C’mon Keanu! Norton featherbed frame ≠ rubber mounted. The featherbed frame was developed prior to the Commando (pre 1967). The Isolastic mounting system was introduced on the Commando, which used rubber mounts to isolate the vibration of the engine/gearbox/swingarm from the rider. It’s a different frame altogether.

I’ve got its sister, the Acadia, and I’m quite pleased with it. The engine does feel a bit sluggish if you’re towing anything (5400 pound capacity!) but for a daily driver it’s a comfortable ride. And the dual car seats work really well. I tend to refer to it as a lifted minivan, which it does feel like.

I’ve pulled every possible Lucas part out of my Norton and replaced with modern equivalent pieces. Some stuff is hen’s teeth but I’m willing to forego authenticity for reliability and knowing that I won’t get stranded by a 1970's electrical component.

My first experience driving a manual was in my sister’s 2000 Golf. She had told me that it was a great car to learn on because the clutch was forgiving. Lies. It had a rebuilt clutch that was not forgiving at all. Plus it was a turbo.

Here’s a thought - Make a small truck out of the Flex. Single cab, decent size bed. Low bed for easier loading. Wasn’t Ford saying they were making a truck smaller than the Ranger? IT ALREADY EXISTS IN WAGON FORM!

Ford’s F-150.

“Well here’s your problem. The engine’s in the wrong place!”

Most of those issues can be addressed. I’m going about it with the plan to make it as reliable as possible while still maintaining that quintessential Norton feel. Rebuilt engine, electronic ignition, Vernier isolastics, crankcase breather mod, belt drive for Primary (eventually), Mikuni single carb conversion, all…

I’m rebuilding my Dad’s Commando from the ground up. It was in okay shape but had several patches of rust. Leaving them as patina would have bothered me too much and I want to make a reliable rider, so originality and patina be damned. It’s still a cool bike.

So they’re restarting the Model Team segment then? Because I’m down with that.

How does that Low gear shifting work? Do I have to push the up/down buttons while driving? Seems like a terrible place to put that.

Slow down in a traffic circle to let others in. YOU’RE DEFEATING THE PURPOSE OF THE CIRCLE.

Come to a stop with no indicator on to tell me what the eff you’re doing. I can assume you’re waiting to turn, but USE YOUR DAMN TURN SIGNAL TO TELL ME. I honk at anyone who does this.

Neutral: It depends.

Looks like a lifted golf cart to me.

It’s all about balance. I have a 6 cylinder 3-row SUV for the family, and 2 vertical twin bikes for commuting. Averaging the MPG gets me about 33 MPG.

Does it have points or electronic ignition? 

CP. I bought a ‘69 CB350 in running condition for about $600. This is not worth it.

So many pictures.

Fast & Furious: Detroit Edition