Live Saturday Collections - Scotland to Northwich (New Norton Commando)

[Hawkeyethenoo]

Scores on the doors for the Vauxhall van. Colour me impressed.

 

Mixing it with the heavies.

 

[bangernomics]

Very lovely that. Was it a £69pm 2yr deal or have you gone full spuds deep?

I was very tempted by the borrow one for a bit price but for the fact I would end up doing no miles these days.

[Hawkeyethenoo]

29 minutes ago, bangernomics said:

Very lovely that. Was it a £69pm 2yr deal or have you gone full spuds deep?

I was very tempted by the borrow one for a bit price but for the fact I would end up doing no miles these days.

Yes it was. It's basically a rental, although I have a feeling she'll be a keeper, time will tell !

[Forty45]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah6_ZCufdbY

 

This was a bargain.

[Hawkeyethenoo]

1 hour ago, Forty45 said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah6_ZCufdbY

 

This was a bargain.

Aye a one off used bargain. I'm over paying by a tenner a week. 😟

[martc]

17 hours ago, Hawkeyethenoo said:

Comes with a 24-month warranty, so yes the heavily revised and constantly under revision, TVS 961 SP.  Apparently, Norton are now sold out of Commandos until July/August. There's even a Scottish Norton dealer, Revolutions in Perth, ken.

Ah, that's good news, the pre TVS ones have a 'reputation'.

I'm thinking of a change in bike, the Commando and the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello are on my very short list. To be honest, I'm 90% certain it'll be the Guzzi, but my nearest Guzzi dealer also deals in Nortons so a last minute change of mind could be in the offing.

[Hawkeyethenoo]

2 hours ago, martc said:

Ah, that's good news, the pre TVS ones have a 'reputation'.

I'm thinking of a change in bike, the Commando and the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello are on my very short list. To be honest, I'm 90% certain it'll be the Guzzi, but my nearest Guzzi dealer also deals in Nortons so a last minute change of mind could be in the offing.

Fantastico, I'd love a go on one.  I liked the metallic green colour but they don't seem to offer that? Ciao.

https://www.motoguzzi.com/gb_EN/models/v100/v100-mandello-1000-v-twin-4s-2024/

[Hawkeyethenoo]

2 hours ago, martc said:

Ah, that's good news, the pre TVS ones have a 'reputation'.

I'm thinking of a change in bike, the Commando and the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello are on my very short list. To be honest, I'm 90% certain it'll be the Guzzi, but my nearest Guzzi dealer also deals in Nortons so a last minute change of mind could be in the offing.

Can confirm that the footpegs are now spring loaded like they always should have been. That would have annoyed me, switch gear is suitably basic, but is functional. Click to cancel indicators, dip and main beam is really all that's required and oh look, I have a volt meter and clock too. Winning! I can't fault the fit or the finish of the Norton and I'd say an Moto Guzzi V100 is a very good, modern, alternative and an Italian one at that. Happy shopping. 

[martc]

16 hours ago, Hawkeyethenoo said:

Fantastico, I'd love a go on one.  I liked the metallic green colour but they don't seem to offer that? Ciao.

https://www.motoguzzi.com/gb_EN/models/v100/v100-mandello-1000-v-twin-4s-2024/

They still do the silver/green one,  it's the top of the range version (the 'S'). I prefer the red colour, which is the basic model. But for a good spec the middle range one would be my choice. Unfortunately this is in battleship grey as it celebrates the Guzzi founders links with the Italian equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm.

Having said that, the dealer does have an ex-demo S, in silver/green at a reasonable price...

Anyhow, sorry for the thread hijack, back to Norton goodness.

[Hawkeyethenoo]

This was caught on camera on Saturday. Steerer probably from the Wishaw area, as she turned off there.

 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

On 18/01/2025 at 16:46, doug said:

Decorating the bedroom this week. When I pulled the bedside cupboard out this was down the back covered in stoor. It's from 2008. 

If you want it PM me an address and I will post it out.

P.S. well bought. ....always wanted one of these.

Doug, arrived safe and now framed and taking pride of place. Thanks again mucker. John.  🖖

[Hawkeyethenoo]

First ride happened; man, we was patient. 124 miles into the required 500 mile running in process and first service. Handles like it looks, a 1960's road racer, surprisingly comfortable too, but the best bit aside from the looks, is the glorious sound and over all riding experience, pure unadulterated, motorcycling !

First impressions, the bars are a tiny bit of a reach and the foot pegs feel quite wide, that's true on both counts, but after 20 mins I start to feel more at home. The gearbox is as smooth as silk and you just need to breath on the lever when going up or down, first engages without any clunk and neutral is easy enough to find when needed, waiting at bloody traffic lights where I am complied to halt!

Clutch is also light, but not too light, I spent a couple of mins adjusting the Brembo levers 'in a little' on bit both sides and that's better. The brakes are good, rear has instant bite/retardation which pleases me, and the front does too progressively needing a fair touch of pressure to get things really retarding, but hey, they’re new let’s not go balls into tank brake testing, just yet! Most of the time they're not needed as there's plenty engine braking from the big old pushrod twin motor and this is the bike you ride slower, John, remember!

The handling is sublime, slightest nudge/even pressure on the bars and the bike drops into the bend, is easy to hold or adjust the line and feels more like a 175kg moto, that a 200+ one. Feels properly sorted oot man! Happily there plenty of straight-line stability too so you can relax around the NSL, let the bike do the work and enjoy glances at the bonnie views on display between bends.

I do find the bars just a bit of a reach and wonder if a modest set of bar risers would be worth exploring. I like to keep my head up when riding and the bars at current mean I'm straining my neck somewhat to do that. I'll see what's available, any suggestions welcome. None available as yet from the mothership, Norton HQ.

Ohlins suspension is just Ohlins, firm side of bloody well plush. From today's ride I'm using around 80% of the available front travel which is pretty much cock-on. On high-speed bumps it does send a jar up my arms and back, so the base setting Oakmere Norton installed is indeed, good, but can be tweaked a wee bit yet. Perhaps a little less/more rebound damping F&R? That's the one that needs fiddling with I feel. The seat is also firm but supportive, so comfortable and there's room to move around back, forward, side-to-side depending on your level of commitment. The tank is so bloody thin as a thin thing, I struggle to grip it with my knees without doing myself an under-carriage injury, so haven’t. Just in-case I do, I’ve bought a PPF kit, tank pad and sides to DIY install for fifty quid online. Best done now before it gets marked.

Route was up to Lix Toll, Killin, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry - fuel stop took two gallons of BP super unleaded to fill 14 quid - then up to Kirkmichael, then Blairgowrie, Perth and hame. Roads were somewhat dry, just run off mainly and reasonably quiet, especially up by Kirkmichael, except for a few other like minded motorcyclists oot going the other way. So, in summary, it's not going to set your hair on fire in performance terms, but as a motorcycling riding experience, it's very hard to compare anything else with and in that respect, it is a bike in its own separate class and boy is it classy. I hope to get the running in process done quite quickly and get the first service done at Revolutions in Perth and then the real fun can begin. Manual suggests keeping the revs to a maximum of 3000 for the first 300 miles. That won't and hasn't happened. I hit 5500 revs on the way back because the overtake was on in fourth. Max speed was about 80 indicated, as still running in, ken, will be good for a ton-up boys and little bit more with fairwind. Once up to fifth gear and sitting around 65mph the wind is helping support the upper body, that and the glorious sound from the twin pipes and the direct mechanical connection makes it feel even at that pace, a rather enjoyable way to travel.

Talking about Dukes. I came up behind two cars on the Loch Tay Road and while waiting for the overtake to be on, I heard this enormous clatter behind me, it sounded like a car crash. WTF. I looked in my mirrors again to see a young lad on modern Ducati Street-fighter, popping and banging and making a right racket. I nipped out and overtook the cagers and then he blasted past shortly after. Good lad.

Negatives, no fuel gauge, but has warning light which illuminates at around 4L remaining, 40 odd miles range probably. Trip meter, battery voltage, clock, they are all present and correct. 15L tank so range is probably around 150 miles on super unleaded. Steering lock is minimal, but with a little forward planning and good positioning it's not an issue.

Good vibrations. There are vibes from the bars at tick over, Harley esque, some vibes through the pegs but not at high frequency, so part of the riding experience and riding character, which overall is glorious; none through the seat that are noticeable and magically, as one hits 4k on the tachometer, it all smooths out to background tingles as the glorious noise develops from the exhaust as the smile widens on my face accordingly. This is what I'm talking about.

It's the ideal bike for sunny blast around local back & A roads and in proper summer conditions, 200 miles + wouldn't be an issue, comfort wise. Already got to the edge of the tread on the tyres with a bit more in reserve, as always m’lord. She handles and she stops, tick.

In summary, Norton and their owners do need congratulating on doing something no-one else is doing; producing small volume motorcycles that are a joy to look at and ride and longer term, hopefully a joy to own. So far so good. I hope to be out again if not over the weekend, Monday, as it has enthused me about motorcycles again which I hope continues, there really is nothing like traveling on a motorcycle, it’s that other thing that God gave us because he loves and wants us to be happy, along with beer.

If you can, have a go on a Norton, you might just fall head over heels in love and I can dig it.

 

[Jazoli]

4 minutes ago, Hawkeyethenoo said:

First ride happened; man, we was patient. 124 miles into the required 500 mile running in process and first service. Handles like it looks, a 1960's road racer, surprisingly comfortable too, but the best bit aside from the looks, is the glorious sound and over all riding experience, pure unadulterated, motorcycling !

First impressions, the bars are a tiny bit of a reach and the foot pegs feel quite wide, that's true on both counts, but after 20 mins I start to feel more at home. The gearbox is as smooth as silk and you just need to breath on the lever when going up or down, first engages without any clunk and neutral is easy enough to find when needed, waiting at bloody traffic lights where I am complied to halt!

Clutch is also light, but not too light, I spent a couple of mins adjusting the Brembo levers 'in a little' on bit both sides and that's better. The brakes are good, rear has instant bite/retardation which pleases me, and the front does too progressively needing a fair touch of pressure to get things really retarding, but hey, they’re new let’s not go balls into tank brake testing, just yet! Most of the time they're not needed as there's plenty engine braking from the big old pushrod twin motor and this is the bike you ride slower, John, remember!

The handling is sublime, slightest nudge/even pressure on the bars and the bike drops into the bend, is easy to hold or adjust the line and feels more like a 175kg moto, that a 200+ one. Feels properly sorted oot man! Happily there plenty of straight-line stability too so you can relax around the NSL, let the bike do the work and enjoy glances at the bonnie views on display between bends.

I do find the bars just a bit of a reach and wonder if a modest set of bar risers would be worth exploring. I like to keep my head up when riding and the bars at current mean I'm straining my neck somewhat to do that. I'll see what's available, any suggestions welcome. None available as yet from the mothership, Norton HQ.

Ohlins suspension is just Ohlins, firm side of bloody well plush. From today's ride I'm using around 80% of the available front travel which is pretty much cock-on. On high-speed bumps it does send a jar up my arms and back, so the base setting Oakmere Norton installed is indeed, good, but can be tweaked a wee bit yet. Perhaps a little less/more rebound damping F&R? That's the one that needs fiddling with I feel. The seat is also firm but supportive, so comfortable and there's room to move around back, forward, side-to-side depending on your level of commitment. The tank is so bloody thin as a thin thing, I struggle to grip it with my knees without doing myself an under-carriage injury, so haven’t. Just in-case I do, I’ve bought a PPF kit, tank pad and sides to DIY install for fifty quid online. Best done now before it gets marked.

Route was up to Lix Toll, Killin, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry - fuel stop took two gallons of BP super unleaded to fill 14 quid - then up to Kirkmichael, then Blairgowrie, Perth and hame. Roads were somewhat dry, just run off mainly and reasonably quiet, especially up by Kirkmichael, except for a few other like minded motorcyclists oot going the other way. So, in summary, it's not going to set your hair on fire in performance terms, but as a motorcycling riding experience, it's very hard to compare anything else with and in that respect, it is a bike in its own separate class and boy is it classy. I hope to get the running in process done quite quickly and get the first service done at Revolutions in Perth and then the real fun can begin. Manual suggests keeping the revs to a maximum of 3000 for the first 300 miles. That won't and hasn't happened. I hit 5500 revs on the way back because the overtake was on in fourth. Max speed was about 80 indicated, as still running in, ken, will be good for a ton up boys and little bit more with fairwind. Once up to fifth gear and sitting around 65mph the wind is helping support the upper body and the glorious sound from the twin pipes makes and direct mechanical connection feel even that pace, is rather enjoyable way to travel

Talking about Dukes. I came up behind two cars on the Loch Tay Road and while waiting for the overtake to be on, I heard this enormous clatter behind me, it sounded like a car crash. WTF. I looked in my mirrors again to see a young lad on modern Ducati Street-fighter, popping and banging and making a right racket. I nipped out and overtook the cagers and then he blasted past shortly after. Good lad.

Negatives, no fuel gauge, but has warning light which illuminates at around 4L remaining, 40 odd miles range probably. Trip meter, battery voltage, clock, they are all present and correct. 15L tank so range is probably around 150 miles on super unleaded. Steering lock is minimal, but with a little forward planning and good positioning it's not an issue.

Good vibrations. There are vibes from the bars at tick over, Harley esque, some vibes through the pegs but not at high frequency, so part of the riding experience and riding character, which overall is glorious; none through the seat that are noticeable and magically, as one hits 4k on the tachometer, it all smooths out to background tingles as the glorious noise develops from the exhaust as the smile widens on my face accordingly. This is what I'm talking about.

It's the ideal bike for sunny blast around local back & A roads and in proper summer conditions, 200 miles + wouldn't be an issue, comfort wise. Already got to the edge of the tread on the tyres with a bit more in reserve, as always m’lord. She handles and she stops, tick.

In summary, Norton and their owners do need congratulating on doing something no-one else is doing; producing small volume motorcycles that are a joy to look at and ride and longer term, hopefully a joy to own. So far so good. I hope to be out again if not over the weekend, Monday, as it has enthused me about motorcycles again which I hope continues, there really is nothing like traveling on a motorcycle, it’s that other thing that God gave us because he loves and wants us to be happy, along with beer.

If you can, have a go on a Norton, you might just fall head over heels in love and I can dig it.

 

Nice, I'm on the waiting list for the next lot of deals for one of these, I missed the last £69/£69 deal last year.

[Noel Tidybeard]

i live 4 miles from their factory unit!

[Hawkeyethenoo]

Good god this bike is good. 

It's happened. I've fallen head over heals in love with the Norton. The more miles added the better the motor is getting, now up to 450 and it's covered in road dirt, chain lube, dead insects and road chipping dust!  

Not quite sure how to put into words, but have never ridden anything so absolutely planted on the road, yet nimble, agile and light as a butterfly in motion. Yes it's a bit down on peak power, but once you get into the rhythm it's just the same only happening 10-15mph slower which gives you time to smell the roses and enjoy the unique soundtrack as people and yes I'm sure it happened, even sheep smile as you blatt past as they also get to enjoy the booming big twin chorus. There's no slipper clutch, there's no quick-shifter, there's no traction control because Norton.

Took a blat via Braemar and Tomintoul up to Dufftown yesterday, the land of sweeping well maintained corners (mostly) and whisky distilleries. 

Fuel light flickered at 106 miles and then stayed on at 110. Refueled at 116m and it took ten litres, couldn't get E5 so went with E10, sorry bike. 60mpg or thereabouts in running-in styley.  Total range available 160miles, decent from the 15L tank. E5 tank full at Shell Fort Bill and then another as I neared home. 

Stayed the night at the Craiglynne Hotel Grantown, £58.60 bed and breakfast, also decent, usual mix of bus tours, bikers and Americans. £6.25 for a Guinness meant an early night for me! Today was down to Kingussie, Newtonmore, Laggan, Spean Bridge. https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ccvpKuCYK16zfZ48

It's just amazing sweeper after sweeper which suited the natural gait of the Norton perfectly! OMG!  Glencoe was then dispatched as were the long lines of cagers, campers and LGVs. Overtaking takes a bit more care and planning but that makes the ride more interesting and enjoyable - not going for the overtake is never the wrong decision!

The best bike ever? Yes, I think so, it's not perfect and it could do with just a little bit more power, but I think that will come with more miles. 

Being a naked, north of 75, you really need to get yer head down nearer over the bars as you blat across the land and folk you pass say, who does he think he is, Geoff Duke?   🙂

Forza NORTON! 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

Why has this taken so long you rightly ask. Norton recalled the bike due to possibly the wrong type of loctite being used on the flywheel bolts at manufacture? They collected the bike from me, took it to the factory, fixed it and delivered it back which pretty much took up all of May. Great back up and service for which I'm grateful. 

Now booked in for the 500 mile service for the end of the month. The mileage will be nearer 1000m by then but okay cause Norton. 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

After cleaning and mirror adjustment in the hope I can see something anything other than my elbows perhaps, I went for a cold start and rather than main engine start, it just made a loud CRACK! We tried that again and it was the same, CRACK!

Right oh, that's not working, reset ignition, dropped and reset side-stand and tried again and we did then have main engine start. Weird clutch interlock failure cause Hand Made in the Midlands.  Currently allowing it to 'develop' 🖖

[Hawkeyethenoo]

Sidestand interlock lockout issue is recurring - also had issues with the clutch when the bike got hot, very little clutch action even with the lever to the bar. Was away from home, Carlisle, tried flushing new DOT 4 thru, but couldn't build pressure at the lever as air was getting back through the threads of the master cylinder. Called out the AA and their top tech called Marc sorted it by bleeding it at both ends using syringes like he does on his mountain bike, he was saying; on a hot Saturday afternoon in a pub car park. What a legend. 

See difference between Mobil 1 DOT 4 added to the clutch, looks like white wine. 

 

Compared to the front brake res, looks like cold tea. Needs changing at 6 months old. 

Think that was the issue with the clutch, the fluid overheated causing cavitation and loss of engagement.  Seems it's fixed now as rode home fine. Going in for first service next week, will be discussing this with them.

Very impressed with the AA. Kept me rolling, top stuff. 

 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

First service completed + issues fixed. Rain water was building up under the tank cap. Expected that to be kinked drain hose, turned out the tank seal was fitted the wrong way around which meant that water couldn't drain and also the tank wasn't venting properly and was building a vacuum in the tank. Clutch and front and rear brake fluid was also changed and bled, no issues there. Great service from Scotland's only Norton dealer, Revolutions, Perth. Thanks Chris.

Had to head out for 100 mile blatt and the bike is really coming on song now, the motor is freeing up nicely and now wants to rev at 850 miles covered.  

Have fitted a set of end mirrors and can now see what's behind me.  So much better than the Mickey Mouse ears the bike comes with now removed and in storage.  Such a good back road bike that puts a huge smile on my face and is so rewarding to ride it's off the scale. The soundtrack is pretty damn awesome too! Thank you Norton Motorcycles. Forza Norton !

 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

Even when you lift its covers it's still bloody gorgeous. Look at that frame, chunky yet wafer narrow and I just want to have sex with that lipstick red air filter, sorry not sorry.  The fuse box and ABS pump live under the rear cowl with the spiders. 🕷️

[privatewire]

You weren’t passing through Gourock last Saturday by any chance? A guy on a Norton passed me while I was walking into town, looked like he was heading to Western Ferries.

[Hawkeyethenoo]

11 hours ago, privatewire said:

You weren’t passing through Gourock last Saturday by any chance? A guy on a Norton passed me while I was walking into town, looked like he was heading to Western Ferries.

Not me that time. There's a few about now. 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

This thoroughbred motorcycle has not been without issues. ABS idiot light was firmly on. Went back to long-suffering dealer. He checked and fiddled with the sensors wiring and fuses then road tested and the light was off and staying off, but as he said he couldn't pin-point the fault which was tripping off the ABS, asked to monitor and report any further issues, no charge warranty covered it. 

Picked the bike up this morning and it was running well and I was enjoying the ride home in the rain, 5 miles later I meet temp traffic lights and roll to the head of the traffic snake. Bike flutters and dies, just as I roll to a stop. Restart and it dies. The light has gone green now so start & 5k MotoGP start and I hold it at that in second and it's jerking & stuttering like two-stroke death throes; dies for a split second then comes back and rinse and repeat. The rain gets heavier natch, so I'm thinking right what's the plan here? I don't even have my phone with me..... We keep rolling of course, do that, with me and the bike jerking on and off the power like I'm some kind of ham-fisted twat and I think; we can't do the 10 miles to home like this - petrol station on the right mile up the road.  Plan!

I roll in on just momentum and roll to a stop. The bike is idling fine, it revs okay. Off the bike, checking for anything obviously a-miss and give the HT leads a push and gentle twist and whisper nice things at it. Okay I'm here now, gass up and GTF! I open the tank and can see a little bit of water under the cap off the amount you'd expect riding in the rain, so that is indeed fixed, thanks Chris. 

Go to start the bike and it just clicks, two or three times. I take a deep breath, I go through the fix, engage first, wobble the bike back and forward, stand down, engage neutral and it starts. It's idling nicely and we hit the road and are home without sparing the horses! as the rain had eased up, still diesel about of course and home, bike running beautifully and very nearly all is forgiven*, again. 

I'm wondering now if there is water in the tank and that's the cause of the stuttering today?  Would be best drained and refilled. Plan!    

*Because when it works it really is quite a thing to ride. It's like a hot girlfriend, looks great, amazing to ride the best ever, but comes with high maintenance costs and is difficult to live with. 

[Hawkeyethenoo]

Totally drained the tank on the Norton today. This was all I found that clearly isn't petrol, came out with the first maybe 8 litres of fuel. I syphoned the tank and then started and ran it until it cut out and kept doing that until it won't start at all. Will add fresh super unleaded and see how it goes from there...