Beschreibung:

The 850 Commando was the last new machine from medium-sized Norton Villiers before the firm endeavored – ostensibly with British Government assistance – to assume control of the bankrupt BSA Triumph Group, which, with two large equally outdated factories, was an altogether bigger enterprise. It is a much labored tale, of course, but one that impacts on certain models, for no sooner were Norton and Triumph under way in the joint operation than it was felt the management’s former sharp focus upon Norton – who, ‘til then, had traded profitably – was seriously now diluted. BSA, as we know, failed to survive the merger, and the hiatus with unions at Triumph’s old Meriden factory ensured that newly created NVT didn’t produce any new models until 1975. Norton’s 1974 build, therefore, was arguably the last of the pure Nortons! The original 750 Roadster, with options for 7 colors of fiberglass fuel tank, hit the market in 1970, proving an instant success in USA and elsewhere. Steel fuel tanks and front discs were added for the 1972 season and, given its momentum, there was little reason but to continue the Roadster, unchanged, but from 1973 fitted with the sturdier 850-motor. The 850, which actually displaced 828cc, employed the same transmission as before, but the motor itself was strengthened to give even better low down performance. In recalling that the 850 had originally appeared as a 500, designed by Bert Hopwood in 1948, contemporary magazine road testers were amazed with how little stress the 850’s huge torque was delivered. The Roadster’s classic styling has regularly prompted two schools of thought. Folk either leave bikes stock, or go down the enhancement route. The Corbin Commando was entrusted to Colorado Norton Works who, to date, have earned an enviable reputation for the exemplary workmanship applied to dozens of individual Nortons. In this instance the menu to which they have adhered has resulted in one of the most balanced looking Commandos ever seen! A Corbin Smuggler seat and tail section is truly compatible with the horizontal lines, while upswept megaphone-mufflers, and flattish handlebars, contribute the necessary sporting flavor. Bob Trigg was the designer responsible for styling the Roadster; one of his several trademarks is a forward inclined engine. In Trigg’s view the ungainly gaps resulting from a poorly positioned motor can destroy the looks at a stroke, but who’d disagree the 850’s iron cylinder and alloy cylinder head fill the center of the frame to perfection? The black front fender, a mere blade, assists in weight reduction, as do smaller diameter alloy rims, although the wheels now wear larger section tires. In some further modifications from stock a single large-diameter disc, and Brembo caliper, take care of front end retardation, and the pair of late series Amals are a logical improvement upon the original Concentrics. Certain components carry a black finish, but Norton’s magnificent polished alloy foot-peg carriers are retained. The mileage, since work was completed, is stated at a shade under 460m. All in all this is a quite exceptional machine! Sold on a California Certificate of Title. Without reserve