Today one of our graphics people spotted Keanu Reeves awesome 1974 Norton 850 commando motorcycle. Parked along a quiet street in the Hollywood Hills it was patiently waiting for its master to chant “onward vixen”. This has got to be one of the nicest vintage rigs on the street. It looks as if it was just rolled off the show room over Memorial Day weekend for a lil river run trip. The chrome was perfect the bike immaculate. It has the appearance of a fine quality Leica camera, strong, robust and of a build quality that just isn’t seen anymore.

Originally built as a long touring bike with 51 hp at 6250 RPM this baby has a lot of power between the legs when moving along. Although not a Ducati 1098 in speed, the class, look and eclectic feel that one gets from riding the Norton cannot be compared with anything else. This bike was one of the stars on the feature film “My Own Private Idaho” co starring of course with Keanu. Maybe that’s how he came to love these great machines so much. Hooking up with you co-star is a well-known occurrence on Hollywood sets and I can surely say that the Keanu-Norton connection is probably one of the longest lasting relationships that tinsel town has seen.

With a top speed of 118.7 miles per hour this motor with two wheels will get you into ticket trouble faster then Mel Gibson running his verbal motor off to the Malibu Police department. Rest assured that with all the exotic cars, Bentleys and race bikes cruising the area by Sunset Plaza, this Commando would turn heads with its healthy rumble and its infamous rider. It seems now days that exclusitivity is no longer destined to having the newest unobtainable Smart Car, but rather to look back at the past for one of a kind specialty products that although long forgotten hold an important place in history.

Look out Brad Pitt, that’s Kenau rolling up on your Confederate so make room for the beast as it divides the higway and passes by like a steam train pushing north through the snow. Maybe if I am lucky enough someday I will witness Keanu cruising down Sunset Blvd causing confusion with the Paparazzi as to whether to shoot the bike or the rider. Whatever it may be, I hope I am there when it happens.