1975 Norton 850cc Commando, Frame no. 332501 Engine no. 850332501
Norton's popular Commando had a fulfilling if all too brief career with its eight different styling variations. During its lifespan the Commando changed from a free-spinning 750 to a high torque, low revving 850. Along the way it provided enormous success on the race track for hundreds of riders with perhaps its greatest victory being that of the Norton Race Department's brilliant development engineer, Peter Williams, on a 750 Monocoque in the 1973 Isle of Man TT Formula 750 at a record average speed of over 105mph. On the street, meanwhile, and perhaps most important of all, the unique Isolastic engine mounting system effectively detached the Commando rider ? once above 2500rpm, that is ? from the Achilles heel of all large capacity British twins. Vibration.
The Roadster was launched at the Brighton Motorcycle Show in April 1969, expressly to meet American demand, following the US market's rather lukewarm enthusiasm for the earlier Commando Fastback model. Featuring a slim fuel tank, exposed fork stanchions, and upswept mufflers, the Roadster's crisp profile perfectly caught the mood, continuing thereafter as Norton's most voluminous seller.
The 1975 model year was really the last of the regular production as Norton, by then NVT or Norton Villiers Triumph, played their own part in the 'demise of the British motorcycle industry'. Examples like this mildly customized 850 Mk III Roadster, with electric start, left foot gearshift, and disc brakes front and rear, are as good as a working Commando gets. We're advised by the vendor that the motorcycle has undergone a 'total rebuild including engine, brakes, all electrics, tires, shocks, starter motor, paint all chrome and much more.' A Corbin single hump seat is installed, bar end mirrors and fork gaiters. The motor has the familiar and 'efficient' single Mikuni carburetor. The 6,966 miles on the odometer are believed genuine.
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Norton's popular Commando had a fulfilling if all too brief career with its eight different styling variations. During its lifespan the Commando changed from a free-spinning 750 to a high torque, low revving 850. Along the way it provided enormous success on the race track for hundreds of riders with perhaps its greatest victory being that of the Norton Race Department's brilliant development engineer, Peter Williams, on a 750 Monocoque in the 1973 Isle of Man TT Formula 750 at a record average speed of over 105mph. On the street, meanwhile, and perhaps most important of all, the unique Isolastic engine mounting system effectively detached the Commando rider ? once above 2500rpm, that is ? from the Achilles heel of all large capacity British twins. Vibration.
The Roadster was launched at the Brighton Motorcycle Show in April 1969, expressly to meet American demand, following the US market's rather lukewarm enthusiasm for the earlier Commando Fastback model. Featuring a slim fuel tank, exposed fork stanchions, and upswept mufflers, the Roadster's crisp profile perfectly caught the mood, continuing thereafter as Norton's most voluminous seller.
The 1975 model year was really the last of the regular production as Norton, by then NVT or Norton Villiers Triumph, played their own part in the 'demise of the British motorcycle industry'. Examples like this mildly customized 850 Mk III Roadster, with electric start, left foot gearshift, and disc brakes front and rear, are as good as a working Commando gets. We're advised by the vendor that the motorcycle has undergone a 'total rebuild including engine, brakes, all electrics, tires, shocks, starter motor, paint all chrome and much more.' A Corbin single hump seat is installed, bar end mirrors and fork gaiters. The motor has the familiar and 'efficient' single Mikuni carburetor. The 6,966 miles on the odometer are believed genuine.
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Time, Location
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