GT750, Commando or Trident

[grog]

Some of those purists, so called experts on a certain machine, just wankers. To be totally original, hasnt been used. Same tyres, chains, brake pads from that year mustnt have worn out, otherwise been replaced. Makes it not original. Not worth worrying about. Bloke up the roads 6 cyl Honda, totally original, 87 ks on speedo. Same oil still in motor. Good to look at but i wouldnt want to try to ride it. Those tyres would be dangerous, brakes crap and motor prob blow up. Museum piece only.

[Hooli]

I hope those rivet counters import original Jap air to put in the tyres too.

[DP1400]

Here`s a thought to ponder, and I offer it without bias - if a Classic is given a complete `nut & bolt restoration`, can it still claim to be a Classic, or does it effectively become a new bike? 

[VladTepes]

Like grandpa's axe?

[Mick_J]

Like grandpa's axe?

Or Triggers broom 

[grog]

Classic is untouched, resto is resto.

[DP1400]

So I guess that`s that then Phil!

Let us know how your next appraisal goes with your supervisor..... !!

[Mick_J]

For those on the wrong side of the planet here is a sketch of trigger and his broom.

56yN2zHtofM

[grog]

Is that a BBC news clip, sounds serious.

[Big Phil]

Hi All,
          Sorry I have not replied to all the posts but my head has been turned and I have been spending many hours on the Norton Owners Forum. I could not help myself when I saw this bike. I have always wanted a commando 850 Interstate (personal choice) as to me it's the best looking bike ever made in the cherry red colour. I've owned many Jap bikes and one Italian but never a Brit and it's always bothered me. The 850 commando MK3 was actually a very well sorted bike with many improvements over the original 750 or 500 if you go back to the original 1948 500cc Engine 🤣😂🤣

Anyway,  I already own my gorgeous 14 and my very well sorted 750 SRAD but as stated earlier the Mrs said YES I could get another. Okay she was drugged but only a little more than I have added to her tea for the last 20 years so. You live with her and you would do the same 🤣🤗🤣So without further ado and little time before she changed her mind and/or recovered from her newly found pleasant persona,  I found the most gorgeous, beautiful and without doubt bike of my dreams, a 1976 Norton Commando 850 Interstate and bought her. Her history is fantastic, she  has been rebuilt and updated with no expense spared with all receipts. She has twin front discs, updated forks and so much more,  so she stops, she is reliable and she handles like a modern bike. And YES she doesn't leak a drop of oil. Riding her is such a pleasure, you can't help but respect her and just enjoy a piece of brilliant British engineering from a bygone era. I love her and yes I could of bought a GT750 or Z900 but I didn't and I am so glad. This twin thumps and vibrates and is just so different from any other bike I have owned. Buy a classic bike you will not regret it. 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[Irish in Oz]

Great choice, enjoy.

[DP1400]

Well done Phil

I`ve pressed the `like` button because I admire your determination to get what you wanted. She looks a well sorted bike with good history etc. etc. I sincerely hope that you enjoy every mile you spend riding it, and i`m sure you will.

The most important thing is that you`ve added a very different bike to your `collection`. Great stuff. Enjoy

Dave.

[Big Phil]

Exactly Mate! What's the point of owning similar bikes! You will just always ride the one you like best. The Norton growls and vibrates but is Soo-ooo addictive. It genuinely handles as well as the 14 if not better, obviously the 14 will out accelerate, but it's so different, you sit very high on 19inch wheels, the torque is similar to the 14 and beyond that t the vibration keeps you energised and its still pretty rapid, nothing like the acceleration of the 14 but the sensation of the ride is incredible. It's so different to any Japanese bike I have ever ridden. It just seems to demand respect and adoration, I love it! Then again I love the 14 but for so many different reasons. The SRAD has to go though as I can't handle the racing stance and need room!

Best Regards
Phil

[KiwiCol]

Good on ya Big Phil, great choice - because it was your dream.  Gotta chase those dreams n make them come true. 

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Very nice bike Phil, looks well sorted and from what I read, it's at a good home now.