Please note: The left side cover was missing when we did the photoshoot, but the seller since located it and it is included with the sale.
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: 331337, Engine #: 331337.
The odometer shows 2,201 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, rebuild and sync the carbs, install a new air filter, drain the old fuel, change the engine oil/filter, change the primary oil, change the transmission oil, diagnose an electrical issue with the headlight and front turn signals, install new tires, install a new battery, and rebuild both brake master cylinders. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 70%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire % Remaining Front: 100% New
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100% New
Tire Press. Front: 31 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 31 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.5V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 12.85V
Running Condition: Running
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Mi
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 tires with date codes of 0125 and 0125.
The sale includes two keys and the left side 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 unknown registration status. It is believed it may have aged out of the DMV system.
Have any Commando 850 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
