Bespoke NORTON
Imagine that it was possible to simply wander off to a showroom and order yourself a brand new classic bike. Maybe a Trident, maybe a Bonneville, maybe … a Commando. Step back, adjust your rosy-tint spectacles and admire the bike in these photos – because someone did exactly that in 2010, and this was the result. Noted Norton specialists the Norvil Motorcycle Company, of deepest Burntwood, have built several new Commandos over the years, and although I’ve ridden a few of them before they were delivered to their proud new owners, riding someone’s P&J before they actually receive it does constrain the enthusiasm a little. With this 2010 example … not so much.
Before I start to consider the bike, let’s get the riding thing out of the way. A bit like the ride out for a jar and a jabber at a favourite pub – are we allowed to do that at the moment? – the ride comes first. Before the … ahem … walk home from the pub, of course.
It always surprises me how exactly like riding a Commando riding a Commando actually is. I’m not joking, not really. They are truly a unique experience, as unlike most British ohv twins as, say, a BMW airhead, and whenever I get the opportunity … there I go again, back onto a Commando. I’ve owned several and ridden loads, of pretty much any sort, but this one is certainly different. This is obvious the moment you sit down, flick up the sidestand and take control of the balance. It’s lower than is familiar.
