1975 Norton Commando 850, 828cc. Registration number KKL 492...

Estimate

£9,000 - £12,000

1975 Norton Commando 850, 828cc. Registration number KKL 492N. Frame number 332364. Engine number 332364.
Launched in 1967, the Commando deployed the preceding Featherbed-framed Atlas model's 750cc engine in the new vibration-beating Isolastic chassis and was an instant hit, being voted Motor Cycle News 'Machine of the Year' for five consecutive years. It might have been a little down in 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) 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.
KKL was built in May 1975 and shipped to the USA and sold on the 6th January 1976. The USA title from 1996 shows Jeffrey Vetrono of Illinois as the owner. It was then shipped to the UK in 2018 and sold as a project by Classic Imports Ltd of Worcestershire.
Our vendor bought the matching numbers machine in the February, obtained the Norton dating certificate and registered it with DVLA in June 2019.
The frame and tinware were repaired and painted by PMR of North Yorkshire, the engine was stripped and rebuilt, with a Hepolite piston kit, block rebore, head overhauled by Genesis engines, the gearbox was stripped and rebuilt, Hagon shocks, Roadrunner tyres and the brakes were overhauled for the running gear.
The machine started easily when viewed and is in as restored condition with little more than some shake down mileage completed.
Sold with the V5C, USA title, NOVA documents, dating certificate, and a large quantity of receipts to back up the rebuild.