Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 21st July from 1pm
Auction: Wed 22th July from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: KGP 871NFrame No: F109615MOT: Exempt
1 of only 200 JPN Commando Replicas
920cc top end, 4S camshaft and belt drive
Supplied with a history file, manual and V5C
The Commando was launched at the 1967 Earls Court Motorcycle Show with the first production bikes arriving in dealer showrooms in early 1968. Based on the existing Atlas twin-cylinder engine, the big improvement was Norton's revolutionary new frame, which mounted the engine, transmission, and swingarm together in a cradle isolated from the frame by rubber mounts. This "Isolastic" system successfully damped out the heavy vibrations of the parallel-twin engine. Initially with 750cc displacement, in 1973 it was increased to 850cc, and during its ten years of production the Commando was very popular around the world, in the United Kingdom winning the Motor Cycle News "Machine of the Year" award for five successive years from 1968-1972. Around 60, 000 Commandos were manufactured in total. In 1974 a limited edition JPN model was launched, sporting race style bodywork celebrating Peter Williams's distinctive John Player sponsored Isle of Man Formula 750 TT winning bike.
1 of only around 200 made, with most production going to America, this beautifully presented John Player Norton Commando is thought to be a genuine factory built bike, fitted with the correct black chrome silencers. The engine number suggests it was made towards the end of 1974 when some frames were being made by Farina in Italy, identified by having a 'F' in front of their number, as explained by the covering letter from the Norton Owners Club included in the sale. Presented in excellent standard trim externally, the engine is fitted with 920cc barrels, the head has been gas flowed, a 4S camshaft has been fitted, converted to belt primary drive and Boyer electronic ignition added, all stopped with improved Norvil front brake disc and Lockheed caliper. Owned by the vendor since 2024 and its previous owner for over 42 years, it ran whilst being photographed and will be supplied with numerous old MOTs and receipts dating from the late 1980s, a workshop manual and current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
