The Norton Commando was only made from 1967 to 1977. The early bikes were 750 cc with the later bikes having the larger 850cc engine from 1973 onwards. A very popular bike all around the world, approximately 60,000 Commandos were made in total.  

They are a very practical and useable classic motorcycle; it handles well, the big parallel twin delivering plenty of usable power, making it one of the most powerful and best handling British motorcycles of the late Sixties and Seventies.

This 1974 example has the gear lever on the right, before they had to switch it for US legal requirements, and the later upgraded front brake from drum to disk.

There isn’t any paperwork or history with this motorcycle for its early years but we can see from the V5 that it was imported and registered in the UK in September 2000.

The MOT history online would suggest that although the bike seems to have had many owners the recorded mileage was minimal, the first record being in 2006 with only 662 miles.

The current owner, a serial motorcycle enthusiast, collector and restorer, bought the bike in 2014 because of its excellent all round and original condition, having obviously been mechanically and sympathetically restored to a very high standard at some time in its recent past. *It is assumed that the speedometer was reset to zero at the time of the original restoration.

Mechanically the bike proved to be sound and it was only some light restoration work needed to bring it up to the superb example it is today. Wheels and various other chrome parts were re-chromed where necessary, engine cases and alloy parts were all cleaned and polished, the tank and side panels were painted in the original red colour, and the seat and its base were recovered and painted. 

With new original spec tyres, a thorough service and electronic ignition added, the bike was looking great and was ready for action. When finished, the bike was ridden sparingly for around 6 months before being taken off the road and added to a private indoor collection.

Having decided to sell, this bike has been thoroughly serviced, with new plugs, oil, filters and a battery. The inside of the petrol tank and the carburettors have been meticulously cleaned and on adding the first new petrol, the bike started after 6 years on the second kick.

The bike comes with the V5 showing its first registration in the UK in 2000 and 9 previous owners.

The overall impression and condition of the bike is really very good indeed. Having been re-sprayed, the bright red paintwork with contrasting pin striping is in excellent condition with a deep and glossy appearance, with no visible chips or scratches to speak of.

The frame, chrome and the exterior trim items are also in great shape, all the mounting bolts and screws here and there are all like new and there are no chips or cracks on the headlight and other lenses.

Everywhere you look the bike looks great with a few items like the switchgear and the indicators having a slightly aging patina, which only adds to the charm and appeal of this motorcycle.

This Commando 850’s engine and running gear are all reported to be in great condition with no issues to advise, with the bike starting and idling easily and reliably.

Fully reconditioned for the road only recently the bike rides as good as it looks.

This Norton Commando 850 is a very handsome example of this classic British motorcycle, having been fully restored and refinished with a great eye for detail, originality and quality.

Always in demand, this Commando would make a superb addition to any collection, and is ready to ride and enjoy immediately.