Over the years, most Hi-Riders were converted by owners to roadster-style Commandos, so it's exceedingly rare to find one like this 1975 model in such unmolested shape. Harley-Davidson, of course, went from strength to strength, while Norton was out of business by 1977. Unlike Harley's Super Glide, the Hi-Rider failed to find an audience. The fuel tank was specific to the Hi-Rider and held just 2.5 gallons, enough for cruising but frustratingly tiny out on the open road. Up front a tiny headlight was fitted, probably not the best thing for nighttime rides. A chromed sissybar bolted to the rear frame loop. Next came a banana-style seat that obviously owed its inspiration to a Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle. On went a set buckhorn handlebars – hence the "high rider" imagery. The transformation from standard sporty Commando to boulevard-happy Hi-Rider was fairly simple. It would several years before the Japanese factories followed suite, and of course now the majority of new motorcycles sold in the U.S. One was Harley-Davidson with its seminal Super Glide, the other was Norton with its Hi-Rider. Two manufacturers recognized the trend and built custom-style models to take advantage of America's new taste in motorcycles. After that Peter Fonda & Dennis Hopper flick hit cinemas and drive-ins in 1969, choppers were the hot ticket.
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