Norton 850 Mk III

[IMFASTTOO]

Exactly the words that came to my mind.

OK then knock yourself out if you dont mind putting up with the problems then its ok i had almost everyone I sold come back in on a regular basis even had some break in half when the frame failed and dumped the owners on the highway at speed WOW some dangerous crap Never had any of that kind of stuff happen with the KAWASAKI Z1 which was a much better bike and all my NORTON customers ended up with the 900 Z1 OH I almost forgot how the would break the trans and crack in half like an egg yep I have to say it wasnt any fun selling those things

 

[peter k]

I remember when they brought the z900 out sure put us in our place as we played around with trumpies and used give the cb 750 a run and beat them .the z900 I must admit in its day stock or kitted out I used to admire more the way they used to crack over 100 mph in second or third gear its been a while.they were so reliable and it didn't matter how much these bikes would have the crap thrashed out of them they just kept bouncing back .they seemed indestructible.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

I remember when they brought the z900 out sure put us in our place as we played around with trumpies and used give the cb 750 a run and beat them .the z900 I must admit in its day stock or kitted out I used to admire more the way they used to crack over 100 mph in second or third gear its been a while.they were so reliable and it didn't matter how much these bikes would have the crap thrashed out of them they just kept bouncing back .they seemed indestructible.

YES the Z900 was a great bike and indestructable none of the BRIT bikes could compare or anything else for that matter

 

[steve59]

both bikes were king in their day, Those z1's were something when they came out but if memory serves me the 850 commando was the bike to beat til then.

 

[TOMCAT]

YES the Z900 was a great bike and indestructable none of the BRIT bikes could compare or anything else for that matter

Not saying I don't think the Z900 or the later 1000's Kwakas.. or the Honda 750's weren't good machines .. just not for me. Take my chances with an older British bike mate

 

[1olbull]

Not saying I don't think the Z900 or the later 1000's Kwakas.. or the Honda 750's weren't good machines .. just not for me. Take my chances with an older British bike mate

If one were looking for a classic Bonny (70s-80s), which years are best?

 

[bruce aussie]

Of all the bikes I've owned and sold over the years there's only 2 that I'd like to still own and they were both old and British.

 

[bruce aussie]

If one were looking for a classic Bonny (70s-80s), which years are best?

1969 or earlier if you want a classic or what I would call a classic. A 1969 will be as good or better than a 70's bike and better than an 80's model. Except for the brakes pre conical hub brakes were a bit wooden but that just adds to the trill.

 

[TOMCAT]

If one were looking for a classic Bonny (70s-80s), which years are best?

Personally I like the 1978 750 Bonnies .. or a 750 Tiger. Others claim in the 650's the 1970 model was the pinnacle of development. 1972 /73 Bonnies and Tigers have a lower rear frame section to all the other Oil In Frame models , sit a bit lower.

 

[bruce aussie]

Personally I like the 1978 750 Bonnies .. or a 750 Tiger. Others claim in the 650's the 1970 model was the pinnacle of development. 1972 /73 Bonnies and Tigers have a lower rear frame section to all the other Oil In Frame models , sit a bit lower.

I liked my 72 and it was a better all round bike than my 69. But the 69 would be the one I would pick now. But that's just me a sign nut that likes rusty trucks.