48th ABR Highlight – Norton Commando Hi Rider

Every year, the All British Rally brings together owners of British motorcycles to the small Victorian town of Newstead. Despite the fuel crisis and predictions of poor weather (which proved to be unfounded), this year brought more of those owners than usual. A little over 800 entries is believed to be a record attendance for the event.

Organised by the BSA Motorcycle Owner’s Association (BSAMOA), the All British Rally (ABR) is a three-day event, which for 2026 was held from 24-26 April. The Rally’s hub is the Newstead Racecourse, where entrants camp out and catch up with old mates. Two organised rides, one on Friday 24 April, and the other on Saturday 25 April, allow owners to exercise their machines. Back at the racecourse, there are campfires, dinner, some specially brewed beer and a live band to add to the atmosphere.

With 800+ entries at this year’s ABR, variety was assured, including offshoots and variants of popular models, like this Norton Commando ‘Hi Rider’.

Debuting in May, 1971, the Hi Rider was Norton’s attempt to cash in on the chopper craze that had been brewing in the USA throughout the 1950s and ’60s. What was something of an underground movement went mainstream after the movie ‘Easy Rider’ was released in 1969. Norton wasn’t the only brand to notice this, with many other manufacturers releasing models that could be regarded as choppers in style, if not in spirit.

Based mechanically on the existing Commando 750, the Hi Rider’s additions included a fibreglass fuel tank that was smaller than the regular Commando tank and shared with the Commando SS that launched at the same time. The defining features also included ape hanger handlebars, a smaller headlight and a high-backed seat that was ostensibly made for two but made pillion accommodation virtually impossible. 

Despite its odd looks and impracticality, the Hi Rider sold well enough in its first year to earn a return for 1972. Production continued into 1973, when a disc front brake was available, along with indicators and a more powerful engine. When the base Commando gained an 850 twin in late 1973, the same engine was applied to the Hi Rider, which remained in production until 1975.

For JUST BIKES’ report on the 48th All British Rally, click HERE