2023 Norton Commando - An Honest Review!

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Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.

[simonbowen]

It's great to see Norton back, but it's important to get a review that highlights the realities of potential ownership. As a one bike owner I'd take my T100 every time.

[matthewcoleman]

The first and last TMF review of the new Nortons 🤣
Full respect to you for such an honest review.

[gavinthomas]

I was a tad jaded to hear your verdict on the revised Commando Andy. There was me thinking you were going to get all starry eyed and wrapped up in unbridled nostalgia!

I was particularly interested because I own and regularly run a vintage Commando, a 1976 Mk3 Roadster which the new Commando draws its inspiration from.

Yes, vintage bikes do require fettling but once mastered they can offer miles of reliable every day fun. Plus, the feel-good factor of owning the genuine article and engaging with gentlemen of a certain age (I’m 65) is worth its weight in gold.

Besides, the real thing is cheaper, easy to maintain and puts a smile on every face as you ride past. Happy days!

[andygilbert]

Good to see Norton back on our roads as they are truly an iconic brand. And what a super review. Every motorcycle has it's niggles and they are always brought up in conversation and it seems Norton have a few more than the brand or price commands. It needs honest reviews to help develop bikes like this so hopefully in 2yrs time many of the things you don't like will have been ironed out. A great 20+ minute review, keep them coming.

[DickieDark]

Respect for the honest review. And i wouldn't worry to much about riding another Norton again.

[davidconnelly]

Thanks for such a candid review. I think it exposes how difficult it is to revive an iconic brand to the point it is sustainable and able to compete. Shows also how good the others have become. That said nostalgia may help them.

[duncancleverley]

I have been super tempted by this bike despite all its faults.. I even went to try one.. but compared to my T120 it was a super uncomfortable riding position.. I love the looks and could live with some of the faults but it was so uncomfortable I walked away.. shame. Thanks for the review Andy.

[marcusrichardson]

There are so many good bikes out there in all categories, it's almost hard to find a bad one. So when you do stumble on one, it really stands out. I respect Norton for trying to get going again but I would want something new to distinguish it from its recent past

[stevecolwill]

Andy, just for fun, you should try and ride an original ‘70s bike such as a Commando, Bonneville or even a BMW classic R or Japanese offering such as a Honda CB750 or Kawasaki Z1. Then you will know what it was like for us who grew up with these bikes; no ABS or TC, certainly no fuel gauges, but a pure biking experience. You might be surprised…

[Xanavi]

Thanks for this video Andy. I was privileged to own a Manx Silver Commando MkII 850 Interstate for 22 years from new and it was a great bike. The Isolastic suspension provided a very comfortable ride with almost no vibration evident whilst touring. Your comments about the vibration with this new machine is certainly intriguing!

[marks]

So refreshing to hear someone tell the truth about the excessive vibration, I rode a Dominator back in the Garner days and was shocked by the rough feel of the engine, I had hoped that they had done something about it but unfortunately other than rubber mount it (isolalastics anyone?) there’s clearly little they can do about it.
Also you mentioned the lack lustre power, I rode to the Donington factory on my 1991 900ss, on the way home it felt like a rocket ship in comparison to the Norton! (And a damn site smoother).
I so want TVS to have a huge success with the Norton name but it’s absolutely obvious that the 961 won’t do it for them.
Looks wise it’s quite nice IMO but even then it looks a little incongruous in places.
Anyone considering buying one should take a very lengthy test ride, a minimum of 2 hours I would say to be sure that it’s the bike for them.

P.S. you mentioned the 1200 Thruxton, I have one, it’s superior in every single way to the Norton, and as you said 3k cheaper!!

PPS you’re right not wanting an old British bike, they are crap 😂, just sold a mint condition fully restored 1947 T100a Tiger, what a relief!!!!

PPPS I have a collection of bikes, the 961 will not be joining it that’s for sure 😂

[johneastwood]

I think you are spot on Andy, the 961 Norton is a beauty, but the elephant in the room is the engine. I rode an 'old' 961 a few years ago and came to the same conclusions you did. It was vibey, underpowered for a 961 cc twin and frankly I'd have a Speed Twin every time if I was considering buying this kind of bike. I had hoped the 'new' Norton 961 would be much better than the old one in the engine department, but it seems not sadly. What's that saying? You can't polish a t**d but you can sprinkle glitter on it.

[a.r.t.]

Beautiful looking bike. Finish looks very good. They then put on a carbon mudguard that is as much use, as a fart in the wind. Why most manufacturers have followed this trend is beyond me.

[RobertBrown-qtdp]

In the early 60's my uncle asked me if I wanted to go for a ride on his new Dominator, it had already had the Dunstall treatment. So there was I on lovely summers day in my shorts with no helmet hanging on to my Uncle for dear life on the Kingston bypass. That's when I became a ton-up boy,
with Uncle, who looking back was clearly nuts, he was in his early 40's at the time. He told me that we did 106mph.
So on my return to my Nan's I proadly anounced this, her then laying into my Uncle full belt and braces.
A few years later I had the pleasure of riding a friends Manx Norton, with the advice slip the clutch a lot and you'll be OK.
Great vid once again Andy

[maxw]

Much respect for not giving out a participation trophy. I hope you can give Norton a glowing review in the future. Many of us, and you're certainly one, want them to be successful.

[jamiebyles]

A perfectly honest review, which is what we are after, and at 16k, there is little excuse for cheap feelings switch gear etc. Great job 👏

[robertstone]

Comparing with a 1970s commando it's a good step up I'm sure, but I would not trade my 900rs for one, not even if it was half the asking price after watching that review . Thanks for an informative honest review of a bike that should have been more polished in not just its bright work . So many other great riding bikes out there at a fraction the price . Looks great though for those who will buy it as an investment and barely ride it .

[jjnewman]

All your reviews are honest Andy. Well done for having the balls sharing this. Like most, I’d have one as my Sunday cafe ride out.

[TonyTT]

So glad that you review this absolutely beautiful bike.The looks, the sound Amazing retro.Thanks Andy for great review

[marcelcharriere]

High Sir
Thank You very much for your video on the Norton Commando
I'am 68 year old, French, and a normal person and if ready available I buy one tomorrow
Why, because it is vibry noisy and mainly because it is made in England and mostly because it is costly
I am fed up of all these people looking for cheaper and more cheap without considering what they will give to do to their children if all is produced in the other side of the word.
Oh my God, so pleased to watch your video, and thank to the loud engine sound, I do not hear the negatives, and thank to the vibrations on the mirrors I do not hear the negatives
I know this bike will please people like me, and so why should we ask Norton company to change the model we love
Thank You Andy