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.
Manufactured December 1973, this example is VIN: 311870, engine #: 311870. The seller acquired the bike from a private party in Michigan.
The odometer shows 5,158 miles. However, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller states that this Norton has received a full restoration courtesy of Steadfast Cycles. He has provided paperwork dating back to 2015.
He most recently had it reconditioned at Century Motorcycles, during which time their service department flushed the tank, replaced the fluids, and replaced the battery.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had our service department perform a safety inspection. They note the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: PEELING LINER
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 0315/4713
Tire % Front/ Rear: 80/75
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 36/38
Brake % Front/ Rear : DRUM/DRUM
Front hydraulic fluid: CABLE
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: CABLE
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: CABLE
Oil: LOW
Coolant: AIR
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: N/A
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: FRONT ONLY
Plate Light: OK
Kill: N/A
Horn: FAIL
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: WORN
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.13
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13+
Notes:
• TANK LINER PEELING
• PETCOCK SCREEN FLOATING INSIDE TANK
Recommended Repairs:
• OLD LINER REMOVAL/ RE-LINE
• CHAIN SERVICE
• REPLACE TIRES (AGED OUT)
Modifications:
Hagon shocks.
Battery tender lead.
Replaced/relocated odometer.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster tires with date codes of 4713 and 0315.
The sale includes one key.
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 registration current through November 2024.
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