Highlights

• A low mileage example of Norton’s flagship motorcycle with matching numbers
• In excellent condition throughout and boasting the “Combat” engine and front disc brake
• Complete with a good level of paperwork and some useful and valuable spares
  
  

The Appeal

The classic combination of a light and agile frame mated to a powerful OHV parallel twin engine ensured it was good for 115 mph on the straights as well as very predictable and dynamic through the curves. Despite some typically 1970’s financial woes back at Norton HQ, the Commando went on to sell over 60,000 units and remains highly desirable and sought after today.

The History and Paperwork

• This motorcycle has been owned by four previous owners and clearly lightly used
• A number of enhancements and upgrades were made in 2017 / 18
• The current owner acquired the motorcycle in 2018 
• The current owner has a number of other motorcycles so is looking to reduce his collection
• The motorcycle comes with a good level of provenance providing paperwork
• This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
• Numerous previous MOT’s providing mileage history
• A number of invoices detailing work undertaken
• A Haynes manual and a useful Norton parts catalogue are also on hand
• A spare period tank and saddle are also included
  
  

The Interior

• The riding environment of the Commando is in excellent, original condition throughout
• A deep fairing, possibly from the Norton Production Racer, helps provide additional weather protection
• Nestled under the fairing are a pair of Norton dials
• These consist of a rev counter redlined at 7000 rpm and a 150 mph speedometer
• The fairing also houses the ignition key and a number of warning lights
• The clip-on handlebars fall easily to hand and the grips are in fine fettle
• The saddle is sized to comfortably accommodate a pillion and is in great condition
• Folding pegs are included for a pillion and all peg rubbers present in good used condition

Like many motorcycles of this era, the Commando is quite small and suited to a wide range of riders. The riding position and the condition of the riding environment is hard to fault. Everything is in great condition and will give the rider a genuine taste of classic motorcycle ownership.

The Exterior

• The Commando looks very sporting and of its period in black paintwork with gold embellishments
• The racer-esque fairing helps give the motorcycle a more sporting look over an unfaired example
• The tank and side panels all appear to be in excellent used condition with no significant marks noted
• The signature, upswept exhaust pipes with a coned end are nicely chromed and exhibit a high shine
• The spoked alloy wheels are in excellent condition throughout with no significant marks noted
• The mud guards are chrome plated and are in great and shiny condition
• The alloys of the engine block are very clean and clear 
  
  

This isa great looking motorcycle and very evocative of the British motorcycle of this era. Quite a compact bike by today’s standards, the long fairing adds considerable presence to the motorcycle and the black, gold and chrome colourway suits it very well indeed. As you will see from our photographic package, the condition is excellent too.

The Mechanics

• This Commando, and all subsequent models, is fitted with the “Combat” engine
• The engine gave about another 5 bhp over the standard unit
• This gave the Commando an output of around 63 bhp which was good for 115 mph in this light frame
• This example had twin 32mm AMAL Premiere MK1 carburettors fitted in 2017
• At around that time a Tri-Spark electronic ignition and dual output coil were also fitted
• This example features the big front disc brake of the Roadster specification
• The current owner attests to the motorcycle starting, running, and stopping very well
  
  

The Commando weighed in at a little over 190 kgs so the lusty, twin cylinder engine, pushing out over 60 bhp, made for a very rapid motorcycle back in the 1970’s. Today, however, it is the period charm and originality of this example that is so endearing and appealing.

Summary