Norton Commando 850

Perhaps one of my most favourite bikes I have owned was a 1974 Norton Commando 850 electric start. I bought the bike just before the demise of one of motorcycle's most innovative companies.

Norton had a long history of producing some of the most advanced motorcycles of their time. The 850 Commando was one such motorcycle. Sporting a parallel twin aircooled engine which produced nearly 69 BHP at the crank, this 460lb bike was a veritable rocket for its time. This bike was not only fast but also handelled incredibly well. It had no porblem keeping up with Kawasaki's monsterous Z1 900cc misile. The 900cc four cylinder overhead cam engine was a power house and very fast, but, the lack of camparable horsepower of the Norton was made up for by its nealry 100lbs lighter weight.

The lack of a 5 speed transmission in the Norton gave the Kawi the edge in top end, but, the lightweight of the Norton gave it the edge in handelling and braking. Oh, and the twin of the Norton definatley wins hands down for sound and character. Of course, keeping inline with the unusual, my norton was a rare model sporting dual capped mufflers instead of the usual reverse megaphones.

I had this Norton for the first two years of my marriage. It was a daily driver and also the only vehicle I owned at the time so it was used to commute to and from work (30km each way) and was driven even in winter, snow or shine.

One day, while I was at work (on a rare occasion when I didnt ride), my wife sold my beloved Norton and got a whopping $1000.00 for it. When she sold it, it was in mint condition. Yes we stayed married, and after 33 years we still are, but, I will always miss this bike.