Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

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Zombie Master
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post by Zombie Master »

If it wasn't a BMW....IT WAS CRAP! Back in those days.
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malcom
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post 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
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SteveD
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post by SteveD »

Five minutes from my place that one.
No, I won't test ride it for anyone!
:lol:
Cheers, Steve
Victoria, S.E.Oz.


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1994 R1100GS.
CVA-42
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post 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.
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Sibbo
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post by Sibbo »

A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
"You ain't gonna learn what you don't want to know"
The Grateful Dead
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Zombie Master
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post by Zombie Master »

Sibbo wrote:A mate has an Atlas and it is definitely my favorite British twin.
You're just avoiding foreplay. :|
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Ridercam
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post 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. :D
I always brake in corners and think how I am going to get home if I really mess up. When I get home, I wished that I hadn't used my brakes and should have ridden a bit further.
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Sibbo
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post 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. ;)
"You ain't gonna learn what you don't want to know"
The Grateful Dead
Major Softie
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post 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. :mrgreen:
MS - out
KellyVB 75R90S
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Re: Norton Commando vs BMW R90S

Post 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. :D
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