1974 Norton Commando 850 MK2A - first (awkward but fantastic) ride

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1974 Norton Commando 850 MK2A - first ride..
[12/31/15 Edit: This was the first time I ever rode the Commando up & down the street after getting it started and following a little clutch adjustment! It's a little embarrassing to look back at the movie with the clutch issue and incorrect gear shifting! But please see some of my more recent videos for progress with the bike and with the whole riding experience during the past 2 years. It has been a fantastic bike!]
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3 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 73

@misterjones7929 5 лет назад

In 1968, I was at college in Woolwich right next to the Norton factory; and used to watch the test riders put the new machines through their paces at lunchtime - was always green with envy!

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

Wow, that would have been a dream job. Thanks a lot for sharing Mister Jones. Cheers, Mike

@samueljeppsen9785 3 года назад

Nortons are SOOOOO cool. Wish I had one.

@chrisflagerman6466 5 лет назад

You remind me of me when I got my 74 I was awkward and not sure what I had gotten my self into. then It all fell into place, and there's been no lookin Back....Thanks for the memories

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

Thanks a lot Chris. Best wishes, Mike

@dundee1000 5 лет назад

Got to admit, I was the same, so much to learn, I've had my 73 850 Interstate for 5 weeks now...

@UncleLongbeard 3 года назад

my favourite model

@feeder123456 9 лет назад

sounds fantastic like a proper bike

@pbrucpaul 5 лет назад

The Norton was a powerful torquey bike. Tremendous in races (500 cc Manx with Mike Hailwood in the '50's). The Norton and BSA are on my "bucket list"

@bloodmoneyfilms2987 3 года назад

I just got one 2 days ago ! Wanted one for 25 yrs and thought mate, I could die tomorrow so blow it. 👍🏻

@jonathanhurley4055 6 лет назад

I owned a 1972 750 Norton Commando bought brand new. Vietnam had me put it in storage for a year, and I didn't do a very good prep job. Ruined the clutch and valve guides. Then had to sell because injuries from my last week in Vietnam. Before that, I had owned a 350 Yamaha in HS, a 650 Bonneville 1967. When I hit 65, I bought an Indian RoadMaster with everything ....heated seats,grips, adj windshield, and an enormous engine that could pull stumps. My wife didn't like living in the USA so we returned to her home in Thailand. And I am as happy as I can be. Had to sell the Indian. But, by a considerable margin, the Norton was the best bike I ever even rode, let alone owned.So now, I am perhaps, here in Thailand, in the market for a Norton 850, with some performance upgrades, then ship it here. A sidecar would be cool too!

@misterjones7929 5 лет назад

Great story and hope you find that 850 (and sidecar!!)

@peterwilliamson4296 5 лет назад

Hey Jonathan great reflection. I know what you mean. Traded a second hand 750 norton in 75 on a new Honda 750. It was bulletproof but as I rode away from the shop, I knew I had made a mistake! Have had lots of new bikes on and off but down here in NewZealand, a norton commando would be my ride of choice (the older ones). I know they can be fickle but I'm only keen for short trips nowadays anyway. Cheers

@tubadude905 4 года назад

I only rode one once - it was a white ex-police bike in the UK that belonged to a friend of mine. But to this day I always lusted after them...

@exb.r.buckeyeman845 3 года назад

You’re neighbours will be on the phone as you ride, “yes officer, hells angels wreaking the place”.

@thakery5720 4 года назад

Watching when he stalled it at first reminded me of a similar thing on my MkIII (40) years ago....Bike was on the centre stand outside the pub and I started it on the stand then rocked the bike off the stand when it was running and then promptly stalled it. I was being Mr Macho kicking it over because the electric did work on mine, and when I 'kicked out' the side stand it shot off up the road - apparently the bolt had fallen out and it was only held in place by the spring tension..... just as well I didn't use the Electric foot or things could have been worse !

@TheMightyGarage 4 года назад

Haha, thanks for sharing your funny story. Yes, we have all been there! Best wishes, Mike

@rcnelson 9 лет назад

The '74 850 Norton was the best Norton of all.

@BilgemasterBill 6 лет назад

Best of breed, so many say. Sadly, I've never been on one to judge. I've had a couple of 750s: an old Interpol ex-police '72 with the Combat high compression engine and my current '67 N15CS Hybrid "Bitsa" (i.e., "Bits of this--Bits of that") that's patiently awaiting her resurrection in the shed. Never been a huge fan of the later Mk. III, but I'd still give one a good home if it followed me home. What I'd really love is to find an old Model 16H, Model 18 or ES2 thumping 500 single...any type any year...that wouldn't break the bank.

@tigerward88 3 года назад

Yep mine was beautiful miss it

@samueljeppsen9785 3 года назад

Mate, I apologize. I did not know that was you. I've watched everyone of your videos, you're seldom seen. So I apologize. Teach me to keep my mouth shut. But you have my respect, I love it when you fill your culdisac with timeless beauties.

@TheMightyGarage 3 года назад

No problem at all Samuel 😉. That was a little cringeworthy first ride. Must have been because I was wearing a Triumph Tee shirt 😉. It’s all good and thanks a lot for watching. I’m glad you like the vids and I hope to have some good news soon about the cul-de-sac. Cheers.

@samueljeppsen9785 3 года назад

I love your love for them

@motoalchemy 8 лет назад

thats what you get for wearing a triumph t shirt...the clutch is fine, they are grabby when cold

@TheMightyGarage 8 лет назад

It was just the cable. I hadn't adjusted it before trying to ride the bike. It's running great now!

@neilward3582 5 лет назад

Just bought one from the states cant wait to get it back

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

Great news Neil!! I hope all goes well and you are very happy with your Commando. They are a fantastic bike. Best wishes, Mike

@petersweeney5870 8 лет назад

nice bike you should be proud

@chriscraft4236 Год назад

Hey Mike first ride on a Commando or first on a motorcycle? I’ve watched many of your videos multiple times especially the cul de sac vids in my mind you were born in England and rode commando’s from a really young age. Always enjoying the vids . Thanks 👍🏼

@michaeljoesmith3977 4 года назад

Haven't read all the comments so this may be redundant but wasn't the Norton shift pattern one up and three down? Seems like my friends was that way. BTW in 1974 I lived right across the street from our local Norton,Ossa Bultaco motorcycle shop. In the evenings I'd walk across the street and lust for the black shiny Norton's on display. Alas being a newlywed at the time,dream of a new Norton was all I could do.

@sidknee8490 7 лет назад

Some of the Commandos here on You Tube are very metallic sounding thru poor valve adjustment etc but this bike is tight and very smooth. Takes off good in second gear 👍. The one up three down right side gear shift is unique. My Norton was my first bike brought when we all mostly rode British, Italian or American. Now the Z 900, Honda Boldor etc are also worth good money.

@andyward5866 5 лет назад

i love the 850 m2a nortons i rode 750 nortons all thru my teen years now im 51 and still rding my 850 m2 love em the sound the ride the looks and the style wow

@garypeatling7927 Год назад

Some phones pick up more mechanical clatter than others , very few mics are linear

@peterwilliamson4296 6 лет назад

Ha ha, great vid. When you hopped off to restart it, it reminded me of being terrified of the 2nd hand one i had just brought as a 17 year old back in 1975. Fell off it 100 meters from the shop as couldn't manage power to clutch combo at the time. Not suggesting you are intimidated here by your bike, just sharing that i was back in the day. Cheers

@TheMightyGarage 6 лет назад

Peter Williamson Ha ha, thank you Peter. Yes I look back on this video, I was a bit intimidated by the bike. It was the first time I rode it. It seems so much smaller and so easy to ride nowadays. Best wishes, Mike

@jeffmaxwell8821 3 года назад

Unusual riding style, you seem to be on the pillion seat. Nice bike though.

@TheMightyGarage 3 года назад

Haha, yes it was my first ride. The riding has improved now 😉

@pauldavies3764 5 лет назад

My 750 roadster had two throttle positions - wide open and shut and would leave a 850 on any day!

@MadMax-cw3pn 5 лет назад

I will never sell my Norton. It was my first bike. I started racing it in post classics but oil leaks were a bitch so scrutineering was a battle to get thru.

@roysmith4716 6 лет назад

You never kicked it over with the clutch lever in to free the clutch before trying to start it.

@keddw 5 лет назад

When you stalled it made me feel a little bit better being a totally inexperienced manual bike rider. Great bike by the way

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

Hehe.. we've all been there John ;) Good luck and hope you have a great time! Cheers, Mike

@Andy588tt 5 лет назад

A nice bike I think you need to get it warm and balance the carbs it will be a lot better starting and on tick over no need to keep holding the throttle open or even fitt a SU conversion Kit, as for the clutch spend the time setting it up as per the manual before your next ride and it will be a completely different animal and it will instil your confidence to start off in the correct gear also changing gear will be easier, give it time and you will understand what I mean. Till then ride safe Andy

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

Thanks a lot Andy, that’s exactly what was wrong. Yes, this was six years ago now! I’ve had a real blast with this bike for the past few years. It has been fantastic. Hopefully I’m riding it a little better than I was six years ago, here is a link to a playlist of all the videos featuring this bike. Best wishes, Mike ru-vid.com/group/PLgDzKiI-i6nbec9aqmLTIDDt7FfW-qR60

@Andy588tt 5 лет назад

Hi Mike Wow sorry I didn't know that was six years ago. I'm glad you stuck with it and got the old girl sorted you now know what I was trying to say simple when you get your head around each problem and a lovely bike to ride it's not a CBR but brill for cruising. I'm not sure where you live but Andover Norton are moving to bigger premises because of wanting to carry more stock that's great news!! for Norton owners, I ride a Rotary Norton and love every mile. Ride safe Andy from the UK

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

Andy Watts Hi Andy, absolutely no problem. Wow, a Norton rotary! What an amazing bike. Yes, I live in Portland, Oregon in the Pacific northwest, But originally from the north west of England! I am a huge fan of Andover Norton, although we also have a fantastic dealer over here close to Seattle called OldBritts. Thanks again for your comments and best wishes with your Norton. Cheers, Mike

@Andy588tt 5 лет назад

@@TheMightyGarage Hi Mike you probably know that in 1995-6 the Norton Rotary factory was also supplying the Genuine Norton spares as well as its rotary bikes and because of cash flow sold everything to its European seller that is Joe Serfert from Germany Andover Norton owner, they purchased the rights to produce genuine spares only and all the existing spares from Norton Motors in Shenstone then the Rotary factory went bust in 1996 the rotary side went on to service the rotaries at Rugely till 2009. The engine parts for your bike that are produced now are made on CNC in the UK so should be a lot better tolerance then made back in the 70s. Mark Gardner owns the Norton name to product new motorcycles and don't want anything to do with the bikes made before his purchase. Ride safe Andy from the UK

@wtfbollos 9 лет назад

hahah was that bird laughing at you?! ;)

@armandozessar4994 5 лет назад

Norton Cafe's Racing are the mostly beautifully bike's but the pushrods engine,two valves,are not the most.

@neilurquhart8622 2 года назад

Was that jackdaws I heard laughing?

@TheMightyGarage 2 года назад

Hehe, thanks Neil. There are a lot of crows in the neighborhood. They like to make themselves known in my videos 😉

@TranslateToEnglish 3 года назад

Sounds like crows laughing at you.

@TheMightyGarage 3 года назад

😀

@zarbithechti 10 лет назад

Heureux homme !!!

@triumphmanful 4 года назад

The guy is awussy ! Give it some juice ! Let it roar in first gear ! I'll show him how to ride !

@TheMightyGarage 4 года назад

Haha, this was 7 years ago and my very first ride (check the video title and description). Please check out my other later videos for faster riding! Cheers, Mike

@chrisgreig5628 5 лет назад

TEE shirt ?

@TheMightyGarage 5 лет назад

I know 😜

@darrenogden7818 4 года назад

yes.. serves him right for wearing the wrong t shirt.. but im sure he'll get the hang of it soon enough.

@TheMightyGarage 4 года назад

Hehe, it did get a lot better ;) Best wishes, Mike

@arsyesis 9 лет назад

how lucky you are...

@ExBRBuckeyemanCJB 7 лет назад

Did the neighbours complain?

@TheMightyGarage 7 лет назад

Haha, not at all. I have great and very understanding neighbors, even when I remove the mufflers altogether, as in this video! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iRhOYzUAwlk.html

@ExBRBuckeyemanCJB 7 лет назад

Great to have good neighbours. I had a 68 Bonnie, amongst many other British bikes, but never a Commando, looks "FAB".

@TheMightyGarage 7 лет назад

Thank you! It's been a fantastic bike. Please take a look at some of my other Norton videos for some of the great fun we have had since this first awkward start ;) Cheers, Mike

@samueljeppsen9785 3 года назад

Gotta say tho, he wouldn't be so unstable on the bike if he sat where he's supposed to sit. :-) get off the rear passenger seat.

@TheMightyGarage 3 года назад

Yep, you're right. This was my first awkward ride many years ago. Hopefully my riding has much improved 😉

@rb3166 4 года назад

You're too short to sit on it and kick it at the same time? You could've just leaned it to the left and kicked.....

@TheMightyGarage 4 года назад

R B yep, that was 7 years ago and the first time I rode it. I have improved the kicking and riding since 👍

@edudeluca 4 года назад

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@TheMightyGarage 4 года назад

Glad you liked it so much 🤣

@johnemberlin4580 3 года назад

Who is this guy, does,nt know how to drive and should,nt be on a Norton, I had the exact same bike and it had neck breaking torque

@TheMightyGarage 3 года назад

Hey John, take a look the title and/or the description of the video. It was my first ride (drive) on the Commando back in 2013. I've had it for 9 years now and still loving it. Please check out my many other videos since. It doesn't quite have neck-breaking torque, but it's fantastic and hopefully you will see that my riding has improved. Best wishes to you, Mike