Price: $8,500
Owner’s Description:
Purchased on a whim last November on BAT as it reminded me of my first Commando, a 1971 Fastback Long Range purchased in London in 1971, and because the auction bidding seemed too low. It maked my 6th Commando, so I have a good frame of reference.
This bike is what Andover-Norton parts data refers to as a “1970 ½ Interim model.” Interesting features include a 4-quart oil tank, a 2-position ignition switch without lights control, and different side and center stands. It has been modified with a disc brake front end and caliper just rebuilt with stainless steel pistons, later crankcases with the improved timing side breather and oil scavenging, and vernier isolastics with new MK III head steady.
The engine was extensively rebuilt circa-2000 by the then-owner in California, and has a Megacycle 560NR cam that rather dramatically boosts low and mid-range torque, Mikuni VM 34 carb, new Tri-Spark ignition and Boyer dual-lead coil on heat sink. My guess is that there is no more than 10K on the rebuild based on external appearances and lack of carbon buildup on the intake valve stems. The last owner put on less than 1K over the past 8 years. It runs very well, to the point that I dropped the carb needle a notch to detune its hooligan behavior a bit around town.
Gearbox was reportedly a Phil Radford/Fair Spares America rebuild and is ultra smooth. 20-tooth countershaft, new clutch basket/bearing, Barnett plates, and sealed-ring drive chain.
Akront deep flange alloy rims, sealed wheel bearings, new Heidenau tires. New Motobat AGM battery. New anti-wet sumping manual valve and oil gauge for monitoring.
Cosmetics are so-so. The previous owner added a steel tank which has paint blemishes, and a few spots on the frame spine, cradle, and swing arm have surface rust since circa-2000 paint. I tweaked the seat foam and refitted the cover and added a passenger strap to improve looks a bit there, along with a stainless steel license plate holder and front fender. It has braided rocker oil lines and front brake hose.
Basics:
- 36K on the clocks – true mileage unknown
- Matching numbers
- Clean Vermont Title
- Located in Colchester, VT
Jack’s Listing Assessment:
We know this bike and owner very well. George knows his stuff and always maintains his machines well. Very straight shooter. At CBE we see a ton of Nortons and this is a nice example, especially if you like the Fastback styling. All the upgrades listed are well worth it.