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Cold Start Video:
Riding Video:
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.
Manufactured in May 1973, this example is VIN: 303419. The seller acquired it 14 years ago from a private party in Sidney, British Columbia.
True mileage unknown. The seller notes the bike has 1,004 miles since its restoration and under his ownership, he has covered approximately 200 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the owner, “2025: new battery, oil change, carb clean. Complete restoration in 1996, all paperwork, parts book, shop manuals, invoices from restoration included, isolastic mounts were adjusted and aligned in a special Norton frame jig, along with new petcocks.” These photos were taken in 2015 when the valves were checked and frame was aligned. The seller states “I found some photos from when I had the Norton’s valves adjusted, new pet cocks and fuel filter and fuel lines replaced and installed, carb jetted.”
“Oil change/ tune up. Isolatic mounts were adjusted and aligned in a special Norton frame adjusting jig. New petcocks.” Our partners at Dreamcycle inspected the bike and have provided the following condition report:
“Side stand is worn and over extends. Repair before use. Left exhaust is cracked where silencer meets the pipe. Front brake master cylinder is leaking some fluid.”
Modifications:
“36mm Mikuni single carb & intake manifold. Boyer electronic ignition. With the single carb this bike starts easy and runs real nice.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrunner tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys, the original carbs, several spare parts, Parts List booklet, Haynes manual, Classic Motorcycles book, and a few magazines.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Worn paint on controls and front brake master cylinder. Small chip on side cover. Flaking paint under gas cap. Scratches and dent on gauge housings. Small cut in seat by Norton label. Chip on paint lower edge of gas tank.”
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, Canada, this Norton is offered on a clean British Columbia registration. Have any Commando stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
