Just because someone has owned a Norton, it does not make them an expert or should have them claiming to know much about the Commando line. I confess, I have owned one Norton Commando and the line is a mystery to me.

A good customer brought me his 1971 Norton 750 Commando Fastback to sell. It has been in his stewardship for decades after finding it at a motorcycle show in Nevada many years ago. The seller back than had completed a restoration and it was in need of nothing, allowing years of great riding and enjoyment. Recent lifestyle changes slowed the use down and finally it was decided that a new home was a better choice than letting the bike not be enjoyed by someone who could love and enjoy the bike once again.

Back to being an expert on things I know very little about. It is pretty easy to find the history of the Commando range from 1967 through 1975. The first version of the line was the Fastback which shared it’s bodywork through the different mechanical updates and improvements until 1972. There were R’s, S’s and a few rarer SS’s Commandos with Mark 111 and Mark 1V Fastbacks using 20M3 and 20M3S engines. It all got rather confusing when looking at this particular bike and here is why.

The motorcycle engine and frame have the share the serial number, 145819, serial numbers. From on-line sources, this make a “SS” model, not a Fastback which they show as having a VIN# starting with 141***. The “SS” model is a relatively rare and highly collectable model that has a VIN# starting with 145***. The front forks, head light assembly, oil tank and side cover appear to be from pre-1970’s models. The frame does not have a boss on the left hand side for a side stand as 1971 Fastback models are suppose to have, instead is smooth. According to an expert source, Norton never painted the Commando frames red, but the VIN plate, which shows a production date of March, 1971 is attached with unmolested rivets and no signs of being masked off. Replacement rivets are available, but these appear factory or at least expertly installed. Obvious after market change is the single Mikuni Carburetor and corresponding Manifold. The rims have Dunlop stamped on them, so I would assume they are original.

This all adds up to some interesting questions which I am going to leave the experts out there who follow the intricacies of Nortondom lore. What I can say is that the bike runs and drives well other than being cold blooded. The fork gaiters are incorrect for the forks but right for the year. The paint, chrome and other cosmetic pieces are at least 30 years old. The bike presents extremely well, but it is not in Concours condition. It is a great rider with great presence. It is going to ridden and enjoyed by who ever buys the bike. It is what everyone who loves old British bikes wants, a bike they can enjoy, ride and be proud of. Oh, I am sure it is going to need something someday, after all, it is 46 years old.

Miles showing are 1,494 and there is no way to make an accurate statement here. The selling price is $7,675. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest