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1975 Norton Commando 920 ES

Here we have a superb Norton Commando 850 Electric start MK111 with a 920 conversion. Various parts upgraded to stainless include:  wheel rims and spokes, mudguards, handlebars, headlight mountings, chain guard, front brake m/c & front brake pistons. The starter motor has had the 4 brush conversion along with upgraded high tension power cables to give extremely reliable starting, helped further with a MK3 Boyer electronic ignition. The Norton has been subject to a full fluids service and a new rear tyre and a road test.

The Commando’s vibration-beating Isolastic frame enabled Norton Villiers to successfully prolong the life of their ageing parallel twin. Launched in 1967, the Commando used the preceding Featherbed-framed Atlas model’s 750cc engine and AMC gearbox, and was an instant hit with the motorcycling public, being voted Motor Cycle News ‘Machine of the Year’ for five consecutive years. It might have been a little down on top speed compared to rivals such as BSA-Triumph’s 750cc triples and Honda’s CB750 four, but the Commando more than made up for this minor deficiency with superior mid-range torque and steadier handling. Introduced in 1973, the ‘850’ (actually 829cc) version featured a larger-bore, through-bolted cylinder block, stronger gearbox casting and an all-metal clutch among a host of other, more minor improvements. The extra capacity provided the ‘850’ with even more mid-range urge and the model would continue as the sole Commando after 1975 when the electric-start MkIII was introduced.

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