1974 Norton Commando Registration Number: VFD 785S  Frame N...

Estimate

No Estimate

1974 Norton Commando

Registration Number: VFD 785S 
Frame Number: 325065

- Former Norton development bike
- One private owner from new

Under new ownership in 1966, the chairman of Norton, Dennis Poore, saw the need to produce a new flagship motorcycle to replace the aging 750 cc Atlas.Poore set a deadline for the machine to be ready for the 1967 Earls Court motorcycle show. The new “Commando” was an instant success.

Initially launched with a 750cc displacement (actually 745cc), by 1973 it became an 850cc (actually 828cc), with a hemi-type head to the motor, not dissimilar to OHV Norton engines since the early 1920s. The Commando model was sold until 1977, winning the Motor Cycle News "Machine of the Year" award for five successive years from 1968-1972. Around 60,000 Commandos were made in total before the company went into receivership and the factory closed in 1976.

According to the VIN plate on the bike’s frame head, this Commando was manufactured in November 1974, with the frame number 325065, and engine 325065. 

Our vendor bought the complete bike when only two years old, in September 1976, from a motor vehicle dismantler, Ladymoor Car Spares, in the West Midlands. Ladymoor had acquired the bike directly from the receivers of Norton.

Upon purchase our vendor noticed changes from standard production bikes. The rear loop of the frame was to a different design, for this reason a seat was made specifically for the bike (due to the frame being non standard the original was a poor fit). Non-standard carburettors and air filter had been installed, and the engine had been fitted with an electronic ignition system which was not functioning, so was replaced with points to make the bike roadworthy. The points were later replaced by a Boyer system.

Our vendor registered the Commando for the road in 1977, using it for some years until deciding to restore the bike in the 1990s. The odometer shows 4,489 miles, though it had covered an unknown and unrecorded distance before obtained by the owner. During its life as a development machine the Commando is believed to have done some track testing, and when acquired was not fitted with a speedometer. A replacement was obtained, which is fitted today. 

Having been powder coated in the 1990s, the frame is still in good order, the paintwork is original and does show minor signs of age in places, as does the chromework. The tyres have been newly fitted and little used. Offered with original purchase receipt, this one owner bike has a very interesting history, and we are sure will make a very worthy candidate for any collection.