After the story the other day about the newly reborn Norton with their all new V4 sport bikes, you might want to see a wonderful example of what Norton used to produce, a beautifully restored 1971 Dunstall Norton Commando. Compare the bikes and decide for yourself if the new carry on the tradition. It’s an interesting contrast.
If you have ever wanted a classic Norton, but didn’t want to do the restoration that most all of this vintage require, here’s your chance. It’s for sale on eBay. – sale over
Mark says
When I saw the article on Nortons rebirth, this is the styling the immediately came to mind. Even though I’m not a big fan of the british style, as a fan of retro, I was dissapointed to see the look the same as every other maker..
At least the name lives on.
Paul Crowe says
Various versions like the Kenny Dreer VR880 or most anything from Colorado Norton Works, look great, as do fully restored examples like this one, but the new V4s do stray from tradition which may be necessary to attract new buyers, but then if the buyers aren’t Norton enthusiasts to begin, would they look at the new Nortons at all? Does the Norton name pull enthusiasts in regardless? I guess we’ll find out.
My personal difficulty with classic British iron is shifting on the right. It takes a few more thought cycles to make sure the proper foot is doing what it should and in any situation where quick action is necessary, that split second delay isn’t good.
Mark says
Yes, the shifting is a thought process. I had an early Sportster that shifted on the right, and the next one was not.
You’re on the mark about whether buyers will appear..
Jan Nelder says
The Dunstall is quite far from a production Norton, just saying. And the brakes, while quite innovative at the time of sale, are well outdated now..
jake Coye says
Paul Dunstall did indeed make production bikes. Small numbers by todays standards,but considered production then. New Norton’s we’re sent to Dunstall’s shop, stripped of many factory parts, and fitted with state of the art brakes, suspension, head work, cams, pipes,big bore kits, tanks, seats, fairings, rearsets,etc……
jan nelder says
and the tank and seat are Gus Kuhn, not Dunstall!!
Ancon Harpy says
I prefer the 73-74 Roadsters but the green paint job on this Dunstall is gorgeous.
Doug says
The business model ‘playbook’ is there for TVS Motors of India to examine:
– John Bloor Triumph has done well using heritage and both retro & modern designs. They’ve done so well they’re at the point their middle weight is used as the spec bike for moto2. Moto2! And, then there’s the beautiful Speed Triple 1200 rr that blends both retro & new.
-Royal Enfield – is on the cusp of following the above.
It would be great to see a 3rd player be successful. Imagine having 3 v4 hyper bikes to choose from on top of the big 3 liter bikes, plus BMW
Geoff says
Anyone know what the Dunstall sold for? I ask because I have one, and need a value for my insurance company. Thanks!!