Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Upon its introduction at the 1967 Earls Court Show, the Norton Commando was an instant classic; Motor Cycle News named it Motorcycle of the Year in 1968… and continued to do so for the next four years in a row. Though the bike borrowed much of its componentry from the Atlas and Dominator that had come before it, it finally remedied one issue that had plagued British motorcycles for years: vibration.
In order to accomplish such a feat, Norton ditched its trademark Featherbed chassis — a daring move considering its reputation for its low weight and impressive handling — in favor of an all-new design. Rather than mounting the engine directly into the frame, the Commando instead canted it forward between a pair of cross-frame tubes and Isolastic rubber buffers. On the road, this kept the swingarm true to the engine, effectively isolating the rest of the bike from vibrations produced at higher rpms.
As Cycle World put in its retrospective review: “Norton Commandos are a joy to ride. They blitz the chicanes and squiggle through gridlock with equal finesse—and return 50 mpg. Whether 750 or 850, the Commando is one British classic meant not to be babied or paraded—but used.”
For a detailed breakdown on the history of the Commando and the Combat motor (which this bike has), check out this write up from the Norton Owners club here.
This example is VIN: 201672; Engine: 201672. The seller purchased the bike in April 2013 from a private party and states, “I purchased the bike 11 years ago and it is a pleasure to ride. I am moving and downsizing, so I am now reducing my bike collection.”
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 2,006 miles. The odometer shows 19,890 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “This bike has the Combat motor. It had very high compression (10:1). The original bearings (in 1972) could not handle the high compression which sometimes caused engine failure. The previous owner of my bike had a major restoration completed at Wes Scott Cycles in Florida which included upgrading the engine bearings (they now make bearings that can handle the high compression). I recently had the bike tuned and it starts up easily and runs well. Front brake works but is not super grippy (common for Norton disc brakes). The tach needle extension denigrated. The tach works fine and there is enough of the needle remaining to easily read the engine RPM’s. New parts: speedo cable, full wiring harness, rear frame grommet, tail light bracket, rubber gear pedal, rubber kickstart pedal, gas cap gasket, Napoleon mirrors, side stand kit, Hagon rear shocks. Dealer labor to install all of the aforementioned. I spoke to Wes Scott Cycles who performed the restoration of the bike for the prior owner. Their shop specializes in British bikes. Wes told me that in 1972 only the Combat bikes had disc brakes on the front. And my bike has the front disc. He also said that only the Combat motor had Amil 932 carbs. The stock motors had 30mm. I have all supporting documentation and I have all of the prior owner’s service records too.”
Modifications:
Napoleon bar end mirrors.
Powder coated gold wheels (for John Player Special look).
Hagon rear shocks.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon tires which have aged out.
The sale includes two sets of keys and maintenance records
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, this Norton is offered on a clean Ohio title. Have any Commando stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
