Nova Motorcycles-The Norton Atlas Goes Commando

[@genet55]

My first Commando was bought new in 1973. It was as fast as any other street bike around. Handling was superlative. I currently own a 850 74 rebuilt by Doug McCadam one of the founders of Colorado Norton Works. The bike still is one of the best handling motorcycles I’ve ever ridden and can keep up with bikes made today in the twisties. Its torque curve and lightness really are something to behold. At my age kick starting became an issue so I put an Alton e start in it. I truly believe it’s one of the greatest machines ever made.

[@novamotorcycles]

@@genet55 there are so many great upgrades available for them. It's great you're still able to enjoy these unique and wonderful machines!

[@digmanm]

Awesome looking bike. Thanks for the tour!

[@ericcsuf]

I owned a completely stock 1975 Norton Interstate with left shift. It was a wonderful bike for Sunday morning canyon racing. All the right noises, smells and handling. I started with Japanese bikes and owned several at the time I bought the Norton so I wanted the left shift so that muscle memory wouldn't screw me on a right shift in an emergency. I sold it around '86 and my eyes actually teared up as I watched the new owner ride down my driveway and out of sight. Parts were easy as I lived near Brian Slark's Classic Motorcycles at the time.

[@aaronturner5409]

I'm twenty eight and I just built my first commando from the ground up,, just got the carbs tuned. It sounds beautiful! im so happy with how it came out,, i allways wanted one... im planning to build a spare engine for her, Got all the parts except cases.

[@novamotorcycles]

@@aaronturner5409 Right on!

[@wicken8895]

My 2nd bike was a 750 Norton Commando. It, unfortunately got run over by an 18 wheeler but that's another story. It was positive ground when I bought it. Rewired it with a battery eliminator (kept the battery as back up) and made it Neg ground for convenience sake.That thing was a BEAST. Loved that bike. After this I bought a Honda 550/4. Much like the Hinda 500/4 featured on one of your vids. Brought back memories of cruising the PCH late at night and looking forward to hitting those "Warm pockets" just before an over-pass. Thanks.

[@novamotorcycles]

@@wicken8895 Warm pockets! Much appreciated reliefs on a night ride. Can also be found at the bottom of certain hills..

[@phillipmitchell5879]

Good info.! Thx!!

[@rotax636nut5]

I had a 1972 750 Commando, the bike was set up really carefully particularly the ignition system and the carbs jetting and was fitted with a Dunstall 2/1/2 exhaust system and it was more than a match for friends big Japanese bikes, for example I got a 12/1 second ET at 109 terminal speed at Avon Park Raceway and my friend who was with me on his CB750 was almost a second slower and 8mph down on the terminal, none of my pals at the Eltham and District MCC could believe how fast that Norton was!

[@novamotorcycles]

@@rotax636nut5 They really are great machines. With a little setup and tuning they can take on much more complicated and modern bikes. A testament to the engineers who were working with so little at Norton.

[@peterrestaino7047]

Interesting history. Still working on my rat incomplete 1970 commando S. got a long way to go. I ordered 3500 dollars worth of parts from Andover Norton and when it was here but not at my house they were holding it randsom until I payed 400 bucks. As soon as my wife hit send to this broker an hour later the box was at my door step.

[@novamotorcycles]

That's too bad about customs. Let us know what you need next time-we can get Andover parts that are already imported (Assuming you're in the states).

[@peterrestaino7047]

@@novamotorcyclesLong Island thanks

[@johnwilcox4078]

I have a '73 Combat Roadster, my third Commando. One thing I like about them is owners take more exceptions to keeping things stock and original than other vintage bikes. Like the single Mikuni, the Corbin seat, tank color, etc. He also relocated the horn to a better location. Many upgrades and improvements are available, like preventing wet sumping, swingarm stiffener kits, front brake improvements, etc. Also, Andover claims they make every single part for every Commando in all 10 years of production!

[@stephencox4224]

@@johnwilcox4078 What was wrong about Nortons idea of hanging a horn in mid air and then building a bike around it, I remember replacing one under warranty back in 1971 that is how I know what a bugger of a position they chose for the horn. Sadly I really miss my Norton Mercury, should never have sold that one only found out a couple of years back they only built about 450 of them in total. Almost as rare as the modified Velocette Thruxtons that were the last built at the Factory for the Australian Dealer Burling and Simmons they diffe4red from the standard thruxtons in having battery coil ignition systems rather than the traditional Magneto, It seems they had everything to finish some bikes except Magnetos and Burling and Simmonds suggested they would take them in modified form aqn Australian only model though I believe one went to Sweden and another top America

[@kurtheinzel2240]

harley B motors in the soft tail line not rubber mounted balancer shaft

[@novamotorcycles]

@@kurtheinzel2240 Good info. Thanks!