I bought it, but I'm partial to the MK II.

[@dducdude6315]

@@paulblouin6955 Well just let me know Mike has all my contact data !

[@extremeelytonymccullagh3465]

Enjoyed this video. T tipp.

[@johnb5519]

Really nice. Did you have to put them back up in the bedroom again?

[@swooshdave]

Went into the new shop that's fortunately close to the ground.

[@johnb5519]

@@swooshdave Oh. I know if I still had mine, I would have it in the house for sure. I've got my eye out for one.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Very difficult to part with stuff, especially motorcycles, once you've owned them that long. I constantly fight that itch with my highly non std 79 T140. Purchased.new out of the showroom 40 years ago...

[@LENNYGLOVER007]

Yes must have fish n chips at the seaside, glad you didn't have fries! Did you drip your toe in the sea? Enjoy riding and take care, Lenny, Leicestershire, UK.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, thanks Lenny. We didn't actually get down to the water unfortunately. Maybe next time! Best wishes, Mike

[@triumphmanful]

Alas my norton is still buried in my garage ! I come close to digging her out and going out for a ride. Battery, gas, air, oil, check first. I miss riding her. She is a snortin nortin, as my old riding buddies would say . I just can not get beyond the cell phone fools around here. For sure they woul run me over. If i had roads like this video i would be riding, for damn sure .

[@Richard-pe4cx]

those norman hyde accessories are rare

[@richardstevens801]

Mike, I’m impressed with your camera work especially the drone footage. How do you pack that on a bike without damage? Keep up the fantastic videos. Sincerely R.S.

[@swooshdave]

www.velomacchi.com/collections/the-speedway-collection/products/40l-speedway-backpack

[@swooshdave]

The Mavic Air 2 is extremely compact. It's not a challenge at all.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Richard! I'm very grateful to @swooshdave for bringing along the drone and other camera equipment for this trip. They really helped bring more depth to the movie. Best wishes, Mike

[@georgemartin5481]

I'd make Mike let me tag along for the ride if I was nearby. Too bad I'm in Indiana. :-(

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, you would be most welcome George! Cheers, Mike

[@Wooley689]

He wants to sell? I think perhaps he changed his mind.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, I do believe you are correct Wooley! Best wishes, Mike

[@dikvandersar6267]

Not too often this fast food! It causes a vitamine deficiency. I know, i had a bmw r1150rt in the garage wirhout heating and after 8 years the clinders are corroded.

[@TheMightyGarage]

hehe, I don't think he has been feeding his Commandos fast food 😉