1976 Norton Commando 850 Mk 3 Electric Start Interstate

My Commando is reluctantly for sale. It is a 1976 Mk 3 850 Interstate. It has matching frame and engine numbers. The tank and side panels have been re-sprayed and it was decided to leave off the pin stripes and 'Electric Start' decals for better effect (in my view). These could easily be added if desired. A kit was made up that lowers the riders foot pegs by 1" or 2.5cm for more comfortable riding for taller riders (like me). This can be removed in minutes and probably will be prior to any viewing.

This bike has had over £11000 spent on it since May 2011 and is totally sorted and improved for easy and reliable riding. It has only covered 1326 miles since a complete engine rebuild in November 2011 so it is just run in. Mechanically the best Commando you will find. The last four MOTs are recorded as follows: -

05/06/2010 1604 miles. 23/05/2011 2368 miles. 30/05/2012 4555 miles. 17/05/2013 4864 miles. Taxed until 31 August 2014.

Current recorded mileage is 4864. Last MOT on a wet day - so taken by trailer.

I had intended to keep the bike for many years so it got the best of everything. The engine was overhauled by 'Norman White Norton' (NWN) at 3538 miles. Norman has worked only on Commandos (and raced them) since the factory closed in 1977 so he knows these bikes better than anyone. The work he has done includes: - New standard size pistons (cylinders were unworn indicating a very low mileage bike). valves and guides. all bearings. camshaft + followers. con-rods. unleaded conversion. oil pump overhaul. swing arm. primary drive and clutch overhaul.

Norman also did the following work. Twin disc brake system fitted for two finger braking. new alloy wheel rims and spokes. a Mikuni carb. 'O' ring chain conversion. Ikon fully adjustable rear shocks. Boyer Mk 4 ignition. new genuine Norton silencers. isolastic head steady and an uprated electric starter such that it starts easily on the button hot or cold. The fuel tank and system have been 'ethanol proofed'. The bike has been totally re-wired. There is more but too much to list. All work itemised and available for inspection.

The bike runs superbly and is uncannily smooth for a big vertical twin and does 60 to 65 mpg. (Uses no oil and no leaks). Norman considers that the engine should now be good for over 100,000 miles.
The bike is taxed. tested. has nearly new tyres and is kept warm in a brick garage. Tools. 1976 parts catalogue. maintenance manual. and owners handbook included in the sale. Total cost to me £16,000. yours for under £10,000. You won't find a better example of this great bike – a real bargain. Test ride as pillion. Solo. only after paying the agreed price in cash or after a cheque has cleared. Presently laid up for the winter but will be re-commissioned for the serious buyer or stored for him until the spring.

No offers thanks – I will keep her myself unless I get the price.