As the dad of a 25 yr old Kate, it is wonderful to see dad as expert and daughter respecting his knowledge and experience. This is what dad/daughter connections should be…appreciating each other’s talents. Best Wishes!
Great work Dad & Kate! Awesome video about a very desirable motorcycle. Had a Commando back in the day & it was simultaneously the best bike & the worst bike I have ever owned. And I want one of these new ones more than anything else I can think of... Dad looks about my age & I notice he has developed the same habit I have that has no doubt contributed to us both living long enough to grow grey hair - His finger covered the front break virtually all the way through the video. Some habits are worth developing kids!
This was incredibly wholesome to watch! My gosh. You’re so lucky to share this with your dad! I very much wish the Commando was for sale outside the UK. The supply of the “old” 961 MK2’s has dried up here in the states and this is still the one modern bike that eludes me in my dream garage that already has Thruxtons, SportClassics and R NineT’s.
Usernamedad is great at this, smart move to have someone which has actually real world experience on the old Norton`s to give us his view. Great vid, as per usual Kate, Love it when your dad is in your vids like this. Keep up the great work!
Hi Kate and dad looks like you both enjoy old school bikes gotta agree with everything ya dad said about it it's more for us old folks that remember the real fun years of no speed camera's lol keep up with the good work on your channel take care dave
Thanks to UserNameDad - I'm glad they allowed you to take a ride and share your "feelings" about the bike. I never owned one but I did fix my brothers gold pinstripe Commando points and retimed her by feel and sound! It was long legged and loped along easily but when pushed, would give you confidence in the corners. My only long term concern is the low engine speed clonking, as if it has a 13:1 compression ratio and the centrifugal timing does not retard enough at low speed and idle. I know it is all digital these days, but as an engineer, I hate to hear high mechanical noise which indicates wear and short life. A lovely bike anyway!
Good to see someone from nortons target market giving their thoughts. UND is a natural bike reviewer! The norton is a back shed project, plenty of character but flawed in so many ways. Still, its a start. They need to bring out that Norton Atlas 650 promised before garner raided the pension fund, now that would be a huge seller.
Good review UsernameDad. My favourite bit was in the motorway and the moment I was wondering if he’d change up he said “whether it could do with a 6th gear”. Answered that question nicely
Great video! I really liked how you first talk about the looks and expectations for the bike, then go for a ride and talk about the experience after. The old way of just riding and mumbling inside the helmet is just way less enjoyable. If the dad is reading this, you are so damn cool 😎👊🏻
It would be interesting to dig up a 72 Commando for a comparison. I’m 70 now and had 3 Commandos back in the day. No complaints. At that age I was setting the valves and points every weekend. This was in Connecticut and we’d blast up to Vermont 3 or 4 times a summer. My Commando was always the first to start in the morning and no oil leaks! Wonderful bikes until I walked into a showroom and saw the 74 Ducati 750 Sport. Saved my pennies and picked one up.
I've watched a few videos like this reviewing the 961 Commando and speculated how a back to back with the original Commando might stack-up. I had a 750 Commando in the 70's and enjoyed it very much. I suspect that the one thing that might stand out would be the comparative smoothness of the rubber mounted engine of the 70's bike compared to the modern machine. Also, I don't recall my Commando being as noisy mechanically as this. Wouldn't turn down a ride on one mind you.
If i could double like this video I would! Im so glad you were able to get username dad's perspective. I grew up in the 80's so the only Norton's i saw here in the USA were choppers. Later in life I started to see survivors that had been restored and they were just the most proper British bikes. So hopefully Norton can continue and grow enough to bring some distribution back to the States. I never got to ride with my dad as an adult Kate, you're very lucky! Cheers
I don’t ride anymore but enjoyed this. I spent a week riding pillion on a mates black commando getting shown round Minneapolis in 1989. That bike was a beast, looked and sounded gorgeous, pulled like a train around the city streets but always left its oily mark and sometimes took 5 minutes to kick it into life. Good memories.
Dad is awesome!🏁🏁🏁 He mentioned Grahame Rhodes, sadly no longer with us, he was a great rider. Ivan and Sam lives few min away, love visiting Ivans garage!
as an owner of a 1974 Norton Commando both today and back in the 70s it was great to hear Dads impressions of the new Norton....17k pounds is 30k CDN $. Unless money was no object then thats way to spendy..........thanks User name Dad, hope to hear more of your content for us older riders.
A cracking video Usernamers! It's great to get a second opinion on a bike. Maybe I've not been spoiled enough with modern machinery but I've never really missed a gear indicator although I can totally understand why most may prefer one. I have to agree with you both that It's a great bike but has plenty of options to add that personal touch like the foot pegs and indicators. I also agree that a 6th gear would be a great addition for those higher speed rides. Many thanks both for sharing your views.
Thanks Kate and your father. That was really interesting and fun. At one time I had a 1972 Norton Commando Combat which had the FAG bearings fitted which cure crankshaft breakage of the earliest. The 750 Commandos were the first stock bike to do quarter mile times of 12.7 seconds. And great sound.
Thanks, I had a Norton Dominator in the 60s . Now I ( very occasionally) ride my CBF1000 on sunny days. like many I wanted a Commando but could not afford one. I agree that a gear indicator and better indicators would be good. I think at my age for longer rides I would like a fairing as per my CBF1000. I am glad that Nortons are back.
Fabulous video!! What an absolute privilege to be able to listen to you two chatting, both well informed, modest and generous in your opinions . I also enjoyed and benefitted from seeing UND riding naturally in real world conditions and his reactions to traffic etc . More please , and thank you .
I don’t know what it is about the bike and I recognize it is not totally without some negatives, but I just love it and if I could I would make it my main one. There’s just something about it that grabs me. Awesome video guys.
Awesome video! Great impressions and thoughts. He really looks at home on the Norton as well. I wish this was available here in the States. Great content. I love your channel. Best!
What a nice surprise a Username Dad video. First what an impeccable garden, second what a good review. Kate the new mic if that’s what you used picked up your dad’s soft spoken voice perfect. Oh the prince of darkness, every time I fixed an electrical problem on my BSA it made another one develop, as far as starting I was almost always guaranteed a cardio workout. Although I loved my BSA’s and liked my Triumph the Norton 850 was always a cut above.
Heard one coming down the round and sounded great. Great wee review video Kate, you should get yer paw on more, you guys work well together on camera, a bit like Darcy does with the old man, your paw speaks to us old codgers too :) Nice bike, like my oil bangers but will keep my 5Four CB1100RS :)
Loved the old school riding technique of Kate senior. Just the one finger covering the front brake lever. The life-saver glance over the right shoulder before overtaking. Even just kicking the sidestand up straight after pulling the bike upright at the kerb side. He's my generation of rider and was obviously schooled the same way as me. Ex Police rider perhaps?
Usernamedad should feature more often! Including the low key garden flex. I couldn't think of a more fitting backdrop. It's where I've had so many convos about bikes (at the kerbside)
I mentioned it once and now it's reality... wow, UNDad is the best, wether an old fogey or not😂!! Been wanting a good review from someone who rode the originals for yonks now. 👍
Steve!! You mentioned you were coming to Rivington. Email me the details of when you're over and me and Mike will spin a few laps with you! Usernamekatemoto@gmail.com 😊
If I understood you correctly, you seemed to say Norton offers a black (cast) set of wheels? I only saw one picture that could be this on their website. The spokes are more classic but I'd be intrigued to see. Cheers to you and your Dad. Edit: I found a few images, still spoked but blacked out. Got it.
My mate had a nice black commando back in the sixties, used to go pillion and after a while could smell burning rubber , boot heels had melted onto megaphone exhaust, common problem I believe 😂👍👍👍😂
Christmas is coming be a great Sunday bike to ride round the old haunts on. If I went back in time it would be Yamaha RD350 ypvs now that was a machine I don’t think Yamaha will be bringing one out anytime soon .The smell of that burning rock oil or betray si7 is something that never leaves you. Memories are priceless . 😊 when is Mike going to get his second opinion. 😮
That engine sounds like a Ducati Dry Clutch or the bottom is about to fall out! I had a Norton Dominator 99 back in the 60's and it did not sound like that and it was super handling reliable machine. I am now 80years old and ride a 2004 MV F4 Brutale You can't keep an old bloke down.
How smooth/quick is USD! Anyone would think he has had training! Lol. A late pal of mine used to do the same job as your dad and, really loved the company Norton's, apart from when the electrics went daft 🤔. By the way, who does M&D's garden? Do they want to come and do mine 🤣?
I think it's a great looking bike, and once underway on the motorway, sounded lovely to me. That clatter, in the video, might be bearable in real life? Not so nice in the vid. Thanks UNK & UND. Kindest Regards
Hi Dad, Hope you don't mind me saying what a lovely daughter you have. Have you ever told her about little decompression lever that you would pul in before kicking the bike over or you would end up in next doors garden 🤣
No doubt great to look at but riding a uncomfortable paint shaker that is priced as a premium machine is crazy. My Royal Classic Chrome 500 doesn't clatter as much and vibrates less and looks great at one quarter of the price. The shame is it could have performed as well as it looks. I grew up bikes in the late 1960s and early 1970s so the style appeals to me but it is too old school to really ride. I expect most will stay in the garage most of the time.
Is your dad actually old enough to have and remember all the old Nortons and triumphs. My dads 83. I would have though the Japanese bikes would have been taking over soon after your dad was riding
Wow! He started out with a cramp, cockpit probably not ideal for him, probably suspension set up front and back could be more ideal for him, “and then he starts railing it! Passing looky loo’s! Awesome, he’s got made skills!
Dad’s a good sport and a real solid citizen, Kate
Top man username Dad, We need more Kate.
As the dad of a 25 yr old Kate, it is wonderful to see dad as expert and daughter respecting his knowledge and experience. This is what dad/daughter connections should be…appreciating each other’s talents. Best Wishes!
Really good to get Dad’s view on this bike. The engine sounds very clanky, not sure if that’s just the sound recording.
Probably just the sound recording.
can not wait for this beauty to be launched in the United States!
Great work Dad & Kate! Awesome video about a very desirable motorcycle. Had a Commando back in the day & it was simultaneously the best bike & the worst bike I have ever owned. And I want one of these new ones more than anything else I can think of...
Dad looks about my age & I notice he has developed the same habit I have that has no doubt contributed to us both living long enough to grow grey hair - His finger covered the front break virtually all the way through the video. Some habits are worth developing kids!
Great review from usernameDad. Made me laugh when the dog at the lights was going mad. Dogs a Norton fan 😊
Smashing review with Dad - really liked the change in format 🙂
I’m 65 and have 4 daughters and really enjoyed this vid with your Pa. Great channel kid.
This was incredibly wholesome to watch! My gosh. You’re so lucky to share this with your dad!
I very much wish the Commando was for sale outside the UK. The supply of the “old” 961 MK2’s has dried up here in the states and this is still the one modern bike that eludes me in my dream garage that already has Thruxtons, SportClassics and R NineT’s.
Thanks CafeRacerQu33n
Usernamedad is great at this, smart move to have someone which has actually real world experience on the old Norton`s to give us his view. Great vid, as per usual Kate, Love it when your dad is in your vids like this. Keep up the great work!
I can see it vibrating on tick over and the clattering engine noise takes me back to my first big bike Norton 99 Dominator, many decades ago haha 😊
I love the sounds this bike makes! Thank you. Old blokes FTW.
Hi Kate and dad looks like you both enjoy old school bikes gotta agree with everything ya dad said about it it's more for us old folks that remember the real fun years of no speed camera's lol keep up with the good work on your channel take care dave
Thanks to UserNameDad - I'm glad they allowed you to take a ride and share your "feelings" about the bike. I never owned one but I did fix my brothers gold pinstripe Commando points and retimed her by feel and sound! It was long legged and loped along easily but when pushed, would give you confidence in the corners. My only long term concern is the low engine speed clonking, as if it has a 13:1 compression ratio and the centrifugal timing does not retard enough at low speed and idle. I know it is all digital these days, but as an engineer, I hate to hear high mechanical noise which indicates wear and short life. A lovely bike anyway!
Good to see someone from nortons target market giving their thoughts. UND is a natural bike reviewer! The norton is a back shed project, plenty of character but flawed in so many ways. Still, its a start. They need to bring out that Norton Atlas 650 promised before garner raided the pension fund, now that would be a huge seller.
Brilliant video. Impressions are really important too. Great to see you and your Dad chat before and after the ride.
Good review UsernameDad. My favourite bit was in the motorway and the moment I was wondering if he’d change up he said “whether it could do with a 6th gear”. Answered that question nicely
Great video! I really liked how you first talk about the looks and expectations for the bike, then go for a ride and talk about the experience after. The old way of just riding and mumbling inside the helmet is just way less enjoyable. If the dad is reading this, you are so damn cool 😎👊🏻
Loved this! Cool dad, cool daughter. I know all those roads too.
Usernamedad, a Norton without the worry. Excellent summary. All the best from Australia 🇦🇺
It would be interesting to dig up a 72 Commando for a comparison. I’m 70 now and had 3 Commandos back in the day. No complaints. At that age I was setting the valves and points every weekend. This was in Connecticut and we’d blast up to Vermont 3 or 4 times a summer. My Commando was always the first to start in the morning and no oil leaks! Wonderful bikes until I walked into a showroom and saw the 74 Ducati 750 Sport. Saved my pennies and picked one up.
I've watched a few videos like this reviewing the 961 Commando and speculated how a back to back with the original Commando might stack-up. I had a 750 Commando in the 70's and enjoyed it very much. I suspect that the one thing that might stand out would be the comparative smoothness of the rubber mounted engine of the 70's bike compared to the modern machine. Also, I don't recall my Commando being as noisy mechanically as this. Wouldn't turn down a ride on one mind you.
If i could double like this video I would! Im so glad you were able to get username dad's perspective. I grew up in the 80's so the only Norton's i saw here in the USA were choppers. Later in life I started to see survivors that had been restored and they were just the most proper British bikes. So hopefully Norton can continue and grow enough to bring some distribution back to the States. I never got to ride with my dad as an adult Kate, you're very lucky! Cheers
I think your dad enjoyed that. Great to get another take on the bike, from someone that knew Norton from back in the day. Enjoyed the vid 👌
I don’t ride anymore but enjoyed this. I spent a week riding pillion on a mates black commando getting shown round Minneapolis in 1989. That bike was a beast, looked and sounded gorgeous, pulled like a train around the city streets but always left its oily mark and sometimes took 5 minutes to kick it into life. Good memories.
I watched and listened from the other side of the Channel... Very nice!
Thanks for this!
Dad is awesome!🏁🏁🏁
He mentioned Grahame Rhodes, sadly no longer with us, he was a great rider. Ivan and Sam lives few min away, love visiting Ivans garage!
as an owner of a 1974 Norton Commando both today and back in the 70s it was great to hear Dads impressions of the new Norton....17k pounds is 30k CDN $. Unless money was no object then thats way to spendy..........thanks User name Dad, hope to hear more of your content for us older riders.
A cracking video Usernamers! It's great to get a second opinion on a bike. Maybe I've not been spoiled enough with modern machinery but I've never really missed a gear indicator although I can totally understand why most may prefer one. I have to agree with you both that It's a great bike but has plenty of options to add that personal touch like the foot pegs and indicators. I also agree that a 6th gear would be a great addition for those higher speed rides. Many thanks both for sharing your views.
Wonderful video Kate.
Thanks Kate and your father.
That was really interesting and fun.
At one time I had a 1972 Norton Commando Combat which had the FAG bearings fitted which cure crankshaft breakage of the earliest. The 750 Commandos were the first stock bike to do quarter mile times of 12.7 seconds. And great sound.
Got to love a video with UsernameDad 😂. He's got exactly the same outlook on bikes as me.
Glad your Dad was able to ride the Norton. We have couple of old bikes , the hardest thing is to kick start. Great video! 😊
Thanks, I had a Norton Dominator in the 60s . Now I ( very occasionally) ride my CBF1000 on sunny days. like many I wanted a Commando but could not afford one. I agree that a gear indicator and better indicators would be good. I think at my age for longer rides I would like a fairing as per my CBF1000. I am glad that Nortons are back.
Good to get Dads perspective. He would know what vibration is and what good handling is having owned featherbeds.
Good to get a different generations view 😊
Good to see usernamedad out on the Norton, and it was a good informative review .
Fabulous video!! What an absolute privilege to be able to listen to you two chatting, both well informed, modest and generous in your opinions . I also enjoyed and benefitted from seeing UND riding naturally in real world conditions and his reactions to traffic etc . More please , and thank you .
And of course a well reasoned and useful review of a bike used in its natural environment from one who it was designed to appeal to.
You and your dad have such a good relationship, very kool. Father daughter best friend stuff ❤
I don’t know what it is about the bike and I recognize it is not totally without some negatives, but I just love it and if I could I would make it my main one. There’s just something about it that grabs me. Awesome video guys.
Great stuff, enjoyed this one!
Awesome video! Great impressions and thoughts. He really looks at home on the Norton as well. I wish this was available here in the States. Great content. I love your channel. Best!
Beautiful front garden good video.
Thanks Late n Dad.
I can see that you love your Dad - looks a great guy
Well done dad, great to have your thoughts on that one 👍
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Dad's Pre Ride Impressions
08:14 Seat Height Demonstration
09:37 Road Ride
22:37 Dad's Post Ride Conclusion
What a nice surprise a Username Dad video. First what an impeccable garden, second what a good review. Kate the new mic if that’s what you used picked up your dad’s soft spoken voice perfect. Oh the prince of darkness, every time I fixed an electrical problem on my BSA it made another one develop, as far as starting I was almost always guaranteed a cardio workout. Although I loved my BSA’s and liked my Triumph the Norton 850 was always a cut above.
Heard one coming down the round and sounded great. Great wee review video Kate, you should get yer paw on more, you guys work well together on camera, a bit like Darcy does with the old man, your paw speaks to us old codgers too :) Nice bike, like my oil bangers but will keep my 5Four CB1100RS :)
I own & ride a 73 850 Commando and I love it! I’ve sat on but never ridden one of these new ones but l think l still prefer the 70s version.
Loved the old school riding technique of Kate senior. Just the one finger covering the front brake lever. The life-saver glance over the right shoulder before overtaking. Even just kicking the sidestand up straight after pulling the bike upright at the kerb side. He's my generation of rider and was obviously schooled the same way as me. Ex Police rider perhaps?
Engine sounds Rougher than a Badgers Arse! 😅
great video!
I’d still be putting a roasting tin under the crankcase to catch the oil lol
Love you Dad ❤
Usernamedad should feature more often! Including the low key garden flex. I couldn't think of a more fitting backdrop. It's where I've had so many convos about bikes (at the kerbside)
Let’s hope Norton take on board your feedback as it’s a beautiful bike
It sounds awesome, really cool !
lets go usernamedad
Nice film. You should have asked dad if he'd ever consider swapping his GS for this thing. I think I can guess what his answer would be.
Ha! UND is cool as a refrigerated cucumber… awesome. 👍 great dynamic you two have going on, and you clearly both enjoy the common interest. 👍👍
Enjoyed that.
We need to see dad on some more "retro" bikes; a W800 for starters (my bike😊).
Usernamedad is a LEGEND 👍
Dads know best Kate
if I had the money i would buy one tomorrow just love them 👌💯👍
UsernameDad looks about my age. Good on him.
I mentioned it once and now it's reality... wow, UNDad is the best, wether an old fogey or not😂!! Been wanting a good review from someone who rode the originals for yonks now. 👍
Steve!! You mentioned you were coming to Rivington. Email me the details of when you're over and me and Mike will spin a few laps with you! Usernamekatemoto@gmail.com 😊
@@UsernameKate been in UK since 7th and, if all goes well i'll be here till the 28th. I'll be in the Bolten area approx., as of 16th.
Glad I watched this, how tall is dad ? At 6’ I think it would be too cramped for me, I’ll stick to thinking about Z900rs
Kate - Born to be a biker !
If I understood you correctly, you seemed to say Norton offers a black (cast) set of wheels? I only saw one picture that could be this on their website. The spokes are more classic but I'd be intrigued to see. Cheers to you and your Dad.
Edit: I found a few images, still spoked but blacked out. Got it.
My mate had a nice black commando back in the sixties, used to go pillion and after a while could smell burning rubber , boot heels had melted onto megaphone exhaust, common problem I believe 😂👍👍👍😂
Christmas is coming be a great Sunday bike to ride round the old haunts on. If I went back in time it would be Yamaha RD350 ypvs now that was a machine I don’t think Yamaha will be bringing one out anytime soon .The smell of that burning rock oil or betray si7 is something that never leaves you. Memories are priceless . 😊 when is Mike going to get his second opinion. 😮
Honestly Dads review was fantastic he should Drop off more Kate he’s a cracking chap
Username dad got a bit of OCD with flower planting. Great job 😂👌🏻
That engine sounds like a Ducati Dry Clutch or the bottom is about to fall out! I had a Norton Dominator 99 back in the 60's and it did not sound like that and it was super handling reliable machine. I am now 80years old and ride a 2004 MV F4 Brutale You can't keep an old bloke down.
Haha love that for you!! Badass
I like it for a retro bike but agree with usernamedad on the tweeks needed to improve it.
Our local vertu Honda (Stockton) has one for sale with 325 miles on the clock for ...£12.999 same colours
Nice to go down memory lane, does user name dad remember John Player Norton commandoA7
Kate you’re dads garden is a credit to him .bikes nice as well.👍
Oh that's allllllllllllll mums doing, she's the green fingered goddess. She'll be reading the comments fuming that he's getting the credit ahah!!
‘A British Legend…. And a Norton..! 🤟🏼😎 Haha 😆
£16.500 starting! Phew!
How smooth/quick is USD! Anyone would think he has had training! Lol. A late pal of mine used to do the same job as your dad and, really loved the company Norton's, apart from when the electrics went daft 🤔. By the way, who does M&D's garden? Do they want to come and do mine 🤣?
Somehow, I can't see it being top of the sales charts.
Difficult to get that retro look with 21st century tweaks but the price is a tad steep. I’d have one of it was cheaper as a second/third bike.
Yea that’s the bike for me. Shame I can’t make it happen.
Hello, good afternoon Kate, it looks like my Benelli Sei from the 80s, at this point I think it's not worth it 😿 Best regards
Love your dad’s jacket, could you tell me what it is please. Thanks
Not to worry Kate just seen the shopping trip video!
i got double the Hp in my gsxs1000 lol beautiful bike though 👍👍👍👍
Can we see your dad on the Triumph 3R
you tested
This is so cool to see you come from a pedigree of Motorcyclists.
Hisense a new RUclips channel in the making, sometime in the foreseeable future.
UND is a diamond geezer! Sort of bloke you could have a load of ale with while talking bollocks about bikes!
I think it's a great looking bike, and once underway on the motorway, sounded lovely to me.
That clatter, in the video, might be bearable in real life? Not so nice in the vid.
Thanks UNK & UND.
Kindest Regards
Hi Dad, Hope you don't mind me saying what a lovely daughter you have. Have you ever told her about little decompression lever that you would pul in before kicking the bike over or you would end up in next doors garden 🤣
£17000 for a great looking retro,in the 21st having to suffer lots of vibes from the engine good enough?
No doubt great to look at but riding a uncomfortable paint shaker that is priced as a premium machine is crazy. My Royal Classic Chrome 500 doesn't clatter as much and vibrates less and looks great at one quarter of the price. The shame is it could have performed as well as it looks. I grew up bikes in the late 1960s and early 1970s so the style appeals to me but it is too old school to really ride. I expect most will stay in the garage most of the time.
Far better offerings from Triumph ............ good video 👍
They are very common mass produced far eastern made bikes.
They are ok if you don't get Nortons.
Is your dad actually old enough to have and remember all the old Nortons and triumphs. My dads 83. I would have though the Japanese bikes would have been taking over soon after your dad was riding
I started riding in the late 70s and there were still people riding older British bikes, although it was mostly Japanese.
Wow! He started out with a cramp, cockpit probably not ideal for him, probably suspension set up front and back could be more ideal for him, “and then he starts railing it! Passing looky loo’s! Awesome, he’s got made skills!
You can take a man off his bike ,but you cant take a bike out of the man 😁......christ all bleeding mighty i sound like a poet !!!. 😅😅