1974 John Player Norton Commando

1974 JOHN PLAYER NORTON GENUINE MODEL
For sale is this 1974 JPN which has been sympathetically restored to an excellent condition but still retaining hints of its age and heritage.
Originally purchased by myself in 1984 in the form of engine. transmission. frame and fairing plus many boxes of parts from Chris Vincent Motorcycles in Earl Shilton Liecestershire. it did require some assembly.
Following a prompt rebuild by myself and engine tuning by the late Fred Barlow (FBS Motorcycles Tamworth) the bike was completed and road ready. following a second place Concourse in the Norton Owners Club National day at Stanford Hall in 1985 a trip to the Isle of Man Manx GP was next. However financial issues resulted in me selling the JPN to a family member where it remained until I repurchased it in 2012. However following a long period in storage in a storage unit at the Mallory Park race circuit the bike required an extensive but not total rebuild.
This brings the bike to its current state. too much time has been lavished on this bike and the cost of that labour is incalculable as for the parts and materials used I have kept full documentation and photos to record the history of the bike.
Is it Original?
Many of the JPN's were sold without any formal documentation to prove what it was. such was the state of the British motorcycle industry and retail network back in the day indeed f you have a JPN and an original sales invoice stating the JPN then you are truly lucky as for the rest of them out there just a couple of things that anyone in the know will be able to identify as original. These include; correct rear set mechanical's. more powerful alternator with extra zener diode (as MkIII) but this is a MkIIA. factory extended/modified steel fuel tank that is under the shroud also the certification plate moved to the spine of the frame as the fairing bracket on the headstock obscures the standard location
Put all this together with the original factory not after market fibreglass and you have one of the original 1974 MkIIA 850cc John Player Norton's not a replica.
I have retained the 1980's ANKRONT alloy rims that I had fitted all that time ago and following the rebuild carefully I have used as much of the original parts as I could. However in terms of functionality and usability I have substituted many of the rusty nuts and bolts with Stainless Steel as I have some of the pressed steel items but nothing "in your face" plus I have all the original parts.
So following is a list of the main items that have been addressed:
Engine rebuilt. parts replaced only as requiredGearbox serviced. already has the twin row bearing upgrade. Primary drive belt kit (RGM)Surflex Dry clutch conversionNew Alternator (original Lucas stator interesting as it seemed to have been fitted with domestic mains cable from the factory???)1980's Boyer Ignition tested and working fine. All new adjustable Isolastics installed. Frame and swinging Arm checked and serviced. Original 1980's Ankront Alloy rims re spoked with stainless spokes and nipplesNew Avon Roadrunner Tyres FittedNew Classic HAGON Shocks fitted. New Straight thru "Black Cap" silencers (black chromed)New Single downpipes (black chromed)Single seat restoredFairing. seat. mudguard and tank shroud repainted in classic cellulose and new decals applied. New Lucas Indicator setFront brake master cylinder relined for "better" braking (RGM). PlusDual seat and pillion footrests come with the bike (seat purchased in 1984 from Sprint by myself)Exhaust system. Balance pipe downpipes (as original) and Black cap silencers (corroded but salvageable if required)
The restoration has just been completed and is restored to a full working road ready bike should the new owner wish to experience the JPN on the road. however should the new owner wish to polish admire or display this bike then now would be a perfect time to purchase as it is in perfect "unused" condition. the choice would be yours.
Bike currently SORN'd and not MOT'd.