1970 Norton Commando Custom

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Online Auction|25 October 2021, 13:00 EDT|Greenwich, Hagerty Garage + Social

1970 Norton Commando Custom
Frame no. 138425
Engine no. 20M3S/135242

Previewing in Bonhams Los Angeles by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

As the 1960s wound down, Norton had a problem. To battle rivals BSA and Triumph, the company's parallel twin had been taken to 750cc, and while the resulting Atlas model retained superior handling thanks to its Featherbed frame, now engine vibration was a problem for riders. The solution was ingenious and would make the Commando 750, and later 850, two of the most useable, rider-friendly Britbikes of the era. For 1968 a new frame held the engine/gearbox/swingarm unit in a rubber-mounted cradle, a remarkably efficient 'Isolastic' anti-vibration system that effectively, indeed, isolated the motor's oscillations from the rider as soon as revs passed 2,500rpm. The new Commando became an instant hit with the motorcycling public, being voted Motor Cycle News 'Machine of the Year' five consecutive times in the UK.

Besides the new frame, the rest of the running gear was pretty familiar – forks, hubs, brakes and transmission were as fitted to earlier Nortons, long proven in service. The engine's forward-inclined cylinders added some flair, as did the sharply angled rear shocks and distinctive cast alloy footpeg carriers. There were few models in the beginning but by 1970, two years after launch, there were three: the Fastback; the R for Roadster – the model that established the 'Commando look' in the public mind; and the S for Street Scrambler (two high pipes on the left side.)

The bike offered here is a custom preparation based on the 'S' version of the commando, which engine prefix designation '20M3S' is specifically recognized by ignition points located at the end of the camshaft whereas on the previous version where they were from a chain-driven jackshaft behind the cylinders.

The bike received few modifications / upgrades such has low, short pipe, different seat, or braided hoses. Overall, a clean built that will most likely need some mechanical work to be ridden safely on the road again, and some potential cosmetic touches to fit the new owner's tastes.

Footnotes

Please note, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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