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 June 1974, this example is VIN: 316495, Engine #: 316495. The seller’s girlfriend bought it for him from a private party in New York City in 1990.
During his ownership, the seller estimates that he has covered 10,000 miles. He notes that the odometer does not work, true mileage is unknown but is estimated to be around 14,000.
“I love it, since the first time I saw it, I still truly believe it’s the most beautiful motorcycle there is. I rode it across the country with a pitbull in a box on the back. But I don’t get to ride it very much now and I don’t trust the other people on the road not to crash into me. I have two kids, I can’t take the chance of getting killed on it and by the time they’re gone, I’ll be too old to drive it safely anyway. It’s time to let someone else enjoy it.”
Maintenance:
“It’s been maintained for over 30 years by Yoshi Kasaka at Los Angeles’s Garage Company.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Per our service department, “we replaced the 1st gear layshaft because the kickstarter was slipping on the internal teeth/ratcheting mechanism needed for the shaft to engage and turn over the bike. We installed a hardened unit to prevent this issue going forward as worn teeth due to repetitive kicking appear to be a common problem. Since we were in there it now has a new pawl as well and the associated spring.”
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok (Lined)
Engine Oil Level: Low Level in Tank
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Lubed & Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Non-Functional
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 40%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 24/12
Tire Date Code Rear: 24/12
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 34 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.32V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 18V
Running Condition: Runs On Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Rear Tire is going flat will need to replace
-Front Tire is mounted backwards, but needs to be replaced.
-Bike is overcharging will need to diagnose
-Noticeable tight spot when turning rear wheel
-Excess free play at sprocket to wheel interface Cush Drives
-Right pipe dented from kickstarter assembly
-Fork boots are torn and forks are pitted
-No Air Filter with open velocity stacks
-Bike has a vibe-rider unit installed
-Taillight lens is damaged
-Odometer does not work
Recommendations:
-Oil and Filter Change
-Electrical Diagnostic
-Front and Rear Tire Replacement due to age
-Front Fork Rebuild potential stanchion replacement due to pitting
-Performance Diagnostic (Potential Carburetor Rebuild and timing inspection)
-Cush Drive
-Odometer Diagnostic
Modifications:
Vibe-Rider in seat.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 tires with date codes of 2412 and 2412.
The sale includes two keys, an extra OEM seat, and a Dowco Guardian cover.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Norton is offered on a clean California title with registration currently on Planned Non Operation.
Have any Commando 850 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
