Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1975 Norton Commando 850.
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 Jun 1975, this example is VIN: 332745. The seller purchased the bike 10 years ago from a private party and states, “Always loved the Commando, and this was my second one.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 690 miles. The odometer shows 1,218 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Replaced top end, valve job, clutch, engine and sprag sprockets, new head and base and side cover gaskets. Oil and filter changed. Mikuni carb replaced stock carb. K&N air filter. New cables and brake lines. Replaced starter motor with a Colorado Norton Works unit with heavy duty battery cables. Shorai battery. Avon tires. Paint was done about 11 years ago. New handlebars. Master cylinders were rebuilt, with new pads installed.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: GOOD LIGHT SURFACE RUST
Engine Oil Level: LOW
Engine Oil Quality: DARK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL MORE THAN 3% H2O
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL MORE THAN 3% H2O
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: GOOD
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: N/A USE KEY
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 60
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80
Forks: GOOD
Shock/s: GOOD
Tire Date Code Front: 3711
Tire Date Code Rear: 3711
Tire % Remaining Front: 90
Tire % Remaining Rear: 85
Tire Press. Front: 11.5
Tire Press. Rear: 12.5
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.4V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
•Tires aged
•Oil leaks noted
•Oil low and dark
•Both brake lines failed moisture test
Recommended service:
•Flush both brake lines
•Oil and filter change
•Replace tires
Modifications:
K&N filter. Mikuni carb. Steel braided cables.
Repainted.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 3711 and 3711.
The sale includes multiple keys and maintenance records.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top 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 current through July 2026.
Have any Commando 850 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
