13 Hours and 340 Miles on the Commando 

Sunday ride out a day after buying my new commando SP. 14 hours and 435 miles. Lincolnshire through Yorkshire to the Cumbrian coast and back again. Seat pad was essential. Bike was awesome. What a feeling. 👍👍🙌

A glorious day of riding - if only you had your rejuvenated Bonneville for this superb day of riding fun...At 71 YO, I can't get much more than 2 hours in the saddle before the pains begin...It will only get worse as you age out Freddie...Hang in there.

Hey Freddie, congrats on sticking to it and making the trip. This is the perfect experience for you to have had leading up to taking delivery of your bike. Think of how much more you will appreciate the Bonneville now that you've had to suffer the long road on an exotic bike. I'm really looking forward to the video when you finally see your restored Triumph again!

Nice to see you exploring my neck of the woods, Freddie. Norfolk roads are indeed biking heaven and those coastal areas are my own hunting ground. I've wanted a Norton for a long time now but thanks to your experience, I see it would never work as my only bike; better as a prized jewel, only to come out on dry days and for short trips. I recently did a Moto camping trip on my RE Classic 350 (only about 300 miles odd) and I couldn't fault the comfort on that. Only the power to overtake was lacking. Horses for courses, eh? 👍🏻

That last 2 hours must have been tough... I love a day ride. But usually only about 250-300km for me. An hour on "b roads" 2 or 3 hours in the forest, dirt tracks, ferns and mud.. then an hour home... And that last hour can be tough (on the new old RE scram 411)... 13 hours on a Norton! Well done indeed. Muzatron from Geelong Victoria OZ

Fred’s videos make me so happy.

Love your content. The strain to not just lose it when complaining about the comfort in that scene where you are reduced to stretching out on the ground was hilarious. Nicely done it would seem the Commando, for this purpose anyway, is fashion over function. Could probably easily be resolved with a seat substitute if you owned the bike.

This like all your videos put a grin on my face! 😅. Especially this one prompting me to get up and stretch after sitting down at work for to long 😂

Love your videos! Always an adventure to go on from my desktop! 🙂 safe travels...

Excellent work Freddie Norton & speed triple are extremely good looking build for short rides & speed not for comfort unfortunately your triumph bonville is a lot more comfortable than Norton

It’s like riding a sport bike long distance, it’s really an achievement. You can’t imagine the pain until you do it.

I have a Thruxton 1200R, the Triumph dual comfort seat is great. Done similar mile trips no issues and I'm 60!

Hahahaa the jungle rest part is so funny 😂😂 I am glad too see the humour part of the ride ❤

It is a shame Norton didn’t put more effort in putting some comfort into this beautiful bike. I don't think the lack of comfort won't prevent rider's from buying it but it will keep them in garage parked and sold to someone else in a couple of years.

Very inspiring Freddie, I will have to do a light tour of the area this summer. But not on a Norton, eh? ;-)

340 miles in 13 hours. Want to borrow my 650 Burgman? I do just shy of 470 miles in 10 hours, including breaks going to a friends in Scotland - from Ipswich! Seriously though, good vid. Southwold is a lovely place.

Is there anything you would change on the Norton to aid in comfort? For example a more plush seat, different handle bars, move the foot pegs, some or all?

The last time I felt like you felt was with our mutual friends in Tenerife after about about 6 hours around the mountains.

I am waiting for my speed 400 to turn up should only be a week away 🤪

Hey Freddie, I bought an Airhawk Motorcycle Seat cushion years ago for long rides. Simple, affordable and adjustable air cushion that you can put on and or transfer to any bike. It really made a huge difference on long ride comfort for me. Just a suggestion. Keep up the great work! Enjoying the review and shots of the Norton!

You need to review the 400X, I test rode it and was very pleasantly surprised! Extremely easy riding bike. Other than the firmer seat and weaker engine I almost preferred it to my T120 😳

4:12 Danny is up for a party 😂🫠

Bring back the bonny Freddie😂. Ride safe

Nice video 📷📸 mr Dobbs

Freddie I have felt your pain before. But I figured you would be smart enough to talk your buddy into riding the Norton for awhile while you enjoy the total comfort of his Harley.

It’s a short trip to the bike night kinda bike I think it’s a beautiful thing though

What a pity the Norton is such a beautiful machine!Alan Northern Ireland .😢

think I'll be giving the Norton a very wide berth then

Freddie, is it the hard suspension that is making the ride uncomfortable? When I rode one last year the first thing I thought was the suspension was far too firm. P.S. Wells is one of my favourite destinations...

Poor bugger, i can go 10 miles and be in pain, i have arthritis in my joints, get severe coccyx pain so ride my Honda Monkey, still get it but way less, its miserable so always on a journey for the perfect bike, a cheap airhawk inflatable seat helps, might be worth getting one for those test bikes you know will ruin your day, think i paid under £25 for mine on ebay.

You managed to ride to Cornwall on it, why has it suddenly become an uncomfortable bike to ride?

I recognise the signs of lower back pain…

Oh dear! That's such a beautiful 'bike, but it's of no use if it's that uncomfortable.

👍

Too bad the comfort is so bad....nice looking and nice sounding bike...☹️

I think I can safely assume you would never buy one...:)

I hope the 400 Triumph encourages young/new bikers into motorcycling.

Well done, Freddie, 13 hours on the Norton, incredible. You deserve the "Hard Arse" of the year award😂

Looking forward to hearing your final summary of the bike Freddie! Love Cromer and Southwold me - next time borrow my GoldWing and take Monika ;0)

As an Australian who has never been to England and watching you guys walking the streets of Southwold it looks like an episode of Dad's Army in 2024. Walmington on Sea. Magnificent!

Thank you Freddie. Between the lines I read the truth you say: There is nothing NORTON on that thing apart from the crappy badge engineering... A piece of expensive %%^^ ! And the gullible is still defending this price tag.... Mmmmm... (Yip - the small Triumph is a nice bike - a bargain for that money!)

Anytime I do a 10+ hour day of riding it takes me back to those first months of motorcycling when I would take such trips often just to spend as much time as I could on the bike. It makes me nostalgic for a younger back, more energy, and the novelty of riding not having diminished in the slightest. Looking forward to the San Francisco DGR this Sunday and a full day on my Bonneville. Cheers Freddie!

Sorry Freddy i did chuckle, been there got the tshirt mate. I did 1400 miles on my harley D in 36 hours.. i loved the first 50 miles....

The dedication and devotion to the art of motorcycling can only be painted by Freddie with total honesty. Words cannot describe the appreciation for everything Freddie does as it is incredible. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

i dont know what it is but i think you could also make videos about the love life of the butterflies and i still would watch every single episode 😀 you are a brilliant entertainer Freddy! come on you guys from TV, get this guy a proper offer!!!!!! damn! he deserves it! 😲

The Two Magpies bakery does the best (and most expensive) sausage rolls in the world. Coffee’s pretty good, too. You’re covering some of my favourite parts of the world on this ride, Suffolk AND Norfolk. Truly big sky country.

Wait... You didn't get the curry sauce with your chips?!?! WTH Freddie?!?!😁

I felt for you Freddie, especially when you were stretching next to the bike and you could hear the cracks from your body! Have a good long bath! Thanks for sharing the real life sagas of motorcycling!

Hey Freddie, just wanted to say that since my parents live in Cromer, watching this brought a real taste of home from all the way out here in Maryland, USA. Thanks a lot, mate! I really miss home, so it was quite a surprise!

The Norton is not a touring bike, then! My local Norton dealership is in Prestbury, Cheshire, co-located with a Porsche showroom. This is an area domiciled by wealthy entrepreneurs and Premier League footballers, no doubt the target market who will ride them occasionally and keep them as ornaments in their plush houses. Stunning bike.

Brilliant camera work and music and editing. Fabulous work Freddie. Well done.

Aside from the discomfort, it looked like a wonderful time. The UK was really showing out that day!

What a beautiful seaside setting this area has. Perfect for motorbike riding without a doubt!

You’re so lucky to get the keys to the Norton Commando, Freddy. There are not all that many of them being produced, and those cost a pretty penny. They are not offered at all here in the USA. I would sell all 3 of my bikes and take a risk financially if I could have a Norton Commando for my last bike go-round but there is no chance of that opportunity even being available. At any rate, I am thankful that Norton chose to put you, one who is so eloquent and enthusiastic, on the bike to convey the essence and spirit of it to us all.

Biker, gentleman and a boxing enthusiast. Man of good taste

Waiting for another Morocco trip but this time with the Commando.

'Going Commando' for 13 hours on an uncomfortable bike sounds painful.

Atleast it wasnt in the cold, haha can always be worse. Did not expect the boxing reference at the end, I too have been going through Usyk's recent fights. Cant wait for the weekend :)

10 hours of riding on my Rocket 3 Touring is what I'd call "a good start". 😂 I like being comfortable. The Norton is not at all for me, in any way. It's primitive *and* uncomfortable. Iconic is great and all but I'm too old for that shit.

I absolutely love this bike and think it is by far THE best looking retro bike ever produced in this era. If I had the money, I would buy one. Love watching your vids fella and hope the side businesses are doing well. Keep up the good work. 👍🏿

Videos like this make me feel like I'm on a biking holiday. Thanks for the vicarious escape Freddie & Monica. Keep up the amazing work.

Sorry about your pain but I enjoyed the video. The bike looks and sounds awesome. I guess an owner could easily improve the comfort with a custom seat and either bar risers or different bars. Interesting to the triumph scrambler update. I bought a trident last year but would have consider a 400 if they were available.

After riding the Norton for about 2 hours I feel your pain. It was a option to buy for me. But I went with the Z900RS I need my comfort.

Hi Freddie. You sound like I felt on a recent trip to Belgium. Set of at 0530 minus 1 degree to ride 300 miles to Dover. My son his new 1250 gs rally. However much I didn’t look forward to this part of our dad and lad adventure my super meteor 650 ferformed way above expectations. 70/75 mph no probs no butt ache,one of the best bikes I’ve toured on. Bearing in mind I’ve done this for 58 years

That stretching session should be a Short.

Ohh Freddie, you & Monika must be so looking forward to your summer! Will you both be staying home to enjoy the brand new Bonneville back in your hands? It looks incredible! Joe & Emily have done such a masterpiece of art. So looking forward to seeing it at the DGR! Enjoy!

Next I’ve you do this circuit I suggest you go to Blakeney, many great eateries there & real old Norfolk vibe! There are no chiropractors there as far as I know 😉

The problem with riding painful bikes and persisting is that eventually the pain doesn't go away. Been there, done that.

Are you gonna ride that bike like its meant to be ridden Dobbs instead if fannying around on it ! 🤷‍♂️

One of the best bike videos. Thanks for showing how the UK can be special.

Freddie, we saw you at Southwold on Monday coming out of the bakery and went across the road to look at the Norton. Great to see you back in Suffolk. X

Airhawk seat pad. Next time you do that distance on the Norton. I’ve used one on my Benelli tornado. 3 k miles in 9 days. I’ve also just bought the Norton, and come the winter the seat will be going to Tony Archers for a refurbishment and gell pads.👍Awesome video as always.

Soon be back on that king and queen seat Freddie 👍😆 I know on Sunday when I open the garage and look at the Bonny and Tiger, will maybe look for the more comfortable bike to do 3 hrs on motorway Sunday morning 😂😂

*Roads less travelled* Last Saturday I rode from South Warwickshire to The New Forest. South of Oxford the A34 was closed forcing me to "seek an alternative route". With no satnav I followed my nose and WOW! What a selection of country lanes I encountered, the pick of the choice being the B4494 between Wantage and Newbury. I finally ended up in Brockenhurst, and after a break to stretch my legs I continued on to Lymington Quay...what a fabulous place to watch the world go by for an hour or two. Heading home I took a circuitous route back through The New Forest taking 4 hours to get back home, but again, what a fabulous ride. Incidentally, my Honda NC750X returned a mighty 91mpg over the 318 miles I covered.

Those are the kind of motorbikes for going to the newspaper kiosk and back on Sunday morning. Or to show off in front of a bar. In other words: useless.

Reminds me of my first ride out of town on my R Nine T, from Savannah to Brunswick Georgia USA. Only 160 miles total, but just after the turnaround my legs and hips were useless. Eventually I swapped out the seat and lowered the pegs, life was better afterwards.

Nice copy and paste job on the description, Freddie!

Not feeling so "special" now are you? You began your Commando series with so many superlatives I thought you were on acid. I didn't think it would take long for reality to bite. But a great film and a good laugh, fair play to you for being so honest. Forget the coffee, have a quadruple Scotch. Works for me.

How is your back?

My old 1973 850 Commando Roadster was comfortable. I would buy a new one if they copied the old designs steering head angle, dual seat, and fuel tank.

It looks as comfortable as a park bench..

3 hours on my Thruxton RS and my hips would be done. I assume the Commando is similar.

Video should have been called 'The Norton Rider's Kama Sutra' by Freddie Dobbs....or maybe 'Good Vibrations, Cheek to Cheek' by a Harley fan. Feel your pain Freddie...I ride a CRF450RX.

Ok, I'm starting to warm to this guys review/video technique and I do sympathise with the pain he was in whilst riding the 961. I once had to ride a 961 Dominator SS from Derby to Whitby and back....I was a broken man there after, but that was the extreme end of the spectrum for the 961 range. Now when I road test 961 Commando's, albeit the Donington era but these do have the exact same position and seat, I find half an hour is all I have in the way of comfort reserves. I actually find the cafe racer comfier, as you can almost slump over the fuel tank. One thing though, there's guys out there that have ridden as far as Italy and back on these, which makes me think you just need to be a hardened biker to it all. Which I most certainly ain't...the local pub meet is more my idea of a ride out, as shameful as that sounds.

Well done. It’s awful when you can’t get comfortable any more. When you said 2 hour’s left I immediately broke it down to 4 x 30 minute stints.

Thoroughly enjoyed your video as always Freddie and I have read other reviews where the comfort of the Commando is singled out for criticism. One could argue that it's a sports bike so comfort isn't a pre-requisite but having owned an early Fireblade, Gpz 600R and CBR600 (also the first models, this was late 80's/early 90's) I never hand that problem with them comfort-wise and I'm a smidge over 6 ft. I despatched on the GPZ and CBR for quite a few years and even nipped home to jump on the Blade for a job I had to Bristol once, obviously I didn't use that as a work bike normally...... I'm not completely insane😁. I did feel for you though doing your stretches in that wood......you should have taken the trusty Monica then strapped the bike to her car roof and driven home 😄. Quickly going back to mileage/distance in a day, and I'm really not digging you out as a lightweight (promise). Around 12 years ago when I was still a working rider, I had already done a morning's town work when my Controller rang me with that fateful phrase 'Alright Charlie, do you want to earn some proper money this afternoon?' Of course I said yes and headed to an office near Lambeth Palace.....Royal Society of can't remember...and picked up a Coventry, Leeds, York and Darlington all booked on seperates i.e. each drop paid individually so "Kerching". This was around 2pm. At 10pm that evening I was at Scotch Corner Services nursing a cup of tea contemplating the 300 mile journey home down the A1. If I had my heated grips on for some reason the headlight would stay on full beam so I got endless (quite rightly tbh!) lorries coming the other way flashing me. I in the end sacrificed my poor frozen paws for an inadequate dipped headlight. To compound my misery the Hatfield Tunnel was shut, so a much wanted detour ensued. Think I got home to Hammersmith at around 3am which was fine because work told me I didn't have to be in until lunchtime (cheers!!). I was on my quite brilliant Transalp 1999 model (best shape) which I actually only sold this very week. Wasn't particularly saddle sore and I was 47 at the time......I'm Cycle Courier now, no chance of ending up in Darlington at 9.30 at night doing that! All the best mate, keep the videos coming it's a great channel ❤.

Your videos are always so evocative. Love them. Keep the great content flowing!

Thank you for taking the pain ! May the force be with you! 🤘😂

You couldn't swap bikes could you, it's a press bike. Edit: You may want to think about a back brace. I have a Thruxton 1200R and if I know i'm doing a long ride it really helps.

The Commando seems like a great touring bike.

Used to ride from Luxembourg city to west Wales in a day, five countries, a ferry full of British children....700 miles on a 900ss Ducati. Not now, oh no. Wouldn't even do it on a gay adventure bike. No chance.

Reminds my of my ex challenge cup Ducati S4 race bike. Sounds 👌 Looks 👌 Comfort 🤬

2:10 6 hours? An "all-day" ride?? Come on, Freddie! That's a mid-length spin for me! 😁😁

Freddie, you aged 13 years in 13 hours, right? 😂 David Lee Roth once said (and I am sure he plagiarized), “it’s how you look, not how you feel that matters . “ And wow, the Norton Commando will make anyone look good. Cheers!

This year I was in a bike show where some guys on Honda GoldWings showed up and I asked them, how about long distance riding on those. Their answer did not surprise me - they said that it's uncomfortable to sit on same sport in one position for prolonged time no matter the bike. Some bikes are worse in that respect but even most luxurious bike seats does not make 10h ride an easy one, since it's still sitting on a spot and not moving much. For me that's not a problem because I can concentrate and pay attention to traffic only for 3-4 hours, ride becomes dangerous sooner than butt starting to hurt.

Let's face it, it might be pretty. But pretty expensive and pretty painful to ride😂😂😂 So why would anybody buy one 😱

Brilliant Video Freddie, love your honesty and style. That beautiful looking bike certainly has a sting in her tail. Kind regards.

Reminds me of my 12 hour 300 mile trip around wales…….. was supposed to be a 5 hour trip to Llangollen and back then it was let’s go to Bala lake, then across country to Llandudno and down the coast …….. I was on my HD Street 750 with stock seat…..quite a comfortable bike for four hours or so but not for a trip like that, my rear was extremely numb. I think the Norton would have finished me off on that trip. I am 59 so that wouldn’t have helped but that bike is definitely not for trips like that. Even with the Street, I spent several days after the ride looking to get another VFR800 as you can stay on that bike all day. As the Street is not a popular bike, most would be amazed that I just don’t just get a VFR but sometimes you just bond with a bike so I got myself a tall boy seat from Harley and had the original recovered to make it higher with better quality padding and gel pads and it is more than capable of taking me in comfort for 6 hours plus. 13 hours would still be too much on it though. It would be the same if I could afford the Norton. I know I would fall completely in love with it. But would end up changing it with a more comfortable seat and bringing the handlebars back towards me. There is always a way. I am really looking forward to your next trip on your “new” T100. A really interesting video would be you doing this trip again on the triumph and comparing the experience. Loving your work Freddie.

Freddie, what I find funny is that my1973 Norton 850 Commando is very comfortable and does not vibrate at speed. I did consider a 2013 961 but at sitting on it for 2 minutes I knew that I could never ride it for more then 1 hour but very beautiful.

are you participating for tomorrow's Gentleman's Ride?