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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 4:18 am
by Zombie Master
If it wasn't a BMW....IT WAS CRAP! Back in those days.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 5:41 am
by malcom
I have just located one of the more collectable Nortons, it doesn't get any better.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NORTON-750-c ... SwNphWbojI
Now dont start fighting over it
Cheers Mal
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 6:51 am
by SteveD
Five minutes from my place that one.
No, I won't test ride it for anyone! 
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2016 9:21 am
by CVA-42
jagarra wrote:Not sure about the blowing up problem, but I can attest to the quality issues. The lobe that opened the points wore the center out of the mechanical advance so fast that I could rock it side to side and open both points, One rod cap developed a crack. the steel insert on the alternator rotor separated from the aluminum body. The primary cover leaked through a porous casting flaw. Finally sold it when it started blowing all the fuses mysteriously. That was over the 5 years I owned it, under 10K miles. I am sure I forget some others. Bought a Z1 and put more miles on it in one year that I did on the Norton in five.
Agree, albeit reluctantly because Nortons still occupy a big sentimental spot in my motorcycling consciousness. A 650 Manxman was the first big bike that I ever rode and my best buddy and I rode his Dad's candy-apple red Atlas to school every day during our senior year of high school. My own '75 Commando Roadster was sort of a study in contrasts. Gorgeous to look at, but every time I worked on it I had to wonder how the British ever held out so long against the Germans. I thought that my /5, although four years older, was far more advanced. It most certainly was in the electrics department and in general fit and finish, particularly in corrosion resistance. Plus, notwithstanding the Norton's vaunted chassis design, I thought my R100 was a much better handling machine.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 5:49 am
by Sibbo
A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 11:38 am
by Zombie Master
Sibbo wrote:A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
You're just avoiding foreplay.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 12:58 pm
by Ridercam
Sibbo wrote:A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
I knew an Atlas of a man who dated a favorite british twin. Sadly even his british motorcycle needed a lift back to the shop.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 6:31 pm
by Sibbo
Zombie Master wrote:Sibbo wrote:A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
You're just avoiding foreplay.
NEVER!!! Half the fun.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:15 pm
by Major Softie
Sibbo wrote:Zombie Master wrote:Sibbo wrote:A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
You're just avoiding foreplay.
NEVER!!! Half the fun.
Way more than half, if you're doing it right.
Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S
Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 10:51 pm
by KellyVB 75R90S
I rode a 750 Commando several years, in the 70's. Probably did about 10 trips from Lompoc Ca to Pueblo Colo when I had it. Loved it. The only reason I got rid of it was because I got stationed overseas. When I came back 4 years later I got stationed at MT Home Idaho, where the guy lived that I sold it to. I actually got to see it again, It had not been ridden since I sold it, I tried to buy it back but the dude wouldn't sell her to me. Of course now I have a R90S that I've owned for over 30 years.