2023 Norton Commando - An Honest Review!

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I love a retro bike me - and I love a British bike, so you'd think I'd love the new Norton Commando....see if you agree with my thoughts on this one! My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
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28 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 881

@marcusrichardson3472 Год назад

There are so many good bikes out there in all categories, it's almost hard to find a bad one. So when you do stumble on one, it really stands out. I respect Norton for trying to get going again but I would want something new to distinguish it from its recent past

@simonbowen6653 Год назад

It's great to see Norton back, but it's important to get a review that highlights the realities of potential ownership. As a one bike owner I'd take my T100 every time.

@budekins7779 4 месяца назад

+1 on the T100👍...

@Xanavi23 Год назад

Thanks for this video Andy. I was privileged to own a Manx Silver Commando MkII 850 Interstate for 22 years from new and it was a great bike. The Isolastic suspension provided a very comfortable ride with almost no vibration evident whilst touring. Your comments about the vibration with this new machine is certainly intriguing!

@DatOldeBiker Год назад

Thanks Mr. Flyer. It seems that Norton hasn't quite got this bike to where it needs to be. However I think it's great to see the brand producing product and hope they will improve it enough to keep going. BTW very refreshing to get an honest "warts and all" review. :>)

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Thank you!

@robertstone4025 Год назад

Comparing with a 1970s commando it's a good step up I'm sure , but I would not trade my 900rs for one , not even if it was half the asking price after watching that review . Thanks for an informative honest review of a bike that should have been more polished in not just its bright work . So many other great riding bikes out there at a fraction the price . Looks great though for those who will buy it as an investment and barely ride it .

@Dius765RS Год назад

2:11 A truly Beautiful looking bike...

@ejdtm Год назад

It’s a great looking bike. You can tell where they try to balance, old style and new style. And it really will be up to the owner where to go from there if they want to customize it.

@samsara3694 Год назад

Interesting review, TMF. Others have picked up on the heavy dollop of character that the bikes has, and I think it could become quite tiring after a while. The standard SP is now in fact £17k, and that's without the options that appear on the bike you rode, such as pinstriping (£750), black engine (£550), and embroidered seat cover (£250), so in fact you were riding a £18k plus bike.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Crikey!!

@marcelcharriere Месяц назад

High Sir Thank You very much for your video on the Norton Commando I'am 68 year old, French, and a normal person and if ready available I buy one tomorrow Why, because it is vibry noisy and mainly because it is made in England and mostly because it is costly I am fed up of all these people looking for cheaper and more cheap without considering what they will give to do to their children if all is produced in the other side of the word. Oh my God, so pleased to watch your video, and thank to the loud engine sound, I do not hear the negatives, and thank to the vibrations on the mirrors I do not hear the negatives I know this bike will please people like me, and so why should we ask Norton company to change the model we love Thank You Andy

@TheMissendenFlyer Месяц назад

Delighted to help!

@sgtgrash Год назад

The brake & clutch reservoir brackets look like something I might bodge up out of scrap metal in my shed. The fact that they are secured by the mirror stalks makes them look like a total afterthought. Also, is it just me, or does the 'mill' sound like a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine? Norton School Report: Tries hard but could do better...

@davidfishbough6170 Год назад

Hello Andy, great review of the Nortan. I love your honesty. You did the same type of review of the Ducati Streetfighter V2. I went and test road and you were spot on with your review of this bike. I still purchased the V2 because the negatives did not outway the positives for me. But I did know what I was getting into. Thanks for keeping it real. We as your listeners really appreciate the honesty.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Appreciate that - thank you David

@RobertBrown-qt8dp Год назад

In the early 60's my uncle asked me if I wanted to go for a ride on his new Dominator, it had already had the Dunstall treatment. So there was I on lovely summers day in my shorts with no helmet hanging on to my Uncle for dear life on the Kingston bypass. That's when I became a ton-up boy, with Uncle, who looking back was clearly nuts, he was in his early 40's at the time. He told me that we did 106mph. So on my return to my Nan's I proadly anounced this, her then laying into my Uncle full belt and braces. A few years later I had the pleasure of riding a friends Manx Norton, with the advice slip the clutch a lot and you'll be OK. Great vid once again Andy

@TheMissendenFlyer 11 месяцев назад

Great story Rob - those were the days! (Some say!!!)

@lifebehindbars1868 Год назад

Andy - great to hear an honest review. I watch all your stuff, and didn't expect such a direct approach. Chapeau 😊

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Much appreciated!

@sidweazel2883 6 месяцев назад

First class honest review, best on the web.

@TheMissendenFlyer 6 месяцев назад

Wow, thanks!

@robertjames6640 10 месяцев назад

My love of British bikes stayed firmly off road where a couple of Gold Star scramblers followed by Matchless and Triumph Metisses provided me with all the fun one could ask for. And they were reliable machines considering they were flogged in many scrambles. I never quite took to British road bikes and was introduced to BMW twins when in the military. I purchased a new 75/5 in 1972 and sold it in 2019. I owned several other models alongside it and never had a dud. I do not equate leaking engines and transmissions, vibration serious enough to shed parts and dodgy electrics with good engineering. After WW2 the glory that was once the British motorcycle industry had degenerated badly. The three losers from WW2 eventually produced motorcycles that nailed the home industry’s coffin shut. This “reborn” Norton appears to suffer from a few issues from the past. For such a hefty price, there are other motorcycles offering better all round performance in a faster, modern world.

@matt_adelaide Год назад

Another thumbs up for calling a spade a spade and for not getting caught up in hype or nostalgia.

@artiexr222 Год назад

Respect Andy for the honest review Norton hopefully will sit up and value an honest opinion.

@jfro5867 Год назад

Well Andy. You have just gone up in my estimation because the pressure to do a glowing puff piece must have been immense. Hardly anything is out there on the 961 from established vloggers whose opinion is valued. The very few I’ve seen for sale have been nearer £18k OTR so I think you were right first time.

@TheMissendenFlyer 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching!

@andiway1208 Год назад

Thank you for that, I too am gutted you didn’t like her. That said, I really appreciate your comments and honesty, thank you. If they don’t like it, stuff them! They need to step up to compete these days, Royal Enfield - need I say more? Thanks Andy.

@milolabrett6549 Год назад

Andy it’s a two banger 21st century come 60 - 70’s retro bike. It should be that loud and it should have a bit of rock and roll. A few years ago now my first street bike riding experience was on a 1973 Norton Commando circa 1977, so I guess I was about 15 years old. I was staying for the weekend at a buddies place and buddies older brother had the bike and left the keys in the ignition. We took it for a rip through town and on the highway buddy on the back. I was totally hooked, a year later I bought a two banger 750 Kawasaki. My first street machine and still living to tell the tale.

@richardgitz2264 Год назад

I love Norton like you do and appreciate your realistic perspective.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Thank you

@kyotosal Год назад

Love the sound and that beautiful silver paint, gorgeous........Sal : )

@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad Год назад

As a fairly recent rider, (I've been riding for 48years!😮) I think you don't understand that this is what all bikes used to be like!! Seems you like the looks of bikes from the 60's and 70's without the vibes, noise and finish...at least it didn't breakdown, which the original may well have done!🤔 Retro's are for Born Again Bikers, this should be compared to a Harley Sportster not something like a Ducati Streetfighter. Would I buy one....no but I wouldn't buy any retro... been there with the originals don't want to go back. Can't understand why you do your reviews in urban areas...get out on some decent roads. Thanks for the video, cheers Alistair 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer 5 месяцев назад

Sadly I have to use the roads that are available to me....no good onew near me...

@simonbarmoor Год назад

I have a Donnington 961, clutch was jerky, only until I changed the Brembo clutch slave cylinder to the Oberon - super smooth clutch now, pity TVS didnt change the slave on this to the Oberon.

@nikoscoulson Год назад

I couldn't agree more with your comments - little things I would never have noticed but now can't unsee. That would really bother me for the money they cost. Fingers crossed they take some of your comments on board and it improves future versions of the bike.

@mattbeth7180 Год назад

Thankyou for a transparant review

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

My pleasure

@davidemms5176 Год назад

Thanks Andy for an honest review i wish Norton well but for 16k & tarnished wheels i don,t think so!!

@michaeladams7289 Год назад

Great warts and all review, it's great to see what's good and bad. 👍

@chriswild2458 Год назад

Hi good honest review, it’s lovely to see Norton back I had a close up look at one in a local dealer who has picked up a Norton franchise for Cheshire , I agree with some of the design issues re indicators etc but the thing that irritates me the most are the mirrors and the reservoirs just so Mickey Mouse but easy for Norton to amend

@leewatkeys9065 Год назад

Andy, how I was hoping you’d sing the Norton’s praises. But you have given your honest views. Isn’t it strange that a company’s test riders either can’t feel the vibes and general roughness of a bike and report back: you can only imagine that Norton have taken a left side view point and trying to move the bike so far off the norm as to not be comparable and are going for a market where money is no object and mileage will hardly be an issue? I wonder how many they need to sell to be profitable and keep exclusivity up. The price argument is what it’s worth to an individual. There are always cheaper alternatives to a option. Is a 200k car really that much better if at all than a 100k car? Keep up the good work

@gra271 Год назад

Road works were from observation for a new gas pipe, or some other underground installation, not pot holes 😘

@jonquirk Год назад

Given that you’re so keen on retro bikes I was surprised to hear you complain about the lack of led lights. I thought you might complain that it didn’t have carbide lighting.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

:0)

@dp0004 Год назад

The 1970's commando was a proper thumper. Thud, thud, thud takes one to 60mph without noticing. Much maintenance was needed. Also persistent oil leak. It was a distinctive bike. £100s then. The gear change was opposite to the Japanese bikes. Old school my arse!

@lesliekirkland5783 Год назад

Thanks Andy for your honest review. It's great to see Norton back, but with so many very good bikes around at much lower prices I can't see it ever surviving for long unless it ups it's game. Such a shame.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Totally agree

@lauriebloggs8391 Год назад

It looks STUNNING! But alas, I agree with you, Simon and Duncan below.............

@peterwrench4416 Год назад

I had a 72 Roadster for many years. I suppose it all comes down to the brand name. If you desperately want something with Norton on the tank then you’ll most probably ignore the shortcomings of the bike. Personally I think the Kawasaki W800 is the best looking retro.

@tiggy2756 Год назад

Nearly got the W800 , it does sound very retro being a 360 crank ,styling very Bonneville just the timing cover wrong side and bevel looks more Ducati than Triumph great bike though , Thruxton 1200 is my favourite retro (biased as got one )

@davidhailstone1519 Год назад

Blimey, i didnt expect you to be that honest Andy.

@gzk6nk Год назад

Great and honest review, thanks. That is a BEAUTIFUL looking bike but I wonder if they will be bought by people who want to look at them rather than ride them? The vibes and the forward lean seating position would not be for me, even though I do like a bit of character in a bike (like my R9T) and eschew 'smooth as an electric motor' bikes (like the Blackbird I once had), and it's 9kg heavier than my R9T. My bike doesn't have a fuel gauge, which I agree is just daft, and it's interesting that this £16.5K bike hasn't either. One thing I'd prefer to be different on my bike is that having wire spoked wheels it requires use of tubed tyres - I presume the same applies to the Norton? I'm right with you on running a genuine old classic - I had a Meriden T120D (1979) that vibrated like a jackhammer, leaked oil, and needed constant fettling to keep it running properly. It was also a bu66er to start at times (kickstart only of course). It was an 'experience' to own and did handle well, and it never actually broke down but always felt it was going to. It's an experience I will not be repeating; like you, I prefer modern retros that are properly screwed together and more civilised. I also picked up that low speed fuelling is a bit jerky. That's something I can't stand in a bike, and I never found to be a problem on old bikes with carbs or the later FI bikes I've owned. It was the early FI bikes that seem to suffer that. I really feel you have put across the plusses and minuses of this great looking bike and therefore you have done what a review should do, but which many don't. I'm not in the market for a £16.5K bike (I only have garage space for my R9T and a little 125 Innova) but I suspect there are some folk who are, and who will add such a fabulous looking bike to their collection but rarely ride it.

@boblynch7535 Год назад

I’ll take a Thruxton, thank you. I hate to date myself, but I had 3 Commandos in the 70s. Lovely bikes, almost all of them. Guess Isolastic technology died with them. About the riding position, we all road like that back then. I’m in the States where average speed is higher and once you hit 60 or so the wind props you up. How our ideas of comfort change from your 20s to your 70s!

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Tell me about it!

@roberthocking9138 Год назад

Ime with you, those brake fluid containers should be nice turned aluminium surely for the price, they prob should be gold plated, same with the indicators, there a joke. I would still have one . Great video

@TheAnnako1 5 месяцев назад

In my opinion the 1200 thruxton is actually the king now I highly respect the Norton but it’s beige in the performance column

@richardomahony6132 Год назад

Thanks Andy, another great vid

@markbrill5391 Год назад

I imagine leaving a negative review is very difficult for any bike lover, especially when you start from the position of really wanting to admire the bike. Hopefully, Norton will accept the review as honest constructive criticism. Better still they will quickly get on and address the key issues, then invite you back to recognise the remedies once they fixed them? Keep up the good work!

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Wouldn’t that be good!

@Labgorilla Год назад

It looks very beautiful. Price takes it out of my range. I’ll have to stick to my 14 yr old v strom. Tarnished chrome? Air cooled? Nah. Nah. And constant vibration through the seat ? No fuel gauge? Only 5 gears… it’s one of those bikes that looks great parked outside your office. But that you don’t want to ride for any length of time.

@jedw9983 Год назад

Aside from that, you love it 😂! I appreciate such an honest review rather than a sugar coated, PR syrupy, compromise. PS I love an old thumper, the noise and vibrations, and I ride a 500 single cylinder that's a real raw ride, but for £16k I'd need something a little more polished as you point out. Beautiful bike, great review, I wish them well.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Me too!

@grantkokich6906 Год назад

The vibrations and loud pipes are a sign of character. My Harley vibrates and has a loud thumping sound. I suppose a few of the parts like switch gear and brake fluid pots could improve over time. Put them down to teething problems.

@MercuryCircuit Год назад

Great honest review. I would have loved to buy one of these new commando's, but i feel they need to sort a few teething issues out. My dad had a Norton Commando back in the 60's when he was a young man. I lost him 20 years ago, but would love to replicate his tour of Scotland a Commando one day.

@scottmitchell6371 Год назад

Thanks for the honest review, it is disappointing that it isn't better, wonder what the 650's they canned would have been like. 😔

@bailey-cj2pl Год назад

The wheels are polished alloy. Get your autosol out!!

@davidstiglitz4341 Год назад

Nice honest review, as ever. As you said, such a great shame this one is not up to expectations and top end pricing.

@johngreenwell8016 Год назад

Oh dear. What a chance to get things right and falling short. I would love Norton to be successful but if they don't improve the quality I fear for them and their customers. Right now I would buy the Z9. 😕

@keyboarddancers7751 Год назад

At that price, that bike is a real commitment!

@alancoath 9 месяцев назад

With respect, you have never once mentioned that this is a hand made machine. You are comparing a low volume, hand made in England motorcycle with mass produced machines made in the far east. Buy anything hand made and you will pay at least double for the privilege whether it be a guitar, a pushbike or whatever. This is not to say that mass produced items can't be of excellent quality, just that they are not comparable. Maybe some people have "more money than sense" but they have a passion about these things. It gives them a sense of pride, a sense of connection. I had a two hour test ride on the 961 and I didn't want to hand it back. It made me feel good to be alive, and it felt very special. Although I never noticed as to whether the lights were led or not. The specs are low because that's what suits the 961. It's not a speed machine, it doesn't need 6 gears, 5 gears are just right. Why add unecessary complications for the sake of it, so the spec sheet looks good? The weight is 230kg wet not dry, which makes quite a difference. The wheels are polished aluminium not chromium. They will clean up, unlike the chromium rims on my Bonneville Scrambler which pitted three months after I bought the machine and will always be pitted. If you value your back, leaning slightly forward is good and any weight on the wrists should disappear as soon as you get moving. Sitting bolt upright causes jarring directly up the spine with every bump, not good - for me anyway. With regard to other bikes you mention, if space allowed I could go on about them. The Z900RS is a beautiful looking machine but some owners report that it is snatchy to the point of being dangerous. I realise your review is your honest opinion, but that doesn't make it correct. Sadly many people will be influenced by it.

@TheMissendenFlyer 9 месяцев назад

Well as you said it is just my opinion (which is correct for me), you are entitled to yours and others can draw their own conclusions and opinions….

@alancoath 9 месяцев назад

People can't draw proper conclusions if they are not aware of key facts. The hand made aspect is a huge factor regarding the price of the Norton and this not down to opinion. I'm surprised and disappointed that you can't acknowledge this. It's not so much what you say in the review (if you're not keen on the bike that's fine), it's what you don't say which can damage the brand. And statements of the weight (important for some) can't be said to be correct for you, they are just not correct.

@jfro5867 9 месяцев назад

@@alancoath This is a symptom of the modern disease, social media influencers, especially ones with a relatively large following. I don’t know what the antidote is tbh because we can’t trust bike magazines or journo’s either. They all have their own ‘interests’. TMF didn’t get on with it, well that’s fine, but his choice of bike is pretty mainstream, a bit ‘safe’, so a throwback like the vibey Norton won’t be his cup of tea. I’ve unsubscribed from a number of RU-vidrs this last year because I’ve just got bored listening to the same old tropes as the same press bikes get handed around. I agree it’s hurt the Norton brand though. No doubt.

@stephenpotts8170 Год назад

Hi Andy, must say why I love your reviews is your honesty, it would have been easy for you to gushingly tell us it was a brilliant, bike but as you rightly said it's a mixed bag at best, with far to many foibles for a retro style bike at that price point. As a teenager in the early seventies when the Japanese bikes had just started to dominate, the British bike industry failed to respond, and sadly went to the wall. I'm so pleased the likes of Triumph have come back making wonderful motorcycles again, and Royal Enfield & BSA even though they are in Indian ownership. But Norton will have to do a lot better to match Triumphs success I'm afraid. In summing up I can see why they are saying low volume niche market, only a few punters will pay that amount of money, for lets be honest what is a poor effort by Norton. Thank you.

@JLOSTAFF1 Год назад

Shame about front wheel rims. Only got brief glimpse of rear wheel which seems fine? Great bike, great review. If you get the chance can I suggest a Suzuki GSX1400 for your Classic test slot? I've just bought one - I think you'll love it. Superbike factory have a few I see.

@ticthedog6095 Год назад

Haven’t got time till later to watch the whole video. Kawasaki’s Z900RS is king of the retros

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

I think you may be right - love those things!

@dextersuarez9948 Год назад

Such a fun review!

@Chambers_90 Год назад

Appreciate the honest review - hopefully it doesn't mean your name goes on the Norton naughty list! It sounds like a tough sell. What is there to make someone pay double or half again as much as the Triumphs, for a bike with overall less quality, and unproven longevity?

@pw3591 Год назад

I'm no design expert, but there's something wrong with the lines around the side panels / airbox. It just doesn't look quite right to me. I think i'd be more likely to go for a retro from the Triumph range .

@pistolpete6321 Год назад

Nice looking motorcycle, excellent review.

@michaelmclarney1994 Год назад

I totally agree, nice looking bike but let down by the vibes, wheel tarnishing, indicators and mirrors. I think I would go with a 1200 speed twin and spend the difference on customising or get 2 or 3 excellent used bikes instead.

@xorbe2 10 месяцев назад

I would really rather have this than my Speed Twin, but it's still not offered in the USA. It's like a Speed Twin that has Thruxton RS vibes without looking like a Thruxton. And Norton's smaller engine sounds better / more mechanical. As my Sunday ride, vibes/power and all that just doesn't matter. Norton has the looks and sound.

@TheMissendenFlyer 10 месяцев назад

Fair enough!

@brianperry Год назад

A couple of acquaintances owned Norton 600 Dommies back in the sixties. These are the bikes l believe Norton should be making, not rich mans toys that will never see the light of day let alone the open road...With upto date suspension, improvements in metoligy and priced accordingly it would appeal to the older classic buyer far more, and like Royal Enfield have achieved, a younger generation of Bikers.... The commando gets all the praise now but it was the Norton Dominator that is the real deal

@grahamtricker4103 Год назад

Norton have gone for where they can make the most money, so the bike isn't made for the average rider. Its aimed at the wealthy. To make a bike for the masses it would have to be made in the far east and use cheaper components. This is a completely different market and I am guessing, not where the Norton owners see their business.

@derekm6236 Год назад

In the early 60s, my dream bikes were the Bonny 120 and the Tritons. As a modern dream, a clone featherbed frame with an SV650 engine would fill the bill!

@brianperry Год назад

@@derekm6236 l transported my Bonnie powered Triton to Spain in 2000. Like all old brit parallel twins they vibrated. This could be somewhat negated by being kept in good adjustment/tune. Increasing the capacity to 750 and beyond is fraught with problems of vibration... thats the main reason l suggested a return to 500 and 600cc capacity..

@garyhall9537 Год назад

Won’t be spending any of my 16 and half grand on that, more curious about the two proper bikes you passed. Good honest review though. I think the interceptor is a way better option and way cheaper.

@splodge5714 Год назад

Better off with an original restored Commando 850. Far cheaper and they were great to ride. Looked nicer too.

@KimmoJaskari Год назад

All the incandescent lights on it could be easily swapped to LED with orange LED bulbs in the indicators - and unlike the orange halogen bulbs in this, the LEDs are 100% clear when not lit so the indicators wouldn't reflect that unfortunate orange tint behind the clear glass - and the headlight looks like 7 inches so an easy swap with a JW Speaker Adaptive motorcycle LED reflector (that's legal and fully approved for road use - LED bulbs in headlights are illegal and an abomination) - but really, for a bike like this in this day and age LED all round should be standard. I converted my Rocket 3 Touring to full LED, and it was a massive upgrade and fun to do.

@Fishing8136 Год назад

Good review honest😎🇨🇦

@robertyork4041 Год назад

One of the problems with many modern retro bikes is the form vs function compromise; for example, ditch the carbon fibre and put on properly plated parts (chrome or nickel) including proper mudguards; use good quality but not OTT expensive and bling Ohlins etc. The absence of a fuel gauge is frustrating but very few 'originals' had them (and even modern more expensive bikes don't, such as the Ducati Streetfighter). I guess the question is, is this bike a 'retro' or a reproduction - if the latter then you have to expect plenty of character ;)

@billfreeman398 Год назад

Its a turkey. Nice to see some ruthlessness Mr Flyer.

@stevehopkinson4871 Год назад

Tell ya mr flyer you’ve ragged the death out of that Norton and yes I am old school 57 years old and love the retros the sound of that bike is music to my ears

@gra271 Год назад

Great review and I, like you would love to like the bike but it doesn’t stand up to the competition 😔 especially the price

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Glad we concur!

@nicnak4475 Год назад

Prefer an original '75 850 Commando Mk 3 with Dunstall pipes, Andy 😁 Nice Buzzard @ 9.42 😀

@chrisackerman6518 Год назад

Such a shame I wanted the norton to be so good looks fab till you look close to the bits you mentioned fair play for being honest I don't think they will let you on the v4,

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

I hope they do as that looks mint!

@kevinpick194 Год назад

Again, another fair, honest review - resisting the temptation to skirt over some of your personal issues with it, just because Norton were good enough to lend you one of these machines. Such a shame about those deficiencies...I am sure many people wanted this to be a new chapter in 'New' Norton's future. Shame they couldn't find a way to justify the premium price tag, with better premium parts (some looked good and you highlighted those), but things like the chrome wheel rims in that condition, would not fill me with any confidence. Difficult trick to pull off, to make money selling bikes of that performance at that premium price, where corners appear to have been cut, and it doesn't look like Norton have managed it.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Sadly I agree!

@lynsmith1096 Год назад

Good review TMF. The bike does look very good but shame about it's failings and possably Norton rushed the bike to get it out.

@NeonLuvBar Год назад

It's still basically the same bike that Kenny Dreer designed and built in Oregon in 2006. Garner purchased all the CAD drawings and the name in 2008 after Kenny's investors backed out. Dreer didn't really receive the accolade for resurrecting the Norton brand. But without him there wouldn't be a 961.

@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 Месяц назад

Hello, does this Commando have the isoelastic motor mounts similar to the late 1960-early 1970s 750 cc Commandos? The matte gray instrument mount and handlebar mounts remind me of my first motorcycle the Honad 50 cc C-110 Super Sport Cub. By the way des the Command vibrate as much as Cub did at 52 m.p.h.?

@TheMissendenFlyer Месяц назад

Yes !

@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 Месяц назад

@@TheMissendenFlyer L.o.l.

@simongilbert2704 Год назад

you don't need those led lights , bulbs are just fine and cost a lot less to replace ; now the sound --- because they are single sell non sva the exhaust noise does not come into it , hence the louder pipes .. yes - another daft uk law anomaly ;;

@stephentalent Год назад

Great review & totally agree. The Norton badge is not worth the hideous premium. There are just far too many better bikes.

@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Год назад

I agree. I’m cautiously optimistic that they can suss some of the issues out.

@christaylor491 Год назад

Love your honesty TMF 👍

@keithmayes4842 Год назад

Thanks for the honest review big price tags don't always ensure quality. I'd rather ride one that Guy and Henry had fettled 😅 It is a lovely looking machine tho.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

You and me both!

@siraff4461 Год назад

How did they get round the regs to use non-sprung footpegs on the front? They are just rears in a different location. That and the exhausts makes me wonder whats going on here.

@siraff4461 Год назад

9:30 - nevermind. That explains a lot and its also a big put off. SVA every bike over type approval is great if you need the extra decibels or emissions but this is obviously a production bike they are limiting because they don't want to spend the money. That makes me wonder how many other corners they have cut. Not for me thanks.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

SVA I assume….

@darkoflight4938 Год назад

I guess it is a balancing act to make a retro bike. You give the people that and instantly it is too much vibrations, old halogen bulbs or old style mirrors. Make it too modern and suddenly it has "no character". Though crowd to please and you can´t please everybody. Now with that said, it´s a beautiful bike indeed. Great video!

@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 Год назад

Mate I’m glad you call a spade ♠️ a spade . You have ridden enough bikes to be objective, if you said it was fantastic ( just to please Norton ) then you wouldn’t be true to yourself, and if viewers purchased one on your recommendation well that can BITE ! , I do hope as you do they go from strength to Strength. Hopefully 🙏 Norton will listen 👂 to your concerns.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

I’m not sure they’ll listen to me but if others agree maybe….thanks for watching!

@daver3110 Год назад

Shame it didn't stand up to how it looks. Speaking of British brands, I know it's technically Indian now, but I'm interested in the new royal Enfield super meteor 650. You going to review that anytime soon you reckon?

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Yep - stay tuned!

@originalforgery 11 месяцев назад

You've mentioned your Triumph Speed Twin a couple of times but where is it made? In my book its a Thaiumph - a foreign made impersonator. Wears the Union flag but is made overseas. Knowing John Bloor back in the day I can see why he did that - as he'd sell his mum for a tenner.....

@TheMissendenFlyer 11 месяцев назад

I don’t know where it was made….

@shaunsmith8071 Год назад

Why don’t they use the isolastic, like the old Norton comamdos.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

No idea…

@UOO303T Год назад

Beautiful bike

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

It sure is!

@allanmason7544 Год назад

nice vid again andy out of intrest andy do you use ear plugs

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

I sure do - every ride!

@robertwatson39 Год назад

Andy, it sounds like the latest edition is a backward step compared to the 1976 Norton Commando 850. As you know back in that day the 850 could beat a Honda 750/4. In 46 yrs you would think that it would be at least a 1200cc and not 961. Also thee days 5 speed is so passé.

@busterrabbit Год назад

Not as nice looking as the original Commando, the tank is too bulbous and the side panels look strange. It also sounds like a cement mixer! The wheel rims looks like they're alloy, not chrome, so you'll need to get the Solvol Autosol aluminium polish out to keep them shiny. Difficult to get retro bike styling right; back then all mirrors were round and chrome, and LEDs weren't invented, I guess it depends how much retro you prefer . Nice trinkets, Ohlins, Brembo etc. but overkill for riding to a bikers cafe on a Sunday afternoon, they make it a very expensive toy for weekend posing, but each to their own. Had an original 1970 Bonneville in '73-'74, then a new T150 Trident followed by a MK III Commando 850, all great bikes in their day, not sure how they'd feel now. Having had numerous BMWs including a few R100RS's, an R1100RT a K1600GT and my current R1200R Sport, probably pretty rough.

@DavidGreen-hp5yq Месяц назад

You ride for placidity, as oppsed to adventure and derring-do?

@TheMissendenFlyer Месяц назад

No I like a bit of adventure on a bike....

@user-nt9nd7xm5f Год назад

I honestly do not understand where they are going with this bike. Yes it looks retro cool, but it’s a clunker of a 77hp push rod engine part originally designed by Simon Skinner side kick to Mr Garner. The peripheral gear is out dated non premium and looks horrid. I know they have meant to have upped the quality control but the marks on the wheels do not bode well. I had a Garner one back in 2014, leaked oil, corroded parts on one wet trip to IOM and went home in the race van. There would be a lot more interest if they were racing at the TT with the V4 but they don’t want to and actually can’t as the engines to big and would need to revert to the Aprilla engine which is a way better V4. And also come up with a better more relevant and current 961 and add premium parts. Honest review and I concur on all points! It’s great Norton are up and running but to me and it’s only my opinion, seems half hearted and not very inspiring at present

@user-nt9nd7xm5f Год назад

And to add to that surely if you are in the market for a Norton, in the current form you would have more fun with an original one with pedigree and history

@3ukchriscool Год назад

One. how can you compare this bike to an old bike when you admitted not even riding one ?? Two. comparing it to a bike with 4 cylinders , like comparing a Vespa to a Harley. Three. yes you are missing the point and I would stick to riding bikes that suit you as its a narrowminded review. However I do agree that the Honda switch gear that is fitted is god awful, as for the brake and clutch reservoirs these are far superior then the built in reservoirs you seem to think are better, twin bikes are know for being pretty naf at low speeds and my Thruxton 1200 R is the same and so is my Royal Enfield and guzzi . mainly down to the balancing shaft only starts to work correct at higher revs thats how they are made you noticed this when you opened it up slightly , these arnt 4 cylinder bikes or engineered to the max for smooth rides as it takes away what it should be . I own bikes from Vincent's to mopeds , and not being funny out of all my cafe racers / retro bikes this is my goto bike , the feel and ride is perfect . If you want a modern bike that are quite frankly boring with no feed back then get one. This was not made for this and you are missing the point. This is made for the old school rockers/bikers and retro mob who want to feel the roots of biking but have the reliability and the feel of the road. You cant compare BMWs to a Vespa or a Harley to a off road bike they all hold different rides and appeal, and you really don't appreciate this. poor review mate with very little knowledge of old bikes and the roots of biking along with the focus of different designs, plus very poor knowledge of the mechanics of engines.

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

I never claimed to be an expert - just my opinion, very poor comment mate, all the best.

@bobritter7197 Год назад

This does make me a little sad... let's hope they take heed & improve the ride quality. And a bit more power wouldn't be too much to ask, would it?

@karlosh9286 Год назад

Are the vibrations much worse than a 1200 Speed Twin ?

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

In a different league of vibration - the speed twin is smooooth in comparison

@karlosh9286 Год назад

@@TheMissendenFlyer and there was me thinking the vibrations of the Speed Twin are a bit much , usually after having a ride of a 120 degree Triple ! (we'll move swiftly on from the lumpy T-planes Triples !!!)

@gordoncurrie3453 Год назад

Its such a shame its not as good as it looks, no doubt it'll sell though, id buy the Kawasaki RS personally

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Me too!

@martinhughes9769 Год назад

Lovely to see British Bikes , i still wonder about reliability, At least with Triumph they now have a decent reputation and reliability is up there, the also have world wide dealerships, if you have any issues, For the money lots of basic bits that are cheap and nasty should never have chrome that's pitting on a newish bike , Loads of bikes out there in this price range, im no Harley fan ,a butty of mine rides a 28 year old Harley and he's got a little bit of pitting on the wheel hubs now , What is this Norton going to look like in several years, Norton needs to pick the game up if they wish to get new customers,

@gerrydrummond3287 Год назад

The unreliability of British Bikes is a canard. The reason they kept breaking down is because people didn’t look after them, by which I don’t mean, constantly taking them apart and putting back together. All they needed and still need is servicing regularly.

@PutOnYourLid Год назад

Andy, I praise your Balls to give us your 'RAW' but qualified detailed opinion. I'd think Norton will be stubburn to give you another Bike in the near future. However, I'm glad people like you mention the cherries on the cake and at the same time, mention the sour cream topping. I'd imagine Norton might just fix these issues in the near future as the bike for sure is very expensive and it should reflect that price everywhere! I put down BMW's F900 XR and it's clunky up and down quickschifter 3 years ago. Im out and about again,courtesy of BMW to test it again. guess what? The Shifter is mega good now! Thanks for the ride along.