Post Sale Update: This Hi-Rider sold for $6,511.11 after 33 bids on eBay in Tampa, Florida.
When “Easy Rider” exponentially increased the popularity of choppers around the world, it was inevitable that certain businesses would try to ride the way. What was surprising was that one of those companies was Norton, who created the “Hi-Rider” variant of the Commando to counteract the popularity of big Japanese motorcycles like the Honda CB750. It looked silly – in a ’74 review, Cycle magazine called it “hilarious” – but time heals all wounds and now there are riders who like it simply because of how rare and absurd it was.
There is indeed a charm to this bike if you’re a fan of ugly ducklings – some consider this to be the first mass-produced custom bike. 1971 was the first year of the production run, and it lasted through 1975. It featured the small (2.3 gallon) fuel tank from the SS, raised handlebars, and a curved seat that made it just about impossible to have a passenger on the back. For more information on this odd factory custom, check out this article on Motorcycle Classics.
The seller of this example bought it with a few others out of a collection – it’s got the all too familiar “ran when parked” story from “a little over a year ago.” The seller says the the motor has good compression and it’s got a single Mikuni carb conversion but the originals are included.
Find this Hi-Rider for sale in Tampa, Florida with bidding up to $4,150 here on eBay.