Description
1974 Norton 850cc Commando Roadster
Norton’s owners, AMC, were acquired by Manganese Bronze Holdings in 1966, and the new motorcycle division became Norton Villiers. The Norton Commando 750 was announced in 1967 and became available in 1968. With an engine derived from the Atlas, it featured a new type of frame dubbed ‘Isolastic’, which effectively insulated the rider from vibration by means of rubber-mounting the engine, gearbox, and rear wheel. The model proved to be a hit with the public, who bought it in good numbers. The Commando was voted Motor Cycle News ‘Machine of the year’ for five years running from 1968 to 1972. After the end of 1973 the 750 was discontinued in favor of the new 850 variant which had emerged earlier in the year, running alongside the 750. Progressing through several versions, eventually the 850 incorporated an electric start on the Mark III models released in late 1974/early 1975.
The motorbike offered
The 1974 Norton 850cc Commando on offer here comes from a Southern California collection. In original condition, this matching-numbers example will need to be recommissioned before returning to regular road use.
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