Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1974 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.
This example is VIN: 315446. Engine: 315446. The seller purchased the bike through Mecum six years ago who report Bill Steele out of Pennsylvania did some work and modifications to the bike.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 500 miles. The odometer shows 16,665 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil, oil filter, and transmission oil. Repair a damaged tail light sprocket, replace the chain and sprockets, and install new tires. We also cleaned and synced the carbs, replaced the hydraulic fluid, cleaned the tank, and replaced the petcock valves.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
Primary Oil Level: Ok
Primary Oil Quality: New
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < 1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Drum Brake
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: New Chain, sprocket
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: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: DRUM
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 48/24
Tire Date Code Rear: 48/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%, New
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%, New
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.56V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.2V
Running Condition: Ok
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 4 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
-Left front signal is DIY repaired
-GP Shift + RH Shift
Modifications:
Lowered handlebars with bar end mirrors.
Electric starter.
Single seat and rear cowl with integrated taillight. Rear fender removed. Aftermarket license plate mount and rear turn signals.
Right side GP shift. Left side brake.
Custom tank.
Aftermarket front turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 tires with date codes of 4824 and 4824.
The sale includes one key.
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 Florida title. Have any Commando 850 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
