I never learnt to ride a motorbike (I couldn't get the hang of changing gear), but if I had, I would ride something like this mean looking bogger above.
My bike would have to have a polished aluminium tank, no fairing, a simple (yet comfortable) seat, and all the mechanical gubbins easily accessible. It would probably be no heftier than 500cc. I would also remove the headlight, speedo, and front mudguard. Stripped to basics.
Mostly, of course, it would have to have 'Norton' written on the tank. This particular model is a 1974 Commando; and would do me fine!
Yes, I can see myself going shopping on this baby; it's either that or an old shaggy-footed heavy horse, with saddle bags.
I share your dream.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a Clydesdale and the Norton or a G50 would be a bonus. I sold my last bike fifteen years ago and have regretted it on every warm sunny day since.
I've only ridden a bike once, but couldn't get it out of 2nd gear. I should have persevered.
DeleteMy youngest daughter rides a motorbike, I really wish she didn't!
ReplyDeleteWe had a young female friend who was riding a big motorbike through London every day; she soon stopped!
DeleteThe last motorbike that I rode was when I was just about old enough to hold a licence (well a bit older) and it was a Triumph 500. A real brute and far to powerful for my experience until then. There was something about bikes in those days: they were raw and unsophisticated and could break your ankle with ease if you got the kick start wrong.
ReplyDeleteArghhhhh! 'far too powerful'.
DeleteI don't even remember trying to kick start a bike; I think someone else must have done it for me. I have owned a 50cc Moped, but I suppose that doesn't count.
Deletep.s. Couldn't we ask Mr Blogger to have an 'edit' facility?
DeleteMy Uncle had a Vincent and he and my Aunt rode it until they died in their eighties. XXXX
ReplyDeleteAnother mystical name; like Norton. I hope your uncle took you for a ride on it!
DeleteNorton Commando, lovely choice Cro. I've always been a biker and ride a Triumph Trophy 1200 at the mo.
ReplyDeleteI've seen pictures of your bike; a real monster. Riding such a thing would scare me to death.
DeleteBrings back memories of my first (and only) motor bike, a BSA Bantam.
ReplyDeleteThey were nice little bikes; they seemed to be everyone's first adventure into biking.
DeleteWe never allowed our son to ride scooters or bikes. He went for his motorbike drivers licence (here one has to have a motorcycle licence, car one is not valied for bikes) after graduating from university and bought himself a black Guzzi V7 11.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
I can understand your hesitance. Young men and powerful bikes don't mix well.
DeleteMy first motorized transport was a Mini. It was new and cost under £500 with help from the parents who certainly didn't want their daughter riding a Vespa/Norton. I've been very happy with four wheels and being inside since.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'd have been OK on the Vespa, if not the Norton.
DeleteYou look like a closet Harley man to me. My bro has a Triumph America. One of them'd do you. I haven't ridden a motorbike for years. One time I managed to jump off just in time when confronted by an approaching tree.
ReplyDeleteI was nearly killed sitting on the back of a bike. We were overtaking, and the car we were overtaking decided to overtake the car ahead. Not nice!
DeleteWe had motorbikes on the farm, Panther, Norton, Royal Enfield; constant rebuilding and modifications and roaring round fields and bikes without petrol tanks because they had been taken for use on something on the farm. A family of engineers and mechanics. On the road we all drove four wheels.
ReplyDeleteI'd loved to have done that, which is probably why I want to buy some sort of bike for the grandsons. They already love riding around on the mower.
DeleteI have a scar on my left knee when myself and boyfriend of the time ( early 1960s) came a " cropper" off a Velocette 500cc. He was going too fast round a country bend and we skidded on the gravel at the side of the road. Our knees brought the bike to a halt..no leathers, just jeans ! The best pillion ride I ever had was on a 650 Norton. It felt so safe and solid! Wouldn't go near one now.
ReplyDeleteMy mother bought a Velocette with her friend Pud Cumpsty. They went everywhere together on it; I never heard of crashes.
DeleteMy grandfather helped my father build his own motorbike. Both were engineers. I have some fantastic photos too as both grandad and Dad were great photographers. I am pleased to say the making gene has come down to my son who has just built a bespoke fixed gear bicycle from freebies for his London commute. For nearly all his life my dad maintained his own cars as my mum made all her clothes, including my dad’s shirts when they were first married. We sit around far too much nowadays tapping on screens. Time to get weeding the new garden methinks. I’ve got rhubarb, autumn raspberries and a quince tree to plant today after I’ve battled brambles. We are loving our new house and plot in the South Downs.
ReplyDeleteWhat better place to 'garden' than around the South Downs. Our Quince is in flower at the moment; it's a 'Vranja' (the best), and produces mountains of fruit every year for the compost.
DeleteHave you read Belloc's 'The Four Men'? You should.
My grandfather, an engineer, worked for Villiers Engineering after the 2nd WW. As a child I was taken on Sundays to this vast factory (at least to me) and I always remember the people streaming out of the gate after work, just like a Lowry painting, running, walking and bicycling - cars were few. The only thing he bought home to try out was petrol mowing machines, but my half brother built a motor bike in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a big old Howard Rotavator which had a Villiers engine. As long as one went through the procedure correctly, it always started first time.
DeleteI sort of miss having vintage British bikes, but I don't miss falling off them - which I seemed to do every 6 months when I was young.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend with a 'Bantam', and he'd fall off every time it rained. It didn't stop him.
DeleteFor my 50th birthday, I thought I would buy myself a small motorbike. I found one I liked and was ready to make a deal. The good thing was that I came to my senses so that I could live to be 51.
ReplyDeleteYou and a million others (I suspect I was amongst them).
DeleteGorgeous little Norton! I rode many years, a Harley Softail, a Suzuki 750 & a Yamaha 750 which I totalled when I was 28. I got back in the saddle after my broken wrists, leg, hip and knee healed. I also totalled the Thunderbird I hit. Long story, but it wasn't my fault. My favorite was the Suzuki. I opened it up to 105 mph till I lost my nerve and slowed down. There's no feeling like the wind in your hair and being so close to nature, like flying, but with a roaring machine between your legs. Magically delightful!!
ReplyDeleteMarion, you sound like the classic 'wild child'; I salute your bravado. I would loved to have done the same; unfortunately cars came calling!
DeleteI would prefer to see you on that shaggy-footed horse Cro. That gentle, steady clip clop is much preferable to the roar of a motor bike. We get hundreds up here in the Dales in Summer and always quite a lot of deaths too.
ReplyDeleteThe horse would suit my lifestyle much better too. I'm tempted.
DeleteAt our age the only bike I could be tempted to try is what they call a "trike"..2 wheels in the back and one on the front for balance. They are becoming fairly popular in retirement areas(Florida) http://championsidecars.com/products/indian-trike-kits/
ReplyDeleteNice. The ones I see in Europe are usually based on VW Beetles.
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