Pictures of your Norton Commandos

Yes, the carb is lonely in there but will probably remain so.

My first road racing bike. I went to the Oho National rally on my restored from a basket case 1972 Combat. I spent the winter camping with her in the Keys and carried all my camping supplies on the rear rack. Then came home and went to work to get it wired up and ready for USCRA racing. It was used for my first season , before I set up a new bike that became a Class Champion 4 times in a row and some major AHRMA several 1st in Sportsman 750. and in the AMCAM races held in New England. The bikes proved to be fast and the riders that took over proved them to be what a Commando was built to be. The ultimate warrior and something to be respected for its grace under fire.

Year Y2K (2000) The Laconia reunion race at the original Laconia track, there were more racing stars from then and now that I could ever imagined. My two Racing legends and hall of fame members put on a heck of a show. It was the 50th anniversary of Klamfoth's win of the Laconia AMA national and as the race started Dick K#2 took off and was riding comfortably up front, Dick Gariepy on the #55 bike had stalled at the start line and had to restart and get going about 15 seconds later, so he was way, way behind and the front runners were already starting to go down the long downhill backstraight and reaching speeds of 100MPH

But as Gariepy said the faster I went the better it got and began his long march to the front. A few laps later, #55 was blasting by the back markers and with one lap to go he passed The front runners, The other Commando and a Manx Norton and left everyone in the his wake. He built a big lead and when he crossed the finish line and got the checkers, he did not know he had won!, He slowed and did the cool down lap he came back around to receive and unexpectedly be haanded the Checkered flag to do the ultimate lap of victory and show the crowds who actually won.

It must have been really exciting for the crowd viewing from the backstraight to see the little white Commando zooming by and time traveling at warp speed and coming back from so far. But It was a One , Two finish for CHR Commandos, and Third to the Manx Norton . A Norton clean sweep! and what a show for the many legends and spectators that were there reliving the old days of racing and living to race.

I always wanted a world champion to ride one of my bikes, I always had Nicky Hayden #69 in mind and after he had won the Moto GP Championship, I was so happy for him and his family. But alas Nicky's life ended way too early. In retrospect I did get some of the modern Daytona champions on my equipment at the end of the race day, when they borrowed my "famous" CT70 pit bike to run some last minute errands or travel the pits to see friends at the end of the day. One thing for sure they always came back with a big grin on their faces. And Nicky was the world Champion he dreamt of becoming and one heck of a dirt tracker that would like my Commando set up.

After over 10 seasons of racing the little white #3 Commando with no major engine work, along came the AM-CAN Vintage weekend in Y2K, (2000) culminated with FIM Super Heavy Weight #1 plate win. Wood just rode hard and used the Commando's
power to blow by the race leader, a 1000 cc Moto Guzzi on the short NHIS straight and leave everyone in the dust. The trophies were huge and the smiles a mile long.

I'm putting a lot of photos up before I put the albums into cold storage, because I told some of the riders I would and let them see the pictures.

1) the 1972 bike in street trim. And a working Lucas system with lights and horn. I never did like the front disc, and stock rear sprocket but that soon changed. But I was still learning how to ride and use more of the power to get around.


Gary Johnson of CT. usually riding the wheels of a Trackmaster Triumph, but trying out my CHR Commando, he rode carefully and brought her home in third, It is a whole lot different than his usual ride, but he adapted well and rode smart. You can see he was really "leaning into it" and not worried about and iso flex, it was rock steady.

Everybody loves a nice comfy seat, The girl from Crazy Wings came out to allow me a photo shoot and she was happy with the results, other employees did not even realize they were taken right in front of the restaurant. My Norton Girl!



Don Emde came to NHIS to do a story and ride Todd Henning's Premier 500 CB450 Hondas and got a chance to ride my Commando in a race with Todd, Emde did well and was staying close to The Honda. Todd had to push pretty hard to open up a lead. But Emde had a good time and had a little fun riding some of our bikes and putting on a show. He liked the seat too!

Lovin it CARL!!!

Keep em coming.............

MichaelB said:

Lovin it CARL!!!

Keep em coming.............

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Don't encourage me, But one more today.

Dick Gariepy #55,Gunstock NH 2000 , the original Laconia track, Dick wasn't set and lined up when the flag dropped. he stalled the bike was push started in the opposite direction, turned around ,turned it on and gave it hell.

This meant so much to him . it was his second season there riding my CHR Commando at the Laconia track. His family, best friend , Joe Bolger and all legends and old time fans saw the results. Dick G. did a cooldown lap without knowing he had won, so the Checkers were a surprise to him when they handed them to him. But he proudly took the lap of honor and shed a few tears before he came off the track to all the accolades a champion gets from friends and family and pit crew. "Checkmate and Checkers."

It looks like all the fans in the background were kind of shocked . I think my bike liked it too.

This is a test as I am having trouble loading pictures on another site .

Richard Tool said:

This is a test as I am having trouble loading pictures on another site .
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Very nice motorcycle! I am always impressed with what you did with the seat.
Mike

Ahh yes.

Carl H said:

My first road racing bike. I went to the Oho National rally on my restored from a basket case 1972 Combat. I spent the winter camping with her in the Keys and carried all my camping supplies on the rear rack. Then came home and went to work to get it wired up and ready for USCRA racing. It was used for my first season , before I set up a new bike that became a Class Champion 4 times in a row and some major AHRMA several 1st in Sportsman 750. and in the AMCAM races held in New England. The bikes proved to be fast and the riders that took over proved them to be what a Commando was built to be. The ultimate warrior and something to be respected for its grace under fire.View attachment 122664

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Does anyone sell this luggage rack? Or fabricate?

My latest acquisition, 1971 Norton Commando Long Range Fastback. A whopping 36.9 miles since total Baxter restoration. I had to replace the Norvil rearsets as they're not very comfortable with my leprechaun legs. My '75 850 is awaiting a head gasket and my '72 Interstate 750 (combat) isn't quite photogenic now. Maybe in the spring.

bobbitybobbity said:

My latest acquisition, 1971 Norton Commando Long Range Fastback. A whopping 36.9 miles since total Baxter restoration. I had to replace the Norvil rearsets as they're not very comfortable with my leprechaun legs. My '75 850 is awaiting a head gasket and my '72 Interstate 750 (combat) isn't quite photogenic now. Maybe in the spring.

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Looks Great!!!

Thank you. I'm just sitting here, tail thumping on the rug, waiting for a dry day to test ride it. The rearsets were really uncomfortable for me.

bobbitybobbity said:

Thank you. I'm just sitting here, tail thumping on the rug, waiting for a dry day to test ride it. The rearsets were really uncomfortable for me.

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Do you still have the rearsets? I'm considering installing a set on my 850 Interstate.

Carl H said:

My first road racing bike. I went to the Oho National rally on my restored from a basket case 1972 Combat. I spent the winter camping with her in the Keys and carried all my camping supplies on the rear rack. Then came home and went to work to get it wired up and ready for USCRA racing. It was used for my first season , before I set up a new bike that became a Class Champion 4 times in a row and some major AHRMA several 1st in Sportsman 750. and in the AMCAM races held in New England. The bikes proved to be fast and the riders that took over proved them to be what a Commando was built to be. The ultimate warrior and something to be respected for its grace under fire.View attachment 122664

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I had a similar rack on my 850 Commando in the 70’s.

Was out for a blast on the '68. Stopped in front of a friend friend's home with amazing front door and a garage bigger than my whole place.

360 Twin said:

Does anyone sell this luggage rack? Or fabricate?

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