The 10 Bankruptcies of Norton Motorcycles - Commando Review

[@Johnpmccleave]

Years ago, struck up a conversation with a guy sitting on a Norton Commando in our small town, a rare sight. We had heard the stories of how hard they were to get started, and my buddy bet the guy he could start his. Keep in mind we were young teens who had just rode up on bicycles, and my buddies riding experience up to this point was an old XR80. “If you can start it first kick, it’s yours”. He gently kicked it till he felt compression, twisted the throttle a little and jumped on it - and it fired first kick! The guy couldn’t believe it, said he had to do it twice. So restart the procedure and… fires up again! “how old are you?” 13 he replied. “to young to own a motorcycle”, threw on his helmet and left. Years later, my buddy was at a corporate event, and ended up trading motorcycle stories with a coworker. When this story came up, her husband got quiet and sunk deeper and deeper into his chair… it was the guy. Buddy still doesn’t have a Norton Commando.

[@droproductions4542]

Lovely story thnks

[@roelfkromhout]

“If you can start it first kick, it’s yours”. Well that's a dumb thing to say isn't it? lol

[@QuangHaiinh]

Kudo to the man that true to his word

[@tinbanger66]

Ok, now do a yz 425.😅

[@tren-y2m]

@@QuangHaiinh But he wasn't true to his word?😅

[@firedog5339]

I love the oil shutoff valve with integrated killswitch at 10:27. Well done by the owner!

[@TornadoCAN99]

Yes it works very well and it is basically a water tap from homedepot, a N.O. microswitch and bit of alu flat to mount the switch. Ran me about $20 and an hour to make up. There are several similar setups on market for $80-$300.

[@LordDraikful]

"Our greatest living builder" - well-deserved shoutout to Millyard there. Absolute genius of an engineer. Anyone intrigued should check out his rebuild of the Norton V8, all catalogued here on KZbin and coming to an end quite soon.

[@duroxkilo]

not even a metaphor, he really is.. :)

[@medler2110]

Worth watching the rebuild just to see how bad some of the work on the original build had been. and the baking and the hedgehogs obviously.

[@tommeyer6033]

"coming to an end"?

[@Banditmanuk]

I was in the front row at the National Motorcycle Museum when he started the Nemesis. He's made many minor improvements to that V8 to get it running properly. Absolutely amazing what Allen can achieve in that residential garage.

[@LordDraikful]

​@@tommeyer6033 Aye - project's nearly done - he's finished the engine rebuild and started it up in the latest episode a month or so ago.

[@toddleyland1131]

A great piece! I can’t wait as the face-off of Royal Enfield-BSA-Norton begins. In a great twist of colonial fate, these three Indian companies hopefully will not only save these heritage brands from the dustbin but restore them to greatness, giving us another chapter in the history books 🙌🏼

[@David-og7di]

It will be a nightmare of similar parts and different badges.

[@louisgordon4388]

​@@David-og7dinot likely, they all have different parent companies

[@bsviky]

I hope Norton bikes will be more premium than REs.

[@fizzymann]

@@David-og7di RE have been building bikes in India since 1955! I love my Enfield, clearly built to a budget but so am I!

[@David-og7di]

@@fizzymann as I do my vintage Harley friend. I only asserted that caution as I saw what had become of another fine marque in contemporary Matchless and BSA. But I'm an old guy and no-one has to build the bikes I rode, not possible in todays world. Best from NZ

[@snottyvar]

Good to see a shout out to the brilliant Allen Millyard

Came to comment the same.

[@gazza9670]

I bought a new 850 in 1975. Installed a Dunstall exhaust and absolutely loved that bike...shakes and all. Proudest moment was when a buddy on his new 750 Honda challenged me to a 5kmh rolling-start drag race. Launched and never saw him again. Good times.

[@bruceleong9534]

I bought a Candy Apple Red 850 Interstate in 1975. Also had a two into one Dunstall exhaust. Still one of the best riding bikes I’ve ever owned.

[@paulblouin6955]

@@bruceleong9534 I have a MK III I bought just after the collapse, and a modified MK II my brother bought from Horse Power International (HPI) a year or wo after I bought year MK III. Both were modified with compression, some porting, light exhausts, HPI cams, and dual Mikuni 34s. Fairly peppy for what they were. XS-11 was the first multi that would pull either of them in a roll on. KZ900 or 1000 and GS 1000 would be left behind with the roll on, but would eventually steam on by and accelerate away. Street racing against a first series Honda 750 was a joke and not worth bothering with. I'm actually getting both of those ready to go. The 2025 International Norton Owners Association rally is about 900 miles south of me next summer. Who knows?

[@sallhame]

The Commando is much quicker than the Honda CB750. It is more up there with the Kawasaki Z900/Z1000. And with better roadholding than any japanese bike from the seventies.

[@mooiboyace]

What’s the point of 5km/h? Don’t you mean 50?

[@gazza9670]

haha. I didn't set the rules.@@mooiboyace

[@trappaholix]

first of 10 abusive partners sounds like my first girlfriend

[@thomemasset7300]

Which number were you?

[@rhetorical1488]

Boats also fall into this category

[@FortNine]

Cheer up sport - at least you've had 10 girlfriends. ~RF9

[@allanmoger1838]

@@FortNinewell he says he has…

[@johncabrera4580]

😂

[@TheSpud75]

My Grandad (Peter Inchley) was the race development engineer for Norton Villiers and also the competition manager for NVT. In 1966 he came 3rd at the IOM TT on the villiers special (bultaco ts125 frame with a villiers starmaker engine). He was beaten by Stuart Graham (2nd) and Mike Hailwood (1st) on the work hondas (6cyl 250cc). In 1967 Norton villiers then made the ajs starmaker (again rode by Peter Inchley) and was in 5th until the fuel was sabotaged... The Norton commando came along and had a lot of promise. Handled really well, engine was great yet the Japanese were developing at such a rate the humble commando was falling behind. In an attempt to save NVT Peter said to the business "we need a multi cylinder water cooled 2 stroke". NVT replied "But Peter, have you tried a bigger carburettor?". Grandad said to the firm at that very moment "that's enough I'm done" and never returned. He went on to develop the Suzuki HI-TAC which finished 3rd at the IOM TT and clocked over 160mph through the speed trap. This was the fastest bike at the time I believe. If NVT listened our history of British motorcycle could still be alive and strong. The monocoque frame was made by a fantastic engineer called Bas knight(affectionately know locally as the warlock), he developed/made some incredible frames with a mind that was over 50 years ahead of it's time. One he told me about recently was a ride height device similar to that of the current MotoGP machines. This was in the 1970's... Later he developed further evolutions of the machine, Norman white also a master engineer developed and tested the commando and future evolutions of it. Norman still works on Norton commandos to this day and Bas still a master craft engineer. the Norton Villiers factory still stands to this day at thruxton race circuit.

[@twinpotracer]

The best motorcycle built by Norton was the 650ss

[@gomezgomezian3236]

Yeah, but. That is like the British aviation industry. Came up with some great designs post-WW2. Even built excellent prototypes. But no one, not even the British Govt would buy them. Something about knowing that the actual production versions would be sh!t.

[@TheSpud75]

@@gomezgomezian3236 sadly that does not suprise me

[@sallhame]

Norman White is a great engineer, and was a good racedriver back in the seventies. After Norton was bankrupt, White started classic racing and set many track records. On a Norton Manx, of course.

[@Bazza.baz224]

I came a hair's breadth from buying a 2024 Commando 961 this year. Read and watched hours of reviews and booked a test ride and was 95% certain I was going to sign on the dotted line. There were quite a few niggles with the test ride (appalling turning circle, vibrations, no fuel gauge or reserve tap, tiny tank) but just look at it! Beautiful. Just listen to the exhaust! ). These didn't put me off. But then it stalled and wouldn't restart for 10 minutes. Under 600 miles on the clock and I was crushed. No thanks.😢

[@BritMCGuy]

There was one on our local "All British" ride a couple weeks ago. The owner said it's a real Norton - it wet sumps, shakes and has any number of gremlins. Pretty thing though! I'll stick to my '69 750 Fastback.

[@David-og7di]

And now? Do you feel like you dodged an expensive bullet. One has been sitting at my local Brit-type dealers for 5 years! Granted, its not a hugr city but the crooked business really ruined the reputation.

[@TheBainsTube]

Allen Millyard needs his own dedicated video on this channel.

[@dietznutz1]

Right

[@MrD-moto]

He has one already and you can see the rebuild of the V8 Norton on it too.

[@dietznutz1]

@@MrD-moto read the statement again.

[@IamPinhead]

A review of his rebuilt Norton and a dive into all his personal touches would be excellent.

[@sreejeshism]

Absolutely 💯

[@r8revolver773]

For those who don't know the guy who rebuilt the v8 is Alan Milyard, he has a youtube channel where he makes all sorts of odd bikes pretty much from scratch in his garage.

[@martynho1]

Not odd. Perfect. They always look like they came out of the factory 👍

[@deadprivacy]

They are always odd, extremely odd. Hes the "why not?" Of builders​@@martynho1

[@xavierh.5102]

oh crap he's the guy that made the bike with a chopped up pratt and whitney radial aircraft engine... didn't put that together until just now

[@tobymcnicol922]

he's a cake thief though....

[@Surestick88]

Kudos to whoever keeps those engine cases polished with that much love and is also willing to lend the bike to Fortnine to ride, on a wet day. It's too bad that the newest incarnation of Norton failed, they were gorgeous bikes.

[@TornadoCAN99]

Thanks for the compliment but alas, the engine covers on my bike are real easy to keep shiny...as they are chromed by some previous owner... ;-)

[@wingood94]

I have a Norton Atlas, and the timing case is a never ending story of Autosol and elbow grease 😂

[@paulthew2]

I remember those advertisements you show at the end. The women were about ten years older than me, so now well into their seventies and some in their eighties. Thank you ladies, and I hope life treated you well.

[@TCGE08]

Those last few seconds will get labeled “Most rewatched”.

[@porscheguy19]

I thought this was going to be about the kind of people who own classic Norton motorcycles - because these old bikes end up rotting away in their backyards as they get too old to ride them and are in denial about it. There is literally an old 850 Commando 4 doors down from me under a tarp rotting away in an old guy's backyard.

[@Khanivores]

My bf recently got his manx fully repaired but he can’t ride it for more than 40 minutes because the handle position are destroying his wrists💔

[@jtfritchie]

Me too. Thought the same

[@Burbituate]

One example doesn't mean all, most are in heated garages with the rest of their owners "restored collection" being an ornament, with an eye on there value rather than there utility, the "Henry Cole effect".

[@popuptoaster]

People can do what they like with their own property, I'm sure there are plenty of project bikes around for sale if you feel that strongly about saving them.

[@CNDUK-q8r]

Why not go and make him an offer?

[@Redmenace96]

For anyone that hasn't clicked on Millyard: When I clicked on the first 3-4 vids, I thought it was an internet fake. His techniques are beyond believablity. He has strange cuts to hedgehogs and his wife's muffins and a doll on the counter. It feels like some crazy David Lynch film. It is really a blend of folk-art and moto engineering. The dude is a blend of genius and nutz.

[@TornadoCAN99]

Yes i think his eccentricity is on the autism spectrum. But this is likely what makes his work so profoundly awesome.

[@MatkatMusic]

Please talk about KTM's (owner's) impending bankruptcy next!

[@Chimera_0990tfr]

bajaj's backing them and they have big pockets no doubt i think KTM will turn completely into a subsidiary

[@CShellby]

would love to know what is going on between bajaj and ktm

[@1234567marks]

That was well researched, the only mistake was Garners sentence for robbing pension funds, he was given a £20,000 fine and let go 🙄, 20k to him is like £5 to the average person, nothing!, anyway great video, did you enjoy riding the old bike??

[@FortNine]

Yeah the suspended sentence is better than he deserves I think. Loved riding the old Commando - quite torquey and heavy, it feels like riding a lot of momentum. ~RF9

[@m.f.m.67]

@@FortNine Once again, due to an ever-lenient criminal justice system, crime pays. Which is why people like Garner will keep defrauding both employees and taxpayers.

[@Surestick88]

@@m.f.m.67 One can't help but feel that if he wasn't rich the sentence would have been a lot heavier.

[@brianferguson7840]

The only British Emission control was polite "fart suppression" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Almost missed that one.

[@marksparks59]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@trailblazer632]

Its always a shame to see corporate greed destroy something special built by someone that really cared about the project.

[@DroneStrike1776]

Jaguar has entered chat.

[@Dare2Doubt]

I know it's tempting to slap "corporate" on every derogatory thing but, if you'd followed the story, their was a long line of individual greed going on here. Ergo, people like you & I are just as greedy.

[@trailblazer632]

@Dare2Doubt corporate greed is a corporation being used purely for monetary gain with no care for the product. Doesnt really matter if the corporation is owned by an individual or a board.

[@quintessenceSL]

@@Dare2Doubt This is a rephrasing of "everyone has their price", which while true in the aggregate, ignores everyone maintains a small temple against the ravages of the world. Too bad you sold yours.

[@SingleTrackMined]

@@Dare2Doubt Individuals forming corporations so as to avoid personal accountability.

[@houseofbadgers9380]

Yes! Alan milliard and fortnine in one beautiful Union!! 🥰

[@dlp1750]

Back in the '70's, I pined for a 750 Commando. I still do. There's a shop just up the road that specializes in restoring them. On occasion I can hear that snortin' Norton rumble coming up behind me as I head out on my gravel bicycle. Later, on my way back home, I pass the silent Norton being pushed back to the shop. I bought a new BMW.

[@pkuudsk9927]

if you like working on your bike daily/hourly buy a old 75 Commando you will be fixing something daily. Mid 1980's my friend bought one basically in a box at a garage sale for 150.00 bucks, a complete bike in boxes. I had rebuilt 100's of bikes before that so he asked if I would help put it back together as I was working for a vintage motorcycle shop at the time. My first response was "No everryone of then POS has problems no matter how well you rebuild them". Well a few beers later and it was in my shop at home with no time frame to complete 6 months of winter and it was 1 bike again. New pistons, rings bore , valve seat recut, valves lapped, Boyer electronic ignition, fresh paint polish of all the aluminum, all new wireing headlight to taillight. 9 new voltage regulators and it still would blow a fuse daily never the same one 2x,, 5 new Boyer ignition's. The only time it would run right was in the shop if he rode it father than 100 kms something would break without fail. Headlight bucket cracked, turn signal break in half, RED Loctite( super strength) bolts fall out, mounts cracked. This bike didn't even have 4000 kms on it before it went into boxes. Afterabout 1000 kms the cases started leaking, NOT at the seals just straight through the metal, gone porris, I even had the shout off valve for the oil line and the dam thing would still leak. Victor ( his name ) had spent close to 4000 rebuilding this hunk of junk, a new bike ? say a Suzuki GS 750 was the same money new and he never got to drive it really anywhere in 5 years. In the end I think he sold it for 2kCDN That was the Last Norton I worked on and will leave Nortons to Mr. Millard they are just junk IMO, even after having the cases spray welded they still seeped oil. There is no such thing as a cheap Norton. If someone offers you one for free walk away. You will be saving money.Even if it's running.

[@TheLoathsomeCowboy]

I bought a new 750 Roadster back in ‘71 - they were still drum braked then. Definitely a purchase made with heart not head. The side stand fell off before I got home from collecting it. Two days later, I got caught in a downpour and came to a spluttering stop with an air cleaner full of water. In some ways this feature turned out to be a blessing in disguise as heavy rain would also fill the front brake with water and greatly impair its stopping ability. I could go on about several other design flaws, but a blast through the hills on a sunny afternoon would make me forget about them.

[@LivingOnCash]

Thanks for the history lesson. I graduated high school in 1974 and boy, did I lust over a Norton 850 Commando! Being poor though, I couldn't afford one. It wasn't until a couple years later that I had enough money to buy a bike but by then the KZ900 was out so I bought one of those. I've had many motorcycles over the years but kind of lost track of Norton and what was happening with them. For nostalgia's sake, I'd love to see the brand make a comeback much like Royal Enfield has.

[@gomezgomezian3236]

Think that's what he was getting at with that final comment.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

From the late 60's as a teenager until the present I have always loved the look and sound of a Norton commando. I would love to have one sitting in my TV room next to a Bevel drive Ducati 750 SS!

[@OSOFLHP]

Rode my 850 commando for 14 years, loved to ride the twisties. Ride a harley now but still love the twisties, that beautiful machine brings a nice nostalgia.

[@reggiepaulk]

Superb production! Thank you for teaching us all about Norton’s history while making me want to own a motorcycle I didn’t know about until this video dropped.

[@MichaelW1959]

Fascinating story and presented - as always - impeccably. I was always a Triumph guy, had a number of 60s and 70s Trumpets, but always had a lot of respect for Nortons, especially the Commando. Gorgeous bike.

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

I still have and ride my 1974 850. It now has a new paint job and electric start. I lost count of how many bikes I have had, but I'll always have this Norton until death does us part.

[@TornadoCAN99]

One day out riding the bike in this viddy, I had and old guy in a passing car roll down his window and yell " That ones a KEEPER!". 😅

[@davegoldspink5354]

Ryan I did watch your Ridge wallet ad and I still don’t know where your loose change goes in them. As far as your video went as always found it very interesting, informative and entertaining even after being bought up with Pommy bikes here in Australia in the 60s and 70s. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@awfulwarlock91]

Love this video...makes me sad and yet grateful that Norton is still around. I still want a Commando 961.

[@MrPnew1]

thanks for the complete rundown of Norton history, a fascinating tale

[@stewartharris1668]

Loved your take on the turbulent history of Norton! I just bought myself a 1960 Norton model 50 as a 50th Birthday present to myself, sadly i couldn't afford a 1974 bike from the year I was born. Those Commandos still fetch good money and the British bike industry was on its knees in 74. I'm looking forward to some spanner time on mine over the winter, I'm sure it will need it!

[@michaelmcvey9282]

As have I ! It is a pre featherbed 1958 registered late. The featherbed’s ( mod 50) were meant to be the safest bike you could get, all the handling and breaks of a Dommie but no power. Everyone I know with one loves them, enjoy

[@HeidiLandRover]

"a little more... freedom" - ha ha! I'm deffo stealing that one.

[@spurgear4]

I should really dust mine off someday and go for a ride before I'm too old for clipons and rearsets.

[@gurbie]

There’s an early David Cronenberg horror movie called “Rabid”. In the first scene, a guy and his “bird” are riding two-up on a Norton Commando Roadster through the countryside. Some great sound and footage of this beautiful bike, before they crash, and set the plot in motion.

[@FortNine]

While we're throwing out Norton Commando movies, have you ever heard of "I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle"? Apologies in advance. ~RF9

[@spatchist]

How about a run through of terrible (or not) motorcycle movies ? ​@@FortNine

[@gurbie]

@@FortNineNo “Vampire” motorcycles, but I’ve created a few Frankensteins 😆

[@TornadoCAN99]

Yes, saw that movie and the Commando has a great long scene riding through some twisties (in Quebec I assume as that where it was shot). The "bird" happens to be Marilyn Chambers.....making her break away from porn icon to mainstream cinema debut.

[@oscartravis5740]

@@FortNine is that where there's a scene of a turd flying up from the toilet bowl into the guy's mouth?

[@jimgordon3468]

Truly a Thanksgiving feast. Fortnine on a Wednesday mornin. Love it.

[@2001MBKBooster]

Thanksgiving is in October, buddy.

[@vicval001]

I don't ride motorbikes, but Ryan, I love the way you present and always look forward to your wisdom and presentations.

[@marka6327]

I had two Snortin’ Nortons in my misspent youth. When they were running right there was nothing like it. But the riding it to working on it ratio was about 6 hours to one. Now I ride one of my Ryan’s favorites a BMW K-75. I slap it spit and fire it up. The riding it to working on it ratio is vastly different. It sounded great though.

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Ditto and ditto. Good taste, man! I remember seeing a very nice K75RT on ebay: One owner, Frank something, who was the test rider for Vincents of Stevenage. He knew what he wanted to ride into his old age......

[@MrBradleykeith]

I can only hope that it makes a come back, my late Dad owned one in the late 50's. I grew up in the sidecar.

[@MrPnew1]

A Commando with a sidecar?

[@KyleMagill]

My first "proper" bike was a 1971 Commando "combat" roadster that I bought in 1980 for $750. Beautiful bike. Probably did more miles in the back of a truck than under its own power. I sold it in 1984 for $750.

[@TornadoCAN99]

Sold for a buck per c.c. 😂

[@quintessenceSL]

The ads at the end, while perfectly nostalgic to my rapidly deteriorating body, remind me how much the world has changed. Maybe the world isn't ready for another go around of Nortons. Maybe they should stay a rumor of better times.

[@marscruz]

By the way, those are the best looking exhaust pipes (silencers) for a Norton. (imho) They just look perfect on it and they sound amazing. When Ryan started it up he had to blip the throttle to keep it from stalling. Those Amal Concentric carbs need to be cleaned up. The idle circuits are off a bit. Maybe restricted by ethanol crud. Incidentally, the other common twin (besides the other Brit vertical twins) that has a 360º firing order is the BMW boxer. Both pistons go in and out together but fire alternately. That Norton has 19" rims front and back. The Dunlop K81 was the usual choice on these bikes back in the day. Same size, front and rear. The shift pattern was "up for first" and then down for the other three gears. I still occasionally mis-shift subsequent bikes to this day when my "muscle memory" short circuits back to the 1970's. I loved my Nortons but they were finicky and leaky. This was before the common usage of RTV and similar sealants that we have access to today. Nostalgia is always sweet until you remember the heartache and troubles that go along with the good times.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I spy with my little eye, something beginning with Millyard. Now, there's a chap that needs his own documentary.

[@bertsmith5569]

love this historic documentaries style video. I could watch Ryan do one for every motorcycle ever made.

[@bdagnolo]

Growing up riding in the 60's, 70's, and until today but never really looking into the Brit bikes too much in the "old days" because they seemed to come and go all the while they leaked all over the pavement, this is an amazingly informative piece. And of course, entertaining all the while! Great work.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

There is a Creepy guy in the woods @ 1:49 I knew that Norton had a strong racing Pedegree. The Hemi Head looks a lot like the heads on Honda air cooled engines.

[@heiner71]

That was #45, still on the run.

[@just_another_Joe]

Yup, I spotted 45 as well. Love the storyline and can’t wait to see where goes. 😂

[@DonaldGordon-v4i]

Honda had to copy someone...

[@desmondmccabe7239]

Love all aspects of motorcycling.... Thanks for a great history lesson

[@argrides8440]

Love the old familiar tongue in cheek metaphors. Hope you guys never get overhauled by an abusive partner.

[@dipling.pitzler7650]

F9 should explain why he rides the Commando in the bends like a 125 cc dirt bike! I must have missed an important F9 instructional riding episode! A good thing that Mike " the bike" does not have to see this blasphemy!

[@m.f.m.67]

I was thinking the same thing. Just what does he think he is riding anyway, an GSXR?

[@petepeterson8420]

@@m.f.m.67 Satire on a bike demo ride is what he was up to.

[@FiddlerKeith]

You did in fact miss an important f9 instructional riding episode. Search for the video called "motorcycle riders - you're leaning the wrong way"

[@dipling.pitzler7650]

@@FiddlerKeith Driving a Commando like that is like cutting spaghetti with a knife..might be convenient but will earn you a life ban from the Ace Cafe ..the former might get you killed by the Italian Chef!😂😂

[@Uncle_Roadkill]

Last time I was this early, that jukebox at the Ace was still playing

[@patricklanigan]

Nice dig on our PM at 8:46, well done.

[@AlaskaSkidood]

Before watching this video, I knew almost nothing about Norton, except that it is an old - even classic - brand that lacks any defining identity. But I knew there must be a reason it has stuck around. Now I know there really isn't a compelling identity to the brand, except maybe passion for two wheeled, stylish transport. Keep up the good work!

[@tedunguent156]

I remember a buddy of mine had a '73 Norton Commando 850 Roadster. Everyone loved that bike. Both of us also had '73 Plymouth Dusters with a 4-speed. Both maroon.

[@lauriepullman3873]

Many years ago when I was a sportsbike riding 20 something hooligan, a bunch of us went for a thrash in the Adelaide Hills. Ripping it up on the Forrest Range-Basket Range-Lobethal road we were feeling pretty hot shit. Then we were overtaken by an old guy on a Norton 850...

[@borderlands6606]

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 had dynamically balanced cranks, obviating the need for the Norton Commando's isolating rubbers. RE were a relatively small company, and always looking for investment. Dennis Poore, who had taken over NVT, was committed to the Commando project and refused to back the Interceptor 800, which was a superior engine and seen as a threat. The rest is history.

[@DonaldGordon-v4i]

I had a 68 series 1 and a 69 series II Interceptor, both were smooth as silk and had gobs of torque, the series II had Norton forks.

[@iaindarville9743]

I loved my 1974 850 commando. Yes tune on Saturday to ride on Sunday but what a bike.

[@borilapostolov7474]

Thanks Ryan! You saved me some time reading history and even made it better-adding pictures. What a bliss....

[@MrPnew1]

thanks for the complete rundown of Norton history a fascinating tale

[@bruceknights8330]

In fairness, Norton didn't bankrupt BSA ( Triumph) in 72. The BSA management and the 71 range launch did it for them. It's an even more amazing story. They decided to build new frames, despite nobody having any issues with the existing ones, and set up to build thousands of the " new " bikes for the US. However, the frame was late into production and didnt even fit the Triumph twin engine, of which they had stockpiled months worth already, in anticipation. As a result of this, they missed the critical US summer selling season, with bikes only being delivered dealers in late summer. Plus the frames were rather tall. Having built so many ( the 71 Triumphs are the must numerous of all Meriden built bikes) they then had to discount them massively to clear the the showrooms for the 72 models. It was a financial disaster. Also a shame, because the 72 ( not 71) Oil in Frame Bonneville is a cracking bike. BSA / Triumph's demise used to be taught in business colleges as an example of how not to do it n

[@rickconstant6106]

In 1974, I bought a new Commando 850 mk2a Interstate shortly after passing my test. It was a beautiful machine (black and gold), powerful and smooth, a pleasure to ride. Unfortunately, the 19 year old me was too busy riding it everywhere to take proper care of it (and it needed constant attention to stop stuff working loose and breaking), so after a couple of years, following head gasket failure and stripped exhaust port thread and numerous other problems, all after warranty expired of course, I sold it and bought a car. It was a few years before I could afford to buy another bike as well as a car, and by that time the price of a Commando was out of reach and I wanted something cheaper and simpler to maintain, so I bought a T140V, which I still have now, 31 years later.

[@IamPinhead]

Allen Millyard mentioned? Just perfect Quite pleased

[@Sunnbobb]

Great Video. I really like my 71 Commando, and it's nice to see the Norton Story out in the wild.

[@gordonwallin2368]

One of my favourite bikes......a long time ago, now it's all Japanese. That Commando sounded so good though. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@TornadoCAN99]

Cheers! Its my bike and the viddy did have it sounding better than in person. It is losing a bit of compression and clutch slips at high torque demand...so needs some fettling this winter.

[@Wil_Liam1]

Yes,correct, Allen Millyard is the greatest builder of motorsickles,bar none !! Plus he's a hell of a rider who lives and breathes bikes..And he's pretty much finished the V8 Norton rebuild and resto...

[@stephenbaron5681]

I enjoyed watching the Norton fly through the woods, I have a highly customized 73 850 that I love. Great video!

[@robRobblah]

Nice to see this video, and then also hear reference to "Kenny", who was also a mechanic on my roadracing team based in Portland OR in the mid eighties. Good times! I lost track of Kenny, and sad to hear his venture did not work out.

[@simonwalker7957]

Thanks Ryan for a very entertaining video, very refreshing. Special mention should also be given to a builder/restorer of Commandos your side of the pond, that is the one and only Matt Rambow of Colorado Norton Works who builds the most gorgeous commandos ever with all the upgrades of Dreer and some. After 40+ years away for 2 wheeled bliss my lusting for the biggest Brit bike of my youth was finally satisfied when I purchased cNw # 101 from Bill Greene (found elsewhere on KZbin) and imported back to its place of birth and now sits proudly in my garage having already covered 2000+ miles since August, absolutely love it. Oh, and that ‘rubber’ you poked in the video is not the Isolastic it just the rubber gator to keep the sh1t out of the adjuster.

[@coryadum9481]

I love these historical videos. Thanks!

[@narendrapanse7844]

From India, i can tell you one thing for sure - TVS is a good company. Seriously good. Lets hope they can revive Norton.

[@RodMesa-e2t]

Ran a '74 Norton Commando for a spell. It either went like stink or didn't go at all. Plagued by a legion of gremlins, it was eventually replaced by a salvage-titled '81 Honda CB 750 from the breakers, and suddenly, all was right with the world.

[@stevencote7951]

Years ago a friend of mine rode his 75 Commando to the Mid Ohio motorcycle meet from Connecticut . He like to take back roads and showed up with muddy bike,no one believed him that he rode it all that way.

[@RP-lh5ih]

I owned a 750 for 3 years and used it daily as my only transport. GOOD POINTS - character, sound, torque, engine braking, handling, never rusted. BAD POINTS - vibration, oil leaks, reliability, archaic design, 2 trips a month to dealer for parts that had vibrated off the bike, could be pig to start. Sold it for a Suzuki GT750 that I had for 5 years as daily transport which did not have the Commando good points. However, more importantly, the GT750 did not possess the Commando bad points. GT750 was very reliable, did not leak oil or vibrate. Changing the air filter element sums up the difference between the 2 bikes - 1940s design vs vastly improved1970s design. I would never buy a Commando again. I now have a Kawasaki z900 1976.

[@JustFamilyPlaytime]

LUCAS stands for lights up, crackles and sparks.

[@franktechmaniac7488]

Yeah, and vacuum cleaners are their only that don't suck.

[@CNDUK-q8r]

NORTON COMANDO + CANADA = ONE WEEK. Awesome video. 😁😁😁

[@TornadoCAN99]

'cwept that one in the movie was running a single Mikuni carb....which neuters the bike IMHO.

[@michaelvachon1334]

I remember bits & pieces of this story. The only memories I have of Nortons from the 70's was that they were finicky machines with well-known electrical and handling issues. At this time I know two guys who still own 70's era Nortons. In seeing/listening to their experiences with these machines, they are still the bikes they love to hate (or is that hate to love?). Thanks for the retrospective.

[@thelittlehooer]

Ahhh British Bikes. "If there's no oil under it, there's no oil in it" Mind you, my Villiers-engined Excelsior Roadmaster never leaks, but the AJS 16MS dreams of the Exxon Valdez when it sleeps.

[@planet43]

This show is great, always interesting and informative. Professional production and presentation. And it’s all for free! Wow.

[@ianseddon9347]

Fascinating- I nearly bought a ‘76 commando when I was a Med Student in ‘76, I’m still sorry I didn’t- I guess I’m too old now, maybe I’ll get a 125 cc Indian built Norton before i die!

[@tedtown5328]

My high school parking lot was full of Honda CB175, a CB 750, a whole herd of little two-strokes, and one Norton Commando. Half a century later I still think they are one of the most beautiful bikes ever, and I still love that exhaust note. I answered an ad for a "project" Norton a few decades ago; the guy was asking $500 - five hundred too many, as far as I was concerned. He said he would continue to let it rot away before letting it go for one penny less. I still see them at not-unreasonable prices from time to time, and still want one (four-up right-foot shift, how cool is that?) but I have accepted that the idea of owning one is probably better than the actual owning of one. Ryan, how about an actual in-depth review of your test bike?

[@TornadoCAN99]

They can be a handful to put right, but if you are inclined to fix stuff, they can be quite reliable once sorted. I own the bike in this video and have put 20k miles on it in 7 yrs ownership. Getting parts is no problem, quite a few suppliers and lots of knowledge out there on forums.

[@RaquelLopez-ks8xd]

@@TornadoCAN99 I suppose I'm lucky that I've never had a garage, or else I might have a Commando in there suffering because of my lack of mechanical skills.

[@dmitrykhramov1832]

WOW ! What a story! I believe you are right, there at the very end! I would truly hope so…

[@mrmoon1482]

Norton and triumph are the last 2 classic brands I’d buy even if they was to cost less than a royal Enfield, I’d still go for the Enfield for reliability and longevity

[@samhianblackmoon]

Since my true love for two wheels came in 1991 , Nortan has been a staple in my farm 😊

[@fZionists78]

It’s truly great to have the channel back.

[@ticosandoval]

I race with AHRMA and get to see Kenny on his Norton's on the track from time to time. Great guy, great bikes!

[@swooshdave]

I think you’re thinking of the wrong Kenny.

[@ticosandoval]

@swooshdave possibly? NyC Norton...perhaps it's not the same Kenny.

[@swooshdave]

@@ticosandovalIt’s not.

[@johnmcknight4642]

I had a Norvil Commando . Most expensive per mile I ever had . Swapped it to a workmate who tried to replace the valves and bought "combat "engine valves , they nearly fell straight through . It could go from 5-60 in 250 yards . Happy days .

[@ecrusch]

There is only one Ryan F9. Thank you, brother.

[@erfquake1]

Another terrific episode, thanks again.

[@davecooper3238]

I saw a Norton rotary racing at Caldwell Park, England. It was embarrassing fast. In the 1990s a couple of people used their road going versions to ride to rallies. The bikes tended to be problematic.

[@FortNine]

Oh they were fast alright! I think they won a TT on the F1. But yeah, Wankels live short and infuriating lives. ~RF9

[@VictorCHarrington]

I saw the Norvin at the Motorcycle Museum in Carmel Valley this fall, what a sight of a motorcycle! So cool to see it featured here.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Dreer got the shaft. So sad. His bikes ruled.

[@dewanevl]

Kenny Dreer Nortons are amazing. Unfortunately, it’s like calling a great guitarist “a musician’s musician”, which is shorthand for “continuously short of money and not getting the recognition they deserve.” And billionaires with Aston Martins stolen from employees’ pension funds swoop down like buzzards.

[@Nick-Emery]

I love the brand name of Norton… probably because I’m from Birmingham UK and go to the TT most years… it makes me feel Nostalgic of a time when I wasn’t even around… I’d love them to go the same way Triumph have and be a mainstream affordable brand yet still have some quality about them.

[@petepeterson8420]

I bought a late 60s Commando from my now ex-brother in law. (Can't remember the year for the life of me). Worn out Amal carbs, glasspacks from a muffler shop and a sissy bar, and solid struts in place of rear shocks, he beat up a used bike and still bought it... But it still had the stock blue Norton fiberglass gas tank abd logo! ! ! Tach it up then let off the throttle while quickly slipping not dumping the clutch and she'd pull the front tire about 20 feet off the line. Wish I hadn't rear ended that Camaro. Want a new one but don't think my 72 year old arthritic body can take that much fun anymore.

[@PeterFearon-g8q]

Go Alan M 👍👏👏👏👏, I bet you didn’t know you’re famous the world over . What an engineer 👊🏼

[@manasparekh1230]

Brilliant content. Well researched

[@vkrishna0612]

TVS is the company that builds the Bmw g310 R and the GS , I hope they pull a Royal Enfield like Eicher did and give Norton the success it needs.

[@LTVoyager]

The exaggerated lean into the corner is exceeded only by the awkward lean to the outside on the hairpin. Pure comedy! 😂

[@oscartravis5740]

Bloody lovely to see Allen Millyard in there with his amazing work on the Norton Nemesis! Seems like Norton itself though is a cursed brand. How much chaos can befall a single name?!

[@andrewoh1663]

A detail you got wrong: BSA/Triumph went broke with FULL ORDER BOOKS, which takes some skill, believe me.

[@vintagemonkeyworkvideos3631]

Lots of comments Ryan...I love the show. I watch it all the time and often share. This one is a bit off. Some of your technical details are not supported by fact. I think a few comments detail this. There is a ton of misleading information on the Commando when a quick online search is performed. All the rest... footage, editing and general visuals are great. Thank you!