Comparison: Norton Commando v BMW R1100RS



Some time ago Roger asked whether riding my 1970 Commando was as I remembered – I’d previously had it on the road from 1977 to 1993. 

First impressions after 20 years of BMWs and compared to the R1100RS are: it’s lighter, smoother (yes), more economical, clutch and gearbox are a treat and noise from straight-through pipes is very nice. What’s worse about it? Pretty much everything else.

But then again we are talking about a bike based on a 1948 engine rapidly cobbled together for the 1967 Show - compared to something designed from the ground up in 1993. The Norton’s a ‘classic’ after all and one expects a few issues - and prices are rising quickly at the moment so I think it’s a ‘keeper’ for now. Better than having money in the bank.

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