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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.
This example is VIN: 303419. Engine: 303419. The owner purchased the bike 13 years ago.
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. The bike leaks oil quite significantly when sitting, so it may need some gaskets replaced.” 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.”
Dreamcycle has supplied the following condition report:
Modifications:
“36mm Mikuni single carb & intake manifold. Boyer electronic ignition.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrunner tires which have aged out.
The sale includes one key, OEM carbs and intake, workshop manual, parts book, and literature.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Chip/marks in tank paint, chrome rubbed off on left exhaust from stand, paint rubbed off on master front brake cylinder, marks in paint on speedo, tach, scratch on rear tail light, scratches in chrome on mirrors and rear fender. other bits with worn paint, please see photos.”
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, Canada, this Norton is offered on a clean Canada title. Have any Commando 850 Roadster stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
