Always crazy for Nortons. Wasted many an hour staring at the yellow 1969 750 Commando advertised in 1969 when i was 15, on the back page of a Cycle magazine i believe it was, wishing it was mine. Loved the upswept pipes and performance numbers. These new bikes are winners !
I have had a 1966,650ss, Norton, since the 70ties,so am a great fan of the Norton marque.It was the best handling bike I ever rode.It is so nice to see this famous marque appear again.Long may it continue.Andrew Leonard an 82 year old fan,and enthusiast.
At 71 yrs old I remember a Norton Atlas I bought inGuam in ‘62-63. I got in a little scrape at school and got shipped back Stateside to Military School where I did my Junior/Senior years. My Dad sold the Norton after I went away and I never saw the bike again. Ah well. Now they’re making them again and I’m too old to ride anything without a screen.
Excellent and sensible review. HATE being yelled at by hipster dudes trying WAY too hard to be cool. I love the look of both these bikes. As you said, they are different, modern, but with some lovely & unique adornments. Power to weight sounds pretty good. Will be interesting to hear bout likely cost, as so far Nortons have been ridiculously expensive imo.
Wife ordered the Nomad at the NEC show. Just had an e- mail saying the building that they are going to build it in is just about complete (25th June 19) Could still be a while before we get one.
@@motobob I suspect so, Stuart Garners e-mail was totally non committal on delivery. As we live near to the Donnington factory we sneaked around the back at the last Norton Bike night. The new assembly building has a roof, walls, concrete floor and no doors. We are patient but were told summer delivery this year when we parted with the deposit.
I like the Nomad a bit more. It’s a little more sleek looking than the Ranger to me. I think custom bike builders will love this bike! I also like that they used a 650 parallel twin. And 80hp is great for this bike. So for me 8/10. Nice video motobob!
Thanks mate! Yeah 80hp is pretty solid. I bet it sounds crazy at 11,000rpm. And you’re right that it will be cool to see what custom builders will do with it. I’d expect to see a really pared back version at some point
Great walk around video. Absolutely love the look of the Atlas and would love to have a test ride. Didn't get a chance to get to the show as we were in Thailand at the time, but hope I can get a sit on one soon.
Thanks Pete. They weren’t letting people sit on them at the show anyway. One bloke had a deposit on one and drove 3 hours to the show to get to sit on one. He wasn’t happy!
The bikes looks amazing but I think they went a little bit far with all the polish, chromed stuff. If I would customise to my taste I would be removing some pieces like the frame of the light or the holes of mesh under the seat
I think they could make a good looking cafe racer version too, as the seat and tank are quite flat. But not sure if people are still buying cafe racer style bikes as the trackers and scramblers seem more popular now...
This is probably the bike the factory would have built if they could back in the 70ies. As many people do, they call a 270 degrees crank engine a parallel twin...but it's not. The pistons should run parallel, which they don't with a 270 crank. An inline 2 then? But lovely machines! One thing that I find odd is the front mudguard on the Nomad. I don't like when there's more mudguard in front of the fork! Ha ha! Just realized I commented on this film 9 months ago! :-)
Those are some very nice bikes. I've been tossing around the idea of buying the new Scrambler (being a Triumph guy) but the Ranger might just steal that spot.
Hmmm well I wasn’t totally happy with the footage. I used 24fps then set it to half speed in premiere pro and enabled optical flow which basically generates the additional frames by magic by averaging the difference between the two adjacent frames. That’s why there are a few glitches and whatnot, but it’s good enough I guess!
Bought a 1971 Norton Commando brand new in Cambridge UK. 4 of us each bought one at the same, so we got a discount. Had to sell it before I came back to the states.
Yes please Santa! Looking at these make me giddy, my preference would be the Ranger but both are bloody glorious! I like the modern twist with a nod to the heritage of the name, they tread a fine line but I think they have nailed it. Top channel, Subbed!
Far prefer the look of my T120 but the Norton tank is the standout feature for me. My friend has ordered one so it will be nice to see and sit on it when delivered.
Great video Bob, I'm excited to see what seems to be a more mainstream norton with mass production in mind... personally I'd love to see a non-scrambler street version with this engine.
Yeah that would be cool. Maybe they will do what CCM have done so well and used the base bike to make a bunch of variants. I guess Triumph do this to some extent as well
Non mi darò pace finché non vedrò una di queste Bellezze in commercio. Personalmente ritengo la Ranger la più bella motocicletta mai prodotta e mai (ahimè) commercializzata.
Interesting I like the Atles they showed at another place with steal bags on the side because that type of bike is what I am looking for but the price is a problem I suppose will get cheaper if huge construction happens. But Like the Honda 500 laid back easy to ride bike too and may buy that.
Nice to see Norton making bikes that are a little more affordable. The spec looks quite impressive but I'm not sold on the looks, the seat looks too high relative to the tank. Just a matter of personal taste rather than a genuine criticism, I suspect they will sell quite well. A good review.
Thanks Gareth. I take your point about the tank and seat - I guess on a retro Scrambler you might expect something that looks more like the triumph with a more bulbous tank. But ultimately I suppose it would have been a bit lame if they’d have just gone down the same route as triumph
@@motobob I agree, but they seem to have compromised somewhere between a Triumph and a Yamaha. Hopefully there will be further models with slightly different styling as the underlying bike sounds like it could be rather good.
They're both beautiful and if I could buy one in the next month or two here in the states I would . I'd prefer if it had a bit larger engine but perhaps the next version will have a big one . I guess I'm sticking with a Speed Twin or maybe the new Indian FTR 1200 .
Be interesting to see if it really takes off or not. There’ll definitely be some old norton fans who couldn’t afford the modern bikes that will be interested in this one
These Nortons are nice. But, something that young people might get attached to in the 250 to 500 category would light the world on fire. George Formby would come back to life. The great grandchildren of all those Norton riders would take interest.
I saw them at the NEC, they are beautiful in the flesh. Definitely a firm 8.5 out of 10. I'd prefer an even more road biased one with low level exhaust and lower ride height. 650ss?
Thanks for posting. I like the bike. However, 824mm is 32.4 inches and that's still on the high side I think. So they better offer a lowering kit or something! :)
I wonder if alternative sump guards will be part of the aftermarket accessories... I agree that it's not my favourite part of the bike and looks like it'll be a pain to clean!
Ah yeah I know the one. Really nice. Wasn’t available when I bought mine, hence the grey custom paint job although it’s a bit different to the colour of yours
The styling of two bikes is amazing, reminds me a tad on the new Brough Superior SS100 in terms of exclusivity, I definitely would like to buy one, however the engine seems to be too small, wouldn't a 900 or 1000 cc a better fit to give the bike a better performance range on the street as a daily ride?
I've attempted to reserve one of these and am on a waitlist for when they come to the U.S. I've been told early 2020. Norton is handling the UK market in 2019, then "supposedly" tackling the US market after that.
The factory isn’t even due to be completed until late 2020. There’s been no communication from Norton to any potential buyers as to delivery dates as far as I’m aware.....certainly not to me anyway. I’ve had my name down for several months.
@@motobob Id more than happily have the Scrambler 1200 XE. I've tried and tested a triumph now... maybe time for something new and a complete change of style. Too many options atm :D
Hello🙂 ... I live in Norway and I would like to buy an Atlas Nomad .... do you have any information on where I can buy one?🤤 thanks and keep it up with those entertaining videos👍
Looks a long bike with a rather long swing arm for a start. Apart from the tank I don't think from a retro viewpoint that the Norton looks much like the old atlas. I don't think it would have the punchy torque of the Ducati Scrambler with it reving out to 11,000 rpm. That's quite high rpm especially for a twin. Seat height pretty high compared to the Ducati Scrambler with 790 mm seat height and the Himalayan just over 805mm.
Very nice video! I do think they're onto something with the unique look of these bikes, kind of Mad Max meets retro. But not generally a huge fan of off-road bikes, because they're always too tall for me, hah! Any chance you'll get a test ride on one of these soon?
Thanks Brenda! Hmmmm not sure about testing... I think there's one of the few Norton dealers quite close to me (Krazy Horse) but I'm not sure how free and easy they are with their test rides as they tend to stock specialist higher-end bikes. I'll go down and have a chat to them one day though!
I am also into the retro look, the one that brings back memories and the history behind Norton, these new bikes have no sense of direction to where they are going, they are a mess to understand, you see some old retro piece with contemporary piece and new era type of deal, i can not really explain it. I know to each his own and it is no me. it is a shame to say these bikes are ugly.
@@motobob I said radiator grill would be impacted...you can clearly see it would come all on the grill the wet mud And dirt...not so practical. In my opinion.
So you think it should be air cooled? Or move the radiator? I don’t think a radiator can be anything other than small fins as it needs to cool down in the wind
Definitely taller than the Street Twin, but I can't say any more than that as they were roped off so you couldn't sit on them. In fact, while I was filming one bloke was really complaining because he's put a deposit on one and had driven 3 hours to the show to sit on one, and he wasn't allowed! Poor fella
love the bikes but i think they will be a little breathless and also why do you want to rew a off road bike to 11K rpm :/ similar price you can get new triumph speed twin 112 nm torque 100 hp , , i must say i like the suspension on these more.
So you just use other people's footage, slow it down so CZcams's algorithm doesn't detect the copyrighted content, do a simple voice over and call it a day?
Always crazy for Nortons. Wasted many an hour staring at the yellow 1969 750 Commando advertised in 1969 when i was 15, on the back page of a Cycle magazine i believe it was, wishing it was mine. Loved the upswept pipes and performance numbers. These new bikes are winners !
I have had a 1966,650ss, Norton, since the 70ties,so am a great fan of the Norton marque.It was the best handling bike I ever rode.It is so nice to see this famous marque appear again.Long may it continue.Andrew Leonard an 82 year old fan,and enthusiast.
Bring Norton back to the USA
I want a Commando!
Always liked the Norton; 2 good looking bikes.
At 71 yrs old I remember a Norton Atlas I bought inGuam in ‘62-63. I got in a little scrape at school and got shipped back Stateside to Military School where I did my Junior/Senior years. My Dad sold the Norton after I went away and I never saw the bike again. Ah well. Now they’re making them again and I’m too old to ride anything without a screen.
The Ranger is perfect, love it.
I have been following your videos since day 1. Doesn't matter what method you use, your videos are ALWAYS great!👍🏻
Thanks! Really appreciate that! Still feel like I’m finding my style
Another great vid Bob!
Cheers mate!
Hope they get the new factory up and running on time because iv'e put a deposit on a Nomad at the NEC. Well done Norton.
The Ranger looks amazing! 😍
Beautiful can't wait to see them in the wild
Nice review. Norton are producing some lovely looking bikes now.
Thanks Steven. I prefer these to the previous models like the Dominator and Commando. Much leaner
Nomad for me, but would love it with the titanium of the other bike. great video Bob 👍
Thanks dan. A few people seem to prefer it. Looks like it’ll be a good bike
So good to see Norton back in the fray. Atlas & commando
Love the look of them - 9/10 so far from me. Can't wait to test ride one.
I get strong XSR900 vibes and I love it. The look is right up my alley
Excellent and sensible review. HATE being yelled at by hipster dudes trying WAY too hard to be cool. I love the look of both these bikes. As you said, they are different, modern, but with some lovely & unique adornments. Power to weight sounds pretty good. Will be interesting to hear bout likely cost, as so far Nortons have been ridiculously expensive imo.
Thanks GB - glad you enjoyed it!
Wife ordered the Nomad at the NEC show. Just had an e- mail saying the building that they are going to build it in is just about complete (25th June 19) Could still be a while before we get one.
Wow! So 2020 I guess?
@@motobob I suspect so, Stuart Garners e-mail was totally non committal on delivery. As we live near to the Donnington factory we sneaked around the back at the last Norton Bike night. The new assembly building has a roof, walls, concrete floor and no doors. We are patient but were told summer delivery this year when we parted with the deposit.
Banditmanuk that’s frustrating. Hope they start getting them out sooner rather than later
I like the Nomad a bit more. It’s a little more sleek looking than the Ranger to me. I think custom bike builders will love this bike! I also like that they used a 650 parallel twin. And 80hp is great for this bike. So for me 8/10. Nice video motobob!
Thanks mate! Yeah 80hp is pretty solid. I bet it sounds crazy at 11,000rpm. And you’re right that it will be cool to see what custom builders will do with it. I’d expect to see a really pared back version at some point
Drop dead , gorgeous , still waiting and a shame all those people lost money .
Great walk around video. Absolutely love the look of the Atlas and would love to have a test ride. Didn't get a chance to get to the show as we were in Thailand at the time, but hope I can get a sit on one soon.
Thanks Pete. They weren’t letting people sit on them at the show anyway. One bloke had a deposit on one and drove 3 hours to the show to get to sit on one. He wasn’t happy!
The bikes looks amazing but I think they went a little bit far with all the polish, chromed stuff. If I would customise to my taste I would be removing some pieces like the frame of the light or the holes of mesh under the seat
I like them both but would buy the low fender model for my riding style.
I think that would be my pick too. I don’t think I could handle the seat height of the ranger around town
That's a perfect 10 for me. Both of them, but I prefer the road version.
I think I liked the slimmed down look too
My favorite bike has always been the Norton cheetah from the 70s
I like my Street glide ,if Norton bilt one like it I might give it a try
I’ve loved norton since i was a kid.
If they ride as well as they look , will be a success. Maybe a single cylinder Manx version would be good.
I think they could make a good looking cafe racer version too, as the seat and tank are quite flat. But not sure if people are still buying cafe racer style bikes as the trackers and scramblers seem more popular now...
@@motobob Cafe styling is always in style.
Score - 9/10.
This is probably the bike the factory would have built if they could back in the 70ies. As many people do, they call a 270 degrees crank engine a parallel twin...but it's not. The pistons should run parallel, which they don't with a 270 crank. An inline 2 then? But lovely machines! One thing that I find odd is the front mudguard on the Nomad. I don't like when there's more mudguard in front of the fork!
Ha ha! Just realized I commented on this film 9 months ago! :-)
Nomad for the win and a solid 8 all day.
Stunning looking Nomad!
That Yamaha engine looks sexy as hell with that bike wrapped around it
The Norton looks amazing
Those are some very nice bikes. I've been tossing around the idea of buying the new Scrambler (being a Triumph guy) but the Ranger might just steal that spot.
Now that’s a difficult call! They’re very similar in some ways, but the motors will feel really different I suspect
No issues with lighting then! Top job.
Hmmm well I wasn’t totally happy with the footage. I used 24fps then set it to half speed in premiere pro and enabled optical flow which basically generates the additional frames by magic by averaging the difference between the two adjacent frames. That’s why there are a few glitches and whatnot, but it’s good enough I guess!
No resemblances to later models, but cool looking and would be a blast to have !
Bought a 1971 Norton Commando brand new in Cambridge UK. 4 of us each bought one at the same, so we got a discount. Had to sell it before I came back to the states.
Haha never heard of a group discount like that before! We should get 20 people together to see if we can get a cheap Ducati V4R 👍😎
Different times, different place and country, and slow month for sales.
Have got a deposit on one and am patiently waiting. Engineering looks really solid, hopefully see it this year.
The bike it self, a 6 for me.
But the fact that Norton are getting bikes out for the public to buy is a 10!
That's true - this is way more accessible in terms of price
Both bikes are fantastic !
Yes please Santa! Looking at these make me giddy, my preference would be the Ranger but both are bloody glorious! I like the modern twist with a nod to the heritage of the name, they tread a fine line but I think they have nailed it. Top channel, Subbed!
I love the styling, beautiful bike.
Me too Don!
Far prefer the look of my T120 but the Norton tank is the standout feature for me.
My friend has ordered one so it will be nice to see and sit on it when delivered.
Won’t he let you have a quick spin!?
MOTOBOB
I certainly hope so but expect that he’ll have to get some miles on it first!
Love it ,I give them a nine , preference goes to the ranger
Yeah I’d go for that if I was out in the sticks. For town the nomad though because of the seat height
Great video Bob, I'm excited to see what seems to be a more mainstream norton with mass production in mind... personally I'd love to see a non-scrambler street version with this engine.
Yeah that would be cool. Maybe they will do what CCM have done so well and used the base bike to make a bunch of variants. I guess Triumph do this to some extent as well
Love them both , very sharp looking bikes !
Non mi darò pace finché non vedrò una di queste Bellezze in commercio. Personalmente ritengo la Ranger la più bella motocicletta mai prodotta e mai (ahimè) commercializzata.
Beautiful bikes
10/10.... I'm considering putting a deposit down on the ranger. Looks amazing
They look fantastic!!
Agreed!
Interesting I like the Atles they showed at another place with steal bags on the side because that type of bike is what I am looking for but the price is a problem I suppose will get cheaper if huge construction happens. But Like the Honda 500 laid back easy to ride bike too and may buy that.
10/10 for Norton Atlas
100 out of ten.
Nice to see Norton making bikes that are a little more affordable. The spec looks quite impressive but I'm not sold on the looks, the seat looks too high relative to the tank. Just a matter of personal taste rather than a genuine criticism, I suspect they will sell quite well. A good review.
Thanks Gareth. I take your point about the tank and seat - I guess on a retro Scrambler you might expect something that looks more like the triumph with a more bulbous tank. But ultimately I suppose it would have been a bit lame if they’d have just gone down the same route as triumph
@@motobob I agree, but they seem to have compromised somewhere between a Triumph and a Yamaha. Hopefully there will be further models with slightly different styling as the underlying bike sounds like it could be rather good.
thanks bob
My pleasure!
Stunning bikes!
Overall nice, but not too sure about the almost flush seat and fuel tank? Bash guard underneath looks a bit "homemade"?
They're both beautiful and if I could buy one in the next month or two here in the states I would . I'd prefer if it had a bit larger engine but perhaps the next version will have a big one . I guess I'm sticking with a Speed Twin or maybe the new Indian FTR 1200 .
Can recommend a test ride on the Speed Twin - if I did more riding out of town than I do now, I'd have one!
Nice bikes. 8 out of 10. good job man. thnx
Thanks!
Anyone of them look like the old Norton 850 Commando Interstates..... ?
I really like the look and the price. I think Norton could be on to a winner with the Atlas 👍
Be interesting to see if it really takes off or not. There’ll definitely be some old norton fans who couldn’t afford the modern bikes that will be interested in this one
These Nortons are nice. But, something that young people might get attached to in the 250 to 500 category would light the world on fire. George Formby would come back to life. The great grandchildren of all those Norton riders would take interest.
Too tall for me with a 29 inch inside leg, as with nearly all the adventure/scrambler bikes, I like to be able to get both feet down when stopping.
That’s the main reason I’m not getting one as well dad!
@@motobob that and the money !!!
I saw them at the NEC, they are beautiful in the flesh. Definitely a firm 8.5 out of 10. I'd prefer an even more road biased one with low level exhaust and lower ride height. 650ss?
Yeah I think that would be interesting too! CCM have made it work with the spitfire in so many ways
😂😂😂
Love classic English and Italian cycled
I want one !
Pray 🙏
Thanks for posting. I like the bike. However, 824mm is 32.4 inches and that's still on the high side I think. So they better offer a lowering kit or something! :)
Definitely a bit tall for me too
Com'on now what an awesome bike
Great video and review, you now have a new subscriber👍
Thanks lee! Appreciate it!
They're both beautiful bikes and a true credit to their heritage . But have to say , that sump guard looks a bit home made.
I wonder if alternative sump guards will be part of the aftermarket accessories... I agree that it's not my favourite part of the bike and looks like it'll be a pain to clean!
The Norton resembles my Triumph street twin. I like it!
Is your street twin as standard? With the silver tank w the red stripe?
@@motobob mine is an 18 model. Aluminum silver no stripe. Just black triumph sticker.
Ah yeah I know the one. Really nice. Wasn’t available when I bought mine, hence the grey custom paint job although it’s a bit different to the colour of yours
The styling of two bikes is amazing, reminds me a tad on the new Brough Superior SS100 in terms of exclusivity, I definitely would like to buy one, however the engine seems to be too small, wouldn't a 900 or 1000 cc a better fit to give the bike a better performance range on the street as a daily ride?
Norton 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I've attempted to reserve one of these and am on a waitlist for when they come to the U.S. I've been told early 2020. Norton is handling the UK market in 2019, then "supposedly" tackling the US market after that.
The factory isn’t even due to be completed until late 2020. There’s been no communication from Norton to any potential buyers as to delivery dates as far as I’m aware.....certainly not to me anyway. I’ve had my name down for several months.
Love the bike nice clean vid too
Thanks AT! 🙌
"NORTON" My dream brand.
Nice details
11/10. I would have one of these in a heartbeat if servicing wasn't a fortune and I knew it would withstand the mileage id chuck at it :P
Dude! You’re a triumph man
@@motobob Id more than happily have the Scrambler 1200 XE. I've tried and tested a triumph now... maybe time for something new and a complete change of style. Too many options atm :D
By complete change of style, I assume you’re saying you’re gonna get a harley and a leather waistcoat
@@motobob Shit! Not that drastic! haha. Definitely feeling the scrambler type vibe.. But we'll see
Great first look dude. I think a lot of people watch your vids for the modern retros, so i would say this one fits perfectly.
Thanks Jon. Yeah that’s true - I managed to grab a few vids of bikes of this ilk. Might branch out occasionally but only for the special stuff!
I thought i wanted a Kawazaki Z900RS but i want this to :O
Where are they manufactured ?????
No need to add nothing to it , such a good looking motorcycle. 😮👍🏼
397 lbs? Now your talking a good street bike!
Hello🙂 ... I live in Norway and I would like to buy an Atlas Nomad .... do you have any information on where I can buy one?🤤
thanks and keep it up with those entertaining videos👍
Looks a long bike with a rather long swing arm for a start. Apart from the tank I don't think from a retro viewpoint that the Norton looks much like the old atlas. I don't think it would have the punchy torque of the Ducati Scrambler with it reving out to 11,000 rpm. That's quite high rpm especially for a twin. Seat height pretty high compared to the Ducati Scrambler with 790 mm seat height and the Himalayan just over 805mm.
8 atlas 9 ranger ,,like the look of the Seat !looks like it’ll be a bugger to clean after MUD !👍🏻
Agreed, especially that sump guard! Get your toothbrush out...
Excellent motorcycle. 👍🏼
Rear view mirrors?
🤷♂️
Very nice video! I do think they're onto something with the unique look of these bikes, kind of Mad Max meets retro. But not generally a huge fan of off-road bikes, because they're always too tall for me, hah! Any chance you'll get a test ride on one of these soon?
Thanks Brenda! Hmmmm not sure about testing... I think there's one of the few Norton dealers quite close to me (Krazy Horse) but I'm not sure how free and easy they are with their test rides as they tend to stock specialist higher-end bikes. I'll go down and have a chat to them one day though!
I am also into the retro look, the one that brings back memories and the history behind Norton, these new bikes have no sense of direction to where they are going, they are a mess to understand, you see some old retro piece with contemporary piece and new era type of deal, i can not really explain it. I know to each his own and it is no me.
it is a shame to say these bikes are ugly.
ugly to you
Are they available in the U.S.A. ?
There are four Norton dealers in the USA listed on their website, so I’d imagine so
Who is designer of this machines body and frame
One day you may test ride review this bike... 😁
Hope so!
The off-roader will spill all the mud and dust on the radiator grills, one would have to clean all the time...is it a design flaw?
Because of the high mudguard? It’s for clearance, so that you don’t get mud stuck between the wheel and mudguard
@@motobob I said radiator grill would be impacted...you can clearly see it would come all on the grill the wet mud And dirt...not so practical. In my opinion.
So you think it should be air cooled? Or move the radiator? I don’t think a radiator can be anything other than small fins as it needs to cool down in the wind
Does anyone know the mileage for atlas ranger?
When did they start making Norton's again?
🤷♂️
My view on the Norton range is that they are Triumph wannabees so I opted for a T120 and a Thruxton R
Sounds like a good option 👍
wow.. i've always liked Norton. The Ranger looks awesome. Wondering what the riding position is like, similar to your street twin?
Definitely taller than the Street Twin, but I can't say any more than that as they were roped off so you couldn't sit on them. In fact, while I was filming one bloke was really complaining because he's put a deposit on one and had driven 3 hours to the show to sit on one, and he wasn't allowed! Poor fella
love the bikes but i think they will be a little breathless and also why do you want to rew a off road bike to 11K rpm :/ similar price you can get new triumph speed twin 112 nm torque 100 hp , , i must say i like the suspension on these more.
So you just use other people's footage, slow it down so CZcams's algorithm doesn't detect the copyrighted content, do a simple voice over and call it a day?