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 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.
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.”
This example is VIN: 210313. The seller purchased the bike in 2016.
Per the seller, this Commando has undergone a “ground up restoration.” The odometer shows 468 miles, which represent the distance covered since the work was completed. However, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller has provided the following receipts as documentation. He notes that “the bike was represented as a ground up restoration. I spent about $5k making it really right and then another 4-5k on a Colorado Norton Works electric start.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery and give the bike a light detail. Yonni did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear:1721/1620
Tire % Front/ Rear:95+/95+
Tire Press Front/ Rear:30/36
Brake % Front/ Rear :80/50+DRUM
Hydraulic:LVL LOW, >2% MOISTURE
Oil:OK
Coolant:NA
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:OK
Battery:NEW 12.67/13.24@3K
Notes:
• Chain dry
• Peeling inside the gas tank
• Test ride okay, unit operates as designed
RECCOMEND:
• Oil change
• Brake fluid flush
• Chain service
Modifications:
Colorado Norton Works electric start conversion.
Not pictured is a Barnett clutch kit, a Boyer electronic ignition, and an anti-sump kit.
It is riding on Hidenau K34 tires with date codes of 1216 and 1620.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Norton is offered on a clean California title with current registration. Have any Commando 750 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!