By JEFF MCCLURG
Fresh from the Central West Car Club’s Show ‘n' Shine held in October is the Norton Commando 750 of Cameron Scarce.
On the morning of the show the weather was dismal which unfortunately had the entrant numbers down significantly on previous years – especially the bikes.
When the sun eventually shone though, it made Cam’s bright red Norton even more of a stand-out, enough to gain the Shannons Sponsors Choice trophy so I used the opportunity to find out more.
Cameron is a fairly new member of the Central West Car Club but has been in Parkes all his life and messing around with bikes for most of it.
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“I credit my passion and the skills and knowledge I’ve gained so far to my dad Tony,” Cameron said.
“He sat me for the first time on a bike just like this one when I was probably five years old, so maybe it was destiny that I’ve ended up owning one”.
This bike is a 1972 Norton Commando 750 Mk 4 and Cameron has owned it for about four years.
“I bought it as a complete bike from a fellow enthusiast and have spent some time tidying it up and getting it running again."
The Commando is a British bike built from 1967 – 1977 In various formats.
Such was its popularity that in the UK it received bike of the year for five consecutive years from 1968 to 1972.
The 1972 Mk 4 featured a parallel twin cylinder 750 cc engine with twin carburettors, 4 speed gear shift, front disc brake and a rear drum.
Cameron’s is actually a US import with a bigger set of handlebars.
“The US model was also lower geared which made them popular for drag racing against the Harley Davidsons of the day,” Cameron laughed.
Reportedly the 750 Combat engine with its higher compression and bigger twin carburettors made the Commando the fastest of the Norton motorbikes at the time. Cam hasn’t quite pushed it to its limit yet but is eager to take his Norton out on a few bike rallies when he can.
For anybody interested in the CWCC, they meet regularly on the first Wednesday of the month at Parkes Leagues Club welcoming new members and guests.
You can find out more at www.centralwestcarclub.com or follow us on Facebook.
