From the days of the original Norton girl ads comes this 1972 Norton Commando Fastback, completely restored and upgraded with a professionally rebuilt 1974 850 Mk. 2 engine in place of the original 750. If you want an absolute original, the upgraded engine disqualifies, but if you want a beautiful Norton restored to the highest standards, this is worth a serious look.
The engine has had quite a lot of work:
1974 850 Mk. 2 engine completely rebuilt with standard crankshaft and new Superblend bearings. Standard cylinder block bored .020 over with new EMGO pistons, U-S made rings. Block powder-coated in semi-gloss black. Cylinder head rebuilt with new guides, valves and springs. Carburetors rebuilt AMAL Concentric 932. Stock air cleaner replaced with K&N custom air cleaner and ignition switch relocated. Non-crossover exhaust pipes fitted with 750 style exhaust nuts and standard EMGO Peashooter silencers. Stock points replaced with Boyer Bransden ignition and new Lucas replica 6 volt coils.
The seller had every intention of riding this Norton hard and fast, but after some reflection, decided against it. The result is the bike you see here, fully restored, upgraded with the completely rebuilt and improved 850 engine and pretty much no miles except to make sure everything works.
If modifications of any sort don’t sit right with you, this isn’t your bike, but let’s face it, these early British machines can benefit from a few carefully chosen upgrades and when properly done, you get a much improved machine that still looks every bit the original. The owner of this Norton has put it up for sale on eBay. Check it out.