@@TAYM Good Morning 🤗. Yes, sir, you've prompted me to talk about those days on the video I'm just about to upload to RUclips. Thank you for bringing them to mind. Lovely summer days ahead for riding at last. Peter
The rear end is from the original ‘Fastback’ 750 model, imho the worst of the variants. I’d love an ‘Interstate’ model. They were an icon of the 70’s and 80’s, not bad for what was, at the time, a 40 year old engine design!
Morning Mr TAYM. The Norton patented Isolastic anti vibration system was a marvellous invention at the time. Lovely bike, proper sound. I was never that keen on the Fastback back end though.
You have never heard of "Quaife" gearbox . Oh! ( damn) another reminder of my age. I never could afford a Commando then or now. Anyhow just about the last wholly British made motorcycle and a thing of beauty. Good video Mr TAYM thanks.
@@TAYM agree! That is why I like them. It's also a reason why I would want to buy them. No reason other then refining for gas mileage as they have done. I don't really think technology has improved in the past 40 years other then make problems. I like pen and paper. I am dyslexic, but if you knew me, they understood what I was writing. I think here in the states, HD could have done the same thing even with heritage similar to RE. Sad companies want higher prices for technology, but we don't really need it. Remember when a phone was just a phone and not a drug? That was that Norton when I saw it.
Mr. TAYM, thanks for the vid. You know I'm a sucker for classic bikes and that Norton certainly fits the bill. BTW, that bike would be in the neighborhood of $18,000, or 14,500 pounds, here in the US.
What a sound Mr TAYM, although I love the look of old bikes they wouldn’t be any good to me as they do tend to need a bit more attention than the modern counterparts and if I was looking after it then the work for someone else would probably increase to sort out my mistakes. Back in the late 70’s me and my mate planned after passing our test to buy two Triumph Tridents (no idea why Tridents) and head off to France. Of course it never came off probably for the best, don’t think my dad would have been best pleased to come over with his trailer to get us home that’s assuming we even made the English south coast.
History in motion 👍. One thing that I noticed is that the Interceptor headers, with the long Hitchcock's silencers (slimmer than the original ones) look very similar to those long pipes on the Commando 850. This just adds to my belief that the Interceptor is the bike that is closest to the classics of the 60's and 70's. Air cooled as well of course. It was very good to see that '74 Commando 850.
It amazes me people order bikes without riding a demo ( which I presume within only 200 miles could well be the case here) I was talking to my local dealer who said this is the case more than ever these days , folks watch YT videos to decide what bike will be suitable for them and have no interest in taking out a demo bike even when one is available!. In a way it's indicative of how real life and online life has become the same thing to some people, and puts some pressure on reviewers like yourself !! The Norton sounded wonderful , I'm no expert but it looked like a very well sorted example to me.
I think it definitely a well sorted bike😁 it’s not all as it came f from the factory but possibly all the better for it and let’s be honest, everyone tinkered with them from new anyway😁 a bit like everyone does now😁 yes, I think RE would like everyone to just order on line and deliver straight to them, judging by their knew tracking system 🤔 thanks DJ 😁
Interpol tank, fastback tail, cutdown fast back seat, 850 engine real mongrel. Of all the bikes you've featured this is the one to have actually ridden on the road. They are the lustiest ride ever with a beautiful creamy gearbox (certainly in 4 speed form), a modern 961 is very good but nothing beats the walm cuddly friendly feeling of a Norton commando. They're not without problems, but every issue is well documented and spares are better now than ever.
@@TAYM Are yes, just need to sort out some issues with the catchtank filling up and blowing oil over the foot peg, back tyre, back brake. Excess crankcase pressure, so they say... Apparently its a well trod path of woe for any 961 owner, some are good some are bad (mine) and the fix was to put less oil in the oil tank , add a longer dipstick to "lower" the level, and a bigger bottle cable tied to the frame The factory modified the breathing system also added a 25p black box to split the oil and mist. (Which doesn't work). I have an engineer on the project as we speak. So as soon as that's, errr, "less bad" I'll ride over. Thing is it's impossible to find out if the new one is any better and how? You can't buy spares either, had to get throttle cables made up for it last week. Think it fits in the category of "enthusiast".
@@TAYM This would be a great buy especially with the Quaif(not Queef)😂🤣 5speed.Being in condition it is & the Quaif will only increase in value.All Norton's have skyrocketed in last 10-15yrs & the Commando 850 is the most prized one. The 850 Commando Interstate Mk 3 are worth the most cause only about 3000made world 🌎 wide & the last one's made. BSA were working apprentice man's bike then Triumph the tradie bike & R.E Norton were the man who earned more or saved for longer to get.When BSA,Triumph,Norton joined together Norton got the best production line with all the newer tooling that's why the later models are built better & more reliable.A couple Interstate Mk 3 850 sold for 30k NZ 🇳🇿 dollars & 27k had been rebuilt but no receipts for work done & original paint etc. Not sure what they're worth in UK with bigger population & more bikes etc. Everybody is jealous of a man on a Commando especially a 850 model.It must be a delight to ride with that Quaif 5speed ton up no problem & pass the ton up boy's & change into 5th as you go past😁😆😂🤣.
Beautiful bike. A Triton I owned in the 80’s had a Rod Quaife 5 speed cluster in a Triumph gearbox casing. The gear lever was reversed as the footrests were mounted much further back than standard. This meant the gears were one up, four down.
Nice bike! The Quaife cover would suggest Quaife 5-speed internals and probably has other performance tweaks. I had a '72 750 Fastback with the combat engine, and it was pretty damn quick. Had a 750 Roadster with a fibreglass tank, which I swear only held about a pint of fuel (I was forever either filling it up or running out of fuel), and an ex police Commando. Toyed with the idea of getting another, but settled for an RE Interceptor 650, which is much more dependable 😂
Aww TAYM the Fastback not my favorite looks wise the Roadster was the best one looks wise for me only my opinion though . It has been professionally done for sure I like the ally rims that reminds me of the XS650 YAMS of yester year . The best way to buy a bike I reckon is to wait 6 months to 1 year and save a fortune and get one run in with next to no miles on it why wouldn't you ?😉 spot on TAYM 👌👍No test ride though shame 😊
What a marvellous bike the Norton Commando is even although it's a bit of a mongrel.👍😀 Someone no doubt will have snapped it up by now, I could have been tempted myself as a bit of an investment but I'd need to build another shed to keep it. 🤔😁
As AA Milne once wrote. and I paraphrase: "TAYM, you musn't go down to the end of the town (Haywards) if you don't go down with me!" ....and the Norton to boot! (Quaife made their name in the 70-80s as one of the premier gear box makers for race vehicles?) How can someone NOT have heard of Quaife? Oh right I am an ol' git........
Hello Taym: Why has that 850 Commando got a fastback Commando? They quit making the fastback before the 850s came out. The first Commandos in 1968 were only available in the fastback style and the roadster came out in 1969 I think. The fastback was available for a couple more years then it was discontinued. BJ
@@TAYM Agreed. Unfortunately my '68 Commando was heavily modified before I acquired it. Upswept exhaust, 1972 engine and disc brake front end. The good thing is that the general appearance has not been modified. The disc brake mod is not a bad thing from a safety perspective but the purists might not like it.
👍 superbe moto! Pour le petit motard français de ma génération c'est " la moto anglaise " par excellence....plus vieux j'aurais dit la goldstar et carrément ancien j'aurais dit la Royal Enfield Bullet vous voyez de la moins sage à la plus sage.,...de jeune à ancien😀 Ça y est mon compteur de ma classic me permet aussi de rouler à 150...😢 ✌️🇨🇵
I've owned my Commando 850 since 1977. That one sounds very nice, but has illegal plates for road use of course. M reg were already reflective, so can't have B&W.
Those pipes are the original 'peashooters'. What people call 'peashooters' now, were originally called 'coke bottle' exhausts. Marvellous bike, shame you couldn't take it on the Madingly circuit. It's dressed as a fastback, the original commando.
@@TAYM Those silencers are reverse cones, not peashooters.That term was used for a different shaped silencer on much older bikes. I had reverse cones on my commando 750, but my 850 MK III had black cap peripheral silencers, which fell apart quickly & people usually then reverted to reverse cones, preferring the sound & durtability. I still have the bike.
@@TAYM It was so smooth above 2500 rpm when the rubber isolation just "clicked in" ...and the gearbox was creamy smooth too ... 20k miles 1 year later... traded in for T160 Triumph !!!
The Norton looks, and sounds great, better than a Kawasaki W800 for sure. Kawasaki got it right with the looks of the W800. There are TWO (2) used 1975 Norton Commando 850's for sale in the USA on CycleTrader. The lower priced one is $16,000 us and the other is $34,995 us. The lower priced one is from a private seller. So the Norton's seem to hold their value and even increase in value over time. Can not say that for many motorcycles of that time period.
The Commando has been described as a "mongrel" but in my opinion , it's far from it . Some very sensible mods done there and a bike built to the owner's taste and not to please the rivet counters . The tank and seat are Fastback LR [ long range , 4 gallon tank , Slimline Featherbed tank shape , similar to the Police Interpol but without the cutout for the radio ]. The LR Fastback was only produced in '71 and "72 so this is a replica . The bike has an additional Isolastic mounting on the cylinder head ,which Norton should have done in the first place . 18" rear wheel gives wider tyre choice . Quaife 5 speed box , very nice but maybe a bit delicate . There's probably some special work done to the engine , which we can't see . A very well sorted bike , which would be great to ride . It can't be compared to a modern RE Interceptor , it's much faster and lighter . Not a perfect bike by any means , but worth it if you are prepared to live with it's quirks . And it will appreciate in value over time . Thank you for showing us the bike .
Super Meteor brought for commuter being 650 but probably founf ut to heavy would if been better off getting a Gt for Commuting if wanted 650 ir Hunter 350.
Well done RR....again....me I go to bed when the sun sets now so I missed TAYMs vid, it was 10°c last night had to burn the front door to keep warm. Hope the fence and floorboards are enough firewood to last tru winter.
I had an 850 Mk3 electric start Commando back in 1979/80 and it was a good bike but it had some faults cheifly those being it's fuel and rear tyre 'consumption' well I was only 19/20 at the time and roads were empty compared to today ! 30 mpg and about 1500 to 2000 miles to a rear tyre seem to be what I remember.... the front brake wasn't up to much either. My bike was an Interstae with the 5+ gallon tank and I worked at a filling station so fuel was cheap to me (74 pence per gallon) as I pinched it anyway ! The electric start was always in need of new brushes and I seem to remember that the clutch was always needing to be adjusted as well. Was it a good bike ? - well it wasn't japanese, so yes I suppose it was but at the time spare parts were realy scarce and those you could find were not genuine parts..... would I have one today ? well maybe if it was given to me I might keep it for a few months but I would not want to pay today's prices for something that old as they can't hold a candle to a modern bike ! But each to their own - I'm sure that some riders would love to have it as a dream bike.One thing I do remember were all the 'old farts' and pureists telling me how I should do this or not do that ..... but I still get them today - I ride hotrod harleys these days....... ain't it funny how there are all these 'experts' who 'don't have a bike anymore' and in truth probably never had one because their Mum wouldn't let them !
Nice to hear one of these again. Such memories. Those John Player Girls... Frank Perris, Peter Williams, Phil Read... Aaah. Thanks TAYM.
😂😂😂😂 brilliant 😁 thanks LE 😁
@@TAYM Good Morning 🤗. Yes, sir, you've prompted me to talk about those days on the video I'm just about to upload to RUclips. Thank you for bringing them to mind. Lovely summer days ahead for riding at last. Peter
@@Lanes-Explorer5733 that’s marvellous, i shall look forward to watching that 😁 i am just uploading Mondays mutter 😂😂 on a Tuesday 😂
When the sound of a 1974 Norton Commando brings a tear of joy to your eye, well, thank you TAYM. 😊
Thanks Scott 😁 it does sound marvellous 😁
Ohhhhhh, the Norton is gorgeous and that sound… pure perfection.
Hello to Paddington! ❤
Thanks PW 😁
The rear end is from the original ‘Fastback’ 750 model, imho the worst of the variants. I’d love an ‘Interstate’ model. They were an icon of the 70’s and 80’s, not bad for what was, at the time, a 40 year old engine design!
That’s it, knew I would get them mixed up 😁 thanks TP 😁
Awesome sounding machine
Great bike and well restored
Love the fastback rear end 😊
Can’t beat the sound
Absolutely, that’s good to hear coming from you with all your marvellous bikes 😁
Morning Mr TAYM. The Norton patented Isolastic anti vibration system was a marvellous invention at the time. Lovely bike, proper sound. I was never that keen on the Fastback back end though.
Thanks Ian 😁
When it was adjusted properly, out of adjustment they were a nightmare!
What a sound, what a bike! That’s a bike I’d like to have in my collection 😍
You have never heard of "Quaife" gearbox . Oh! ( damn) another reminder of my age. I never could afford a Commando then or now. Anyhow just about the last wholly British made motorcycle and a thing of beauty. Good video Mr TAYM thanks.
Thanks DT 😁 you and me both 😁😂😂
The simplicity of bikes of the day. Love it!
It’s what Royal Enfield have mastered and why they have so much success 😁
@@TAYM agree! That is why I like them. It's also a reason why I would want to buy them. No reason other then refining for gas mileage as they have done. I don't really think technology has improved in the past 40 years other then make problems. I like pen and paper. I am dyslexic, but if you knew me, they understood what I was writing. I think here in the states, HD could have done the same thing even with heritage similar to RE. Sad companies want higher prices for technology, but we don't really need it. Remember when a phone was just a phone and not a drug? That was that Norton when I saw it.
@@BlakesPipes absolutely 😁
Always wanted a commando with interstate tank. Beautiful
Thanks LMH 😁 incredibly they sold this the next day😕
Wow! That takes me back to the late 70s when one of my mates had a black commando, which I spent quite a bit of time on the back of!
Yes, certainly took me back 😁 thanks RB 😁
Wooahhhh that sound🤩🤩🤩 Last year I was at an oldtimer show and there was a Norton Commander as well, really marvellous bikes! That sound!!! ❤
Yes, it is definitely a splendiferous noise 😁 thanks Lilian 😁
Marvellous Norton TAYM I reckon Mrs TAYM might like the back seat on that Norton.
It does look like a proper pillion seat 😁 thanks Mike 😁
Cool old school bike m8. Sound was awesome. Very nice
Thanks IT 😁
What a beauty!
😁
Wasn’t we lucky buggers back in the 60s and early 70s fanbloodytastic 👍
Just a poster bike for me 😁 old man 😁 😂😂😂😂 thanks AR 😁
We certainly were James 👍
@@Lanes-Explorer5733 👍😃
Mate that Norton's a thing of beauty a proper well sorted out British motorbike. You should buy it you know you want to.
Thanks DT 😁
HE does!HE wants to but no room & just got the Suzuki Vstrom but that Queef oops 🤣I mean Quaif 5speed in a 1974 model Pressure's on😆😁😂🤣.
@@ruahinesrider 😂😂😂
that is beautiful 🎉 thanks TAYM
Thanks Tom 😁
Mr. TAYM, thanks for the vid. You know I'm a sucker for classic bikes and that Norton certainly fits the bill. BTW, that bike would be in the neighborhood of $18,000, or 14,500 pounds, here in the US.
That’s a lot 😱 an interceptor and a continental 🤔 but all that history 😁 thanks DT 😁
Gorgeous
Thanks Stevie 😁
What a sound Mr TAYM, although I love the look of old bikes they wouldn’t be any good to me as they do tend to need a bit more attention than the modern counterparts and if I was looking after it then the work for someone else would probably increase to sort out my mistakes. Back in the late 70’s me and my mate planned after passing our test to buy two Triumph Tridents (no idea why Tridents) and head off to France. Of course it never came off probably for the best, don’t think my dad would have been best pleased to come over with his trailer to get us home that’s assuming we even made the English south coast.
😂😂😂😂 I think I had similar dreams 😁 thanks SW 😁
History in motion 👍. One thing that I noticed is that the Interceptor headers, with the long Hitchcock's silencers (slimmer than the original ones) look very similar to those long pipes on the Commando 850. This just adds to my belief that the Interceptor is the bike that is closest to the classics of the 60's and 70's. Air cooled as well of course. It was very good to see that '74 Commando 850.
You could be right 😁 thanks GBD 😁
Kawasaki W650 best copy of a 60's British parallel twin. Also has carbs and kickstarter (but no oil leaks.)
@@splodge57 Carbs and a kick start is a bit too faithful of a copy for me ..... 😊
@@splodge57 absolutely 😁
double bubble there TAYM, the Norton & Paddington, sure they could do you a deal 🤑🎉💰💰
😂😂😂😂
Go on Mr TAYM you know you want it, i'm sure Mrs TAYM will let you buy it if you've been a good boy 😉
Only if we got the rocket 😂😂😂😂 thanks MP 😁
j avais une 850 inter state noire de très beaux souvenir
Thanks Michel 😁 yes, definitely memory makers 😁
It amazes me people order bikes without riding a demo ( which I presume within only 200 miles could well be the case here)
I was talking to my local dealer who said this is the case more than ever these days , folks watch YT videos to decide what bike will be suitable for them and have no interest in taking out a demo bike even when one is available!.
In a way it's indicative of how real life and online life has become the same thing to some people, and puts some pressure on
reviewers like yourself !!
The Norton sounded wonderful , I'm no expert but it looked like a very well sorted example to me.
I think it definitely a well sorted bike😁 it’s not all as it came f from the factory but possibly all the better for it and let’s be honest, everyone tinkered with them from new anyway😁 a bit like everyone does now😁 yes, I think RE would like everyone to just order on line and deliver straight to them, judging by their knew tracking system 🤔 thanks DJ 😁
Interpol tank, fastback tail, cutdown fast back seat, 850 engine real mongrel. Of all the bikes you've featured this is the one to have actually ridden on the road.
They are the lustiest ride ever with a beautiful creamy gearbox (certainly in 4 speed form), a modern 961 is very good but nothing beats the walm cuddly friendly feeling of a Norton commando.
They're not without problems, but every issue is well documented and spares are better now than ever.
Excellent 😁 when are we going to play swapsies 😁
@@TAYM Are yes, just need to sort out some issues with the catchtank filling up and blowing oil over the foot peg, back tyre, back brake. Excess crankcase pressure, so they say...
Apparently its a well trod path of woe for any 961 owner, some are good some are bad (mine) and the fix was to put less oil in the oil tank , add a longer dipstick to "lower" the level, and a bigger bottle cable tied to the frame The factory modified the breathing system also added a 25p black box to split the oil and mist. (Which doesn't work). I have an engineer on the project as we speak. So as soon as that's, errr, "less bad" I'll ride over.
Thing is it's impossible to find out if the new one is any better and how? You can't buy spares either, had to get throttle cables made up for it last week.
Think it fits in the category of "enthusiast".
I love the Norton Commando 850.
Naughty Norton boy👍.
Great buy & will increase in value.
Definitely, unlike the new ones 😁
Tempting I bet.Splendiferous & rather have this than new one any day especially with Quaif 5speed.Marvelous.
@@TAYM This would be a great buy especially with the Quaif(not Queef)😂🤣 5speed.Being in condition it is & the Quaif will only increase in value.All Norton's have skyrocketed in last 10-15yrs & the Commando 850 is the most prized one.
The 850 Commando Interstate Mk 3 are worth the most cause only about 3000made world 🌎 wide & the last one's made.
BSA were working apprentice man's bike then Triumph the tradie bike & R.E Norton were the man who earned more or saved for longer to get.When BSA,Triumph,Norton joined together Norton got the best production line with all the newer tooling that's why the later models are built better & more reliable.A couple Interstate Mk 3 850 sold for 30k NZ 🇳🇿 dollars & 27k had been rebuilt but no receipts for work done & original paint etc.
Not sure what they're worth in UK with bigger population & more bikes etc.
Everybody is jealous of a man on a Commando especially a 850 model.It must be a delight to ride with that Quaif 5speed ton up no problem & pass the ton up boy's & change into 5th as you go past😁😆😂🤣.
I see this video was private I am honored TAYM.
Best ever sound !!
Definitely the sound of the 60s and early 70s
That is proper marvelous, is that! I'd have it in a heartbeat if I had the means and space, but living in London real estate is at a premium
😂😂 thanks Noob 😁 yes I think we are all in a similar boat at present 😁 but we can dream 😁
A very nice motorcycle indeed.
Thanks BH 😁
Great video indeed.
Thanks SLG 😁
Beautiful bike. A Triton I owned in the 80’s had a Rod Quaife 5 speed cluster in a Triumph gearbox casing. The gear lever was reversed as the footrests were mounted much further back than standard. This meant the gears were one up, four down.
Interesting 🤔 that’s the sort of thing we used to do when we couldn’t get rear sets 😁 marvellous 😁 thanks Chomp😁
I also had a 61 T120 Bonnie pre unit with a 5 speed box in standard cases.
@@mikehurley5052 you see, that’s the sort of stuff used be worth doing. Could you imagine doing that with a modern bike 😁
@@TAYM Glad im old.
@@mikehurley5052 😂😂
Nice bike! The Quaife cover would suggest Quaife 5-speed internals and probably has other performance tweaks. I had a '72 750 Fastback with the combat engine, and it was pretty damn quick. Had a 750 Roadster with a fibreglass tank, which I swear only held about a pint of fuel (I was forever either filling it up or running out of fuel), and an ex police Commando. Toyed with the idea of getting another, but settled for an RE Interceptor 650, which is much more dependable 😂
Fantastic 😁 yes, I think the RE’s are the closest you are going to get to the old Brit bikes but with improved reliability 😁 thanks J 😁
But the Commando had such a 'punchy' engine, a great riding experience.
Love the clocks with the green dots! What's the reason for the dots? 🤔 Marvellous bike.
l think the green dots refer to the age of the clocks for a particular bike Triumph Norton BSA made by Smiths, the size changed and pattern l believe
That’s right, I think it’s supposed to represent the world. Some had N in the dot too. 😁 thanks MP 😁
Thanks BW 😁 see below 😁😂😂
Aww TAYM the Fastback not my favorite looks wise the Roadster was the best one looks wise for me only my opinion though . It has been professionally done for sure I like the ally rims that reminds me of the XS650 YAMS of yester year . The best way to buy a bike I reckon is to wait 6 months to 1 year and save a fortune and get one run in with next to no miles on it why wouldn't you ?😉 spot on TAYM 👌👍No test ride though shame 😊
😂😂 yes, a test ride would be nice 😁😂😂 thanks Crumb 😁
What a marvellous bike the Norton Commando is even although it's a bit of a mongrel.👍😀 Someone no doubt will have snapped it up by now, I could have been tempted myself as a bit of an investment but I'd need to build another shed to keep it. 🤔😁
😂😂😂 we all need bigger sheds I think 😁😂😂😂 thanks GW 😁
As AA Milne once wrote. and I paraphrase:
"TAYM, you musn't go down to the end of the town (Haywards) if you don't go down with me!"
....and the Norton to boot!
(Quaife made their name in the 70-80s as one of the premier gear box makers for race vehicles?)
How can someone NOT have heard of Quaife? Oh right I am an ol' git........
😂😂😂😂 brilliant, love it 😍 thanks LB 😁
Hello Taym:
Why has that 850 Commando got a fastback Commando? They quit making the fastback before the 850s came out. The first Commandos in 1968 were only available in the fastback style and the roadster came out in 1969 I think. The fastback was available for a couple more years then it was discontinued.
BJ
@@Bob-xc2us thanks Bob 😁 I seem to recall it was a personal preference of the previous owner 😁
@@TAYM I guess most Commandos were modified in one way or another. It's hard to find an unmolested original.
@@Bob-xc2us yes, that’s why I never do very much at all to my own 😁
@@TAYM Agreed. Unfortunately my '68 Commando was heavily modified before I acquired it. Upswept exhaust, 1972 engine and disc brake front end. The good thing is that the general appearance has not been modified. The disc brake mod is not a bad thing from a safety perspective but the purists might not like it.
It really sounds like You need to buy that Commando .
Yes, sadly it is now sold 😞 thanks C 😁
More likely to see that Commando on the ride than one of the new Nortons. Pretty sure the new one only exists on year old RUclips reviews!😂
😂😂😂😂😂
👍 superbe moto! Pour le petit motard français de ma génération c'est " la moto anglaise " par excellence....plus vieux j'aurais dit la goldstar et carrément ancien j'aurais dit la Royal Enfield Bullet vous voyez de la moins sage à la plus sage.,...de jeune à ancien😀
Ça y est mon compteur de ma classic me permet aussi de rouler à 150...😢 ✌️🇨🇵
😂😂😂 thanks Alain 😁
Very nice bike, I bet you were itching to take it for a ride! 😂😂
I was indeed 😁 thanks 2WV 😁
I've owned my Commando 850 since 1977. That one sounds very nice, but has illegal plates for road use of course. M reg were already reflective, so can't have B&W.
Thanks AH 😁 I also did a ride review on this 😁
Those pipes are the original 'peashooters'. What people call 'peashooters' now, were originally called 'coke bottle' exhausts. Marvellous bike, shame you couldn't take it on the Madingly circuit. It's dressed as a fastback, the original commando.
I never knew that 😁 yes a quick spin would have been wonderful 😁 the stuff of dreams 😁 thanks JD 😁
@@TAYM Those silencers are reverse cones, not peashooters.That term was used for a different shaped silencer on much older bikes. I had reverse cones on my commando 750, but my 850 MK III had black cap peripheral silencers, which fell apart quickly & people usually then reverted to reverse cones, preferring the sound & durtability. I still have the bike.
@@ashleyhoward8926 thanks AH 😁 wonderful 😁
Beautiful Commando, tailpiece off the Fastback model. Bit pricey but if I could afford it the rack would come straight off.
😂😂 I thought it odd that it has one on🤔 almost like someone was using just to go to work 😂😂 thanks S😁
Many people, including me, did just that.@@TAYM
@@ashleyhoward8926 brilliant 😁😂😂
1974..bought a new Norton 850 Mk2A.. Interstate..
Red
£815 !!!!
😂😂😂 a lot of money back then, half the price of a house I should think 😂😂😂 thanks AE 😁
@@TAYM It was so smooth above 2500 rpm when the rubber isolation just "clicked in" ...and the gearbox was creamy smooth too ... 20k miles 1 year later... traded in for T160 Triumph !!!
I bought a used 74 Interstate Mk2a, 30,000miles, in 84 for £850. Holding their money even then.
@@andrewewan624 was that the trident? 😁
@@splodge57 impressive 😁
The Norton looks, and sounds great, better than a Kawasaki W800 for sure. Kawasaki got it right with the looks of the W800. There are TWO (2) used 1975 Norton Commando 850's for sale in the USA on CycleTrader. The lower priced one is $16,000 us and the other is $34,995 us. The lower priced one is from a private seller. So the Norton's seem to hold their value and even increase in value over time. Can not say that for many motorcycles of that time period.
That’s interesting 🤔 I think there are a few of the old bikes that increase in value as time goes by, but I am certain the Norton will. 😁 thanks PM 😁
The Commando has been described as a "mongrel" but in my opinion , it's far from it .
Some very sensible mods done there and a bike built to the owner's taste and not to please the rivet counters .
The tank and seat are Fastback LR [ long range , 4 gallon tank , Slimline Featherbed tank shape , similar to the Police Interpol but without the cutout for the radio ]. The LR Fastback was only produced in '71 and "72 so this is a replica .
The bike has an additional Isolastic mounting on the cylinder head ,which Norton should have done in the first place .
18" rear wheel gives wider tyre choice . Quaife 5 speed box , very nice but maybe a bit delicate .
There's probably some special work done to the engine , which we can't see .
A very well sorted bike , which would be great to ride .
It can't be compared to a modern RE Interceptor , it's much faster and lighter . Not a perfect bike by any means , but worth it if you are prepared to live with it's quirks .
And it will appreciate in value over time .
Thank you for showing us the bike .
Thanks you for all th knowledge and information 😁 such a great bike 😁 thanks DS 😁
Excellent bike, most sexy ever ! Mr TAYM, just buy it, if Mrs TAYM agrees...
😂😂😂 it looks comfy enough for Mrs TAYM but not sure she would like the time it might devour 😁😂😂 thanks LG 😁
So amazing, but it could be a bit noysier?
🤔 possibly 😁
Looks like a Fastback LR with 85o engine, a bit of a hybrid
Thanks A 😁 I think it’s just the fastback that’s been added other than the mods 😁
Super Meteor brought for commuter being 650 but probably founf ut to heavy would if been better off getting a Gt for Commuting if wanted 650 ir Hunter 350.
I thought Paddington bear 🧸 was going to ride off & take Paddington home.
Absolutely 😁
😂😂😂
A single disc and rear drum break on an 850 ! Then you hear people saying Paddington is under braked with single discs back and front 😂😂😂
😂😂😂 I know, we’ve got fussy in our old age 😂😂 thanks PC 😁
1st😂 Derek 😂🤣.
😂😂😂😂😂
Well done RR....again....me I go to bed when the sun sets now so I missed TAYMs vid, it was 10°c last night had to burn the front door to keep warm. Hope the fence and floorboards are enough firewood to last tru winter.
@@daintree2455 Firewood is alot cheaper in the countryside & free too sometimes in town they rip you off.
@@daintree2455 TAYM 🦒 sent this video to me a day early so I could be first😆😁😂🤣.
@@ruahinesrider ...just like NZ rugby results.... rigged hahaha. Well done nonetheless RR.
I had an 850 Mk3 electric start Commando back in 1979/80 and it was a good bike but it had some faults cheifly those being it's fuel and rear tyre 'consumption' well I was only 19/20 at the time and roads were empty compared to today ! 30 mpg and about 1500 to 2000 miles to a rear tyre seem to be what I remember.... the front brake wasn't up to much either.
My bike was an Interstae with the 5+ gallon tank and I worked at a filling station so fuel was cheap to me (74 pence per gallon) as I pinched it anyway ! The electric start was always in need of new brushes and I seem to remember that the clutch was always needing to be adjusted as well.
Was it a good bike ? - well it wasn't japanese, so yes I suppose it was but at the time spare parts were realy scarce and those you could find were not genuine parts..... would I have one today ? well maybe if it was given to me I might keep it for a few months but I would not want to pay today's prices for something that old as they can't hold a candle to a modern bike !
But each to their own - I'm sure that some riders would love to have it as a dream bike.One thing I do remember were all the 'old farts' and pureists telling me how I should do this or not do that ..... but I still get them today - I ride hotrod harleys these days....... ain't it funny how there are all these 'experts' who 'don't have a bike anymore' and in truth probably never had one because their Mum wouldn't let them !
Thanks T 😁 you hit the nail on the head on a lot of points 😁😂😂
What a beauty!!!
Isn’t it just 😁