1972 Norton Commando 750cc Roadster, Tax exempt, MOT

1972 Norton Commando 750cc MOT'd & road tax

Here is a very clean and tidy well presented Norton Commando 750cc Roadster dating from 1972.

The Commando was a big success in its day. MCN bike of the year for 5 years on the trot between 68-72. It sold well around the world and appealed to a definite sub-market for torque packed twins as opposed to the new-fangled & revvy multis from Japan & elsewhere. A lack of any meaningful development combined with the UK's industrial relations and economic problems of the 1970s saw the model (& marque) go out of production in 1977.

It starts easily and sounds generally good mechanically.

Power delivery is great. bags of torque and smooth acceleration quickly up to 70mph. The rev counter is working well but the speedometer is erratic after 30mph. Gearbox and clutch are good. Mikuni single carb conversion works well.

The charging system is working OK - the lights brighten when revved.

Handling is good. brakes OK. well early discs were never brilliant!

This example has clearly been restored to quite a high standard cosmetically but nothing is known about the engine & I suspect although it runs well and sounds good. it has not been recently rebuilt. There is some noticeable but not excessive smoke in the exhaust when the engine is hot possibly just valve stem seals or rings. The engine may be breathing slightly heavily and there is some oil moisture getting onto the cylinder head from somewhere.

The bike comes with its V5C. The registration is PKE 531L. date of registration in V5C is 01/09/1972.

Frame number is 208274. engine number 208274.

Cosmetically the bike is really nicely turned out. It must have had a fortune spent on restoration.

Enamel on the frame is excellent quality & condition. The tank & sides are all high quality high standard of finish. Seat is as new. exhaust. ilencers. chrome parts generally and mudguards are all excellent condition. There is no fin damage on the barrel but it does look as if the small fins on the head above the nearside exhaust port have been repaired. The crankcase has also clearly had a weld repair to the back (where many commandos have a repair!) It looks a tidy and hardly noticeable job.

Front rim is a genuine Dunlop item is excellent condition with a hardly used Dunlop TT100 tyre. Rear rim is a CWC Made In England item. as new with excellent spokes of the dull “ rustless” type. Rear tyre is an as new Dunlop TT100. Centre stand is easy to operate. sidestand is there and functions but tends to make the bike lean over a bit too much unless you park on a favourable camber!

All in all this is a generally sound & complete up and running Commando which starts easily. sounds well and goes like the wind! It's not quite the finished article more of an ideal ride-restore kind of machine to own. use & improve with the benefit of the dreaded cometic expenses already having been met!