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 some 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.
Walking into a Norton dealership in 1974, you would have been presented with a wide lineup of offerings with “Commando” on the sidecovers: the John Player Norton, the Hi-Rider, the Street Scrambler, and the Interstate. But the most common was the standard model, otherwise known as the Roadster. The Commando got a 850 motor (actually 828cc) in 1973, but 1974 was a tough time for Norton Villiers Triumph as England’s government withdrew a subsidy early in the year and they suffered through a sit-in at Meriden.
By the end of the year, the company had lost over 3 million pounds. Despite that, the Commando was as beautiful as ever, and the recent 850cc motor was a pleasant upgrade. This was from the last year of production where Norton had the shifter on the right before they had to switch it for US legal requirements.
Manufactured in December of 1973, this example is VIN: 310829. The seller acquired this bike 34 years ago.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 250 miles. The odometer shows 7,140 miles.
“Bike has been climate control stored the last 34yrs. It’s a strong bike and kicks over usually in the 1 to 3 tries, but requires a beefy leg! It has been tuned to basic standards of AMAL. Fuel used for run was 93 non-ethanol and has been drained from tank and carbs.”
Maintenance:
“New maintenance free battery, fresh engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid, new battery hold down straps, carburetor rebuild with new fuel lines/ferrules.
Small drop leak from the brake master cylinder cup. DOT 3 fluid used. Brakes do function.”
Modifications:
“Tank was repainted original color some time ago, matched to side panels. No modifications, very original numbers match frame/engine/gearbox.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 tires that have aged out.
The sale includes 1 ignition key as well as “an original Parts List Book and Reproduction Workshop Manual.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Minor cosmetic issues from the years, see pics.”
Currently located in Madison, North Carolina, this Norton is offered on a clean North Carolina title. Have any Commando 850 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
