Description
We have what is quite possibly the ultimate Norton 850 Commando. She looks more or less how she left the factory back in 1974 when the legendary Gus Kuhn Motors Ltd sold it to its first owner. Never judge a book by the cover. This Norton has had an absolute fortune spent on it ……. I know what you are thinking ….. they always say that…. trust me.
Starting with the motor, it has been totally transformed by Jim Schmidt Motorsport.
Jim Schmidt is my new hero; the quality of his work is on another level. If you have never heard of him, check him out, he is in Sanger, in the heart of California.
To start with a set of JS Motorsport Lightweight Pistons connected to Carrillo con rods have been used. A complete JS Motorsport Cam Kit, with lifters, blocks and pushrods in a fast road format has been used. It has Black Diamond valves along with a Beehive valve spring kit once again to a fast road specification. This bike has been built to be ridden and used. It is bolted together using JS Motorsport custom copper base gasket and a JS engine gasket set. On top of all this is quite possibly the best owners / RACE SHOP MANUAL BY Jim Scmidt that I have ever seen. All this lot cost the very best part of £3, 000:00 with customs duty and shipping charges.
Moving down we have a new crankshaft assembly From Norvil , they also fitted new crankcase bushes, line reamed them and balanced everything.
The gearbox was entirely overhauled using many new gears and parts as required.
It has the very great benefit of an ALTON ELECTRIC START CONVERSION.
It also benefits from a toothed rubber belt primary drive conversion kit.
It has an upgraded AP Lockheed front disc and bigger caliper bolted to the significantly stronger fork leg, this conversion also came from Norvil.
The wheel rims are polished aluminum of the valanced type, they are made by Takasago EXCEL. Unquestionably, the very best. They are laced up with stainless steel spokes, nickel plated brass nipples finish the wheel department off, she rolls on Avon Road Rider 100/ 90 x 19 tyres.
The ‘Speed Yellow’ paintwork is finished like glass.
It is absolutely spot on throughout, a joy to ride.
The invoices with this motorcycle add up to an eye watering £16, 942:83.
Then you have the cost of the Norton 850 Commando
Then the cost of the paint
Then the cost of the labour to do it all
As the previous owner says…..’I stopped counting when I hit 30 grand, just so long as my wife doesn’t find out , I will survive.
It is very, very well sorted.
All backed up with the relevant paperwork, all his detailed notes, all the people he has used, all the measurements and tolerances that he has used.
It is an absolute tribute to all concerned.
All this work was carried out between 2020 and 2023 .
It has been used very sparingly since.
BUT
It is not cheap.
You can buy a Commando for a fraction of what we want for this one.
But, you will be able to write a book about the hard shoulders and lay-by’s of Great Britain as the novelty of owning and riding a classic British bike soon wears off.
I can guarantee your experience with this Norton will be on another level……. out of this world.
