1976 Norton 828cc Commando ES, Registration no. PVC 287R Frame no. 334786 Engine no. 334786

Important Collectors' Motorcycles and Spares
1976 Norton 828cc Commando ES
Registration no. PVC 287R
Frame no. 334786
Engine no. 334786
When Norton introduced their Commando in 1967, it caused a sensation among riders with its infusion of technology by a firm which had stuck to its famous 'Featherbed' design for so many years. A variation of the faithful Norton 750 twin was inserted into running-gear unlike anything else on the market. Designers Stefan Bauer and Bernard Hooper combated the twin's notorious vibration with their 'Isolastic' system which separated power-unit, drive-train and rear-wheel from the rider on a separate, flexibly-mounted, sub-frame. Initial scepticism proved un-founded and the well-known range of Commando variants remain favorites among riders. The final, and for many riders the best among them, was one of the final Commandos, the 'ES' model offered here. The 832cc engine was modernised with electric-start and industry-standard left-side gear-change added in 1975, combined with a revised front-wheel disc-brake. Made largely in Wolverhampton, production was sadly halted in 1977 by the company's financial situation.

PVC 237R is an exceptional, matching-numbers Commando, having been the subject of a rebuild, to the highest standard, according to the vendor, between 2009-2015, incorporating the most desirable 'mods' (Bills - the most recent for over £1300 - and specifications are available for inspection.) A reluctant sale, this lovely machine, complete with V5C, will, of course, need safety checks before returning to the road.