1973 Norton Commando 850, color Viper Blue / Black

This bike is the best of both worlds, not only is it a jewelry quality show bike; it is also a fully sorted, state of the art rider.

The first owner commissioned a full resto mod restoration by Colorado Norton Works in 2001, it was completed in 2002. This included a complete rebuild of the engine and transmission (3,700 trouble free miles since built). It is triple matching numbers (Frame, engine and transmission all match). Every part on the bike was refinished. All hardware is stainless steel (including engine). Front disc brake was converted to a CNW (Colorado Norton Works) floating rotor, 4 piston Brembo system (stops like a modern bike). A custom wiring harness was made (currently no turn signals on the bike, but wiring, switch and indicator lamps are in place for them). CNW oil tank mod was done as well as the CNW Swingarm / frame mod. It was also converted to 520 o-ring chain and sprockets. Tachometer and speedometer were completely rebuilt as well as a new speedo drive, speedo and tach cables.

As new upgrades became available the bike was brought back to Colorado Norton Works for the upgrades. These include, Dual Keihin FCR35 flat-slide carburetors (carbs were recently put on, in the last 700 miles), primary belt drive, hydraulic clutch, Tri-Spark electronic ignition module, three-phase alternator / regulator, Shorai Lithium battery and Stainless steel CNW mufflers.

In addition, new exhaust headers (internally coated to resist bluing) have been installed. Also, an NYC Norton (Comstock designed) billet reed valve crank case breather assembly was installed. In addition to creating a negative crank case pressure (freeing up horsepower and eliminating oil leaks) it also clears any wet sump oil. All visable hardware on the bike is full show polished (every knurl and mark removed before polishing). All chrome is full show quality. Additional chroming includes the upper and lower triple trees as well as many miscellaneous items.

When the bike was originally built, was lowered 1.5 inches front and rear. It has been returned to stock height with new Andover Norton fork tubes, complete fork bushing kit, dampers and progressive fork springs. The rear shocks are new standard length Hagons. The sale will include the lowering pieces (shorter fork tubes by Franks forking - USA, shortened fork springs and damper rods, bushing and the shorter Hagon shocks). The lowering components have 3400 miles on them and are perfect condition. The bike has zero oil leaks; it had zero oil leaks even before the NYC Norton reed breather was added. It has new Bridgestone Battlaxtires and tubes.

The current owner (50 years of building and tuning flat trackers, drag bikes, Land speed racers and national show winners) has gone over every nut, bolt and washer of the bike. Oil tank was pulled and flushed (it was very clean, it was done because of the years on the bike). New oil lines, fresh oil and filter. Brake fluid flushed. Timing checked. Head and cylinder re-torqued. Valves adjusted. New complete Barnett clutch pack. He also did the conversion back to stock ride height.

When purchased (by current owner) it was in number 2 condition (very, very nice), it is now a number 1 condition (full show quality) bike. The bike is mechanically quiet and smooth. Starts first or second kick cold, first kick hot. Runs amazing and shifts slick and smooth.

A current CNW build of this level would be a donor bike and approximately $35K+. There is a clean, clear North Carolina title in the current owner's name. The bike has 3700 miles on it since the restoration. Original miles are unknown. Pictures were taken in the last week. There are many reflections (trees, driveway, house, photographer) in the paint, these are just reflections.

Modification list:
Colorado Norton Works Dual Keihin FCR flat slide carburetor kit. It is as close as fuel injection as you can get with carbs. Amazing drivability and throttle response.
NYC Norton (Jim Comstock designed) billet crankcase reed valve breather assembly. Creates negative crankcase pressure, freeing up horsepower and eliminating leaks. It also clears any wet sumping.

Colorado Norton Works 520 o-ring chain conversion (no more messy chain oil and quieter). Chain is new, EK MVXZ2 X-ring.

Colorado Norton Works Brembo front brake conversion (stops like a modern bike)

Colorado Norton Works hydraulic clutch throw out (light pull and smooth as silk)

Colorado Norton Works Center console with voltmeter, ignition switch and indicator lamps.

Stainless steel Head, Barrel and case bolts.

Show polished Sun aluminum rims with Buchanan polished stainless spokes and polished hubs

Colorado Norton Works Polished stainless mufflers

Stainless steel Exhaust header nuts

Colorado Norton Works Swingarm / frame mod

Colorado Norton Works swingarm spindle and bearings

Colorado Norton Works oil tank modification

Norvil complete belt drive primary (in standard over the top attention to detail, Matt at Colorado Norton Works vented the inner primary case. It is vented at the lower front, middle and rear. There are internal screens epoxied inside the case to keep out debris).

Jim Comstock aluminum bronze exhaust thread inserts. Bullet proof when compared to the original cast aluminum threads.

Tri Spark digital electronic ignition

Single high output ignition coil with custom billet aluminum mount

High output three-phase alternator / regulator charging system

Colorado Norton Works sealed wheel bearing conversion.

Progressive fork springs

Powder coated frame

Paint is Dupont Chroma, Black and GTS Viper Blue

Shorai Lithium battery

Oil filter conversion to use standard modern oil filter
(uses Mobil One M1102A or equivalent)