Find or Sell Motorcycles & Scooters in USA

1970 Norton Commando on 2040-motos

US $17,500.00
YearYear:1970 MileageMileage:130
Location:

Brewster, New York, United States

Brewster, New York, United States
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1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 1

Norton Commando photos

1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 2 1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 3 1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 4 1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 5 1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 6 1970 Norton Commando, US $17,500.00, image 7

Norton Commando tech info

Engine Size (cc)Engine Size (cc):745 WarrantyWarranty:Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty TypeType:Sport Bike For Sale ByFor Sale By:Private Seller

Norton Commando description

Up for auction is a 1970 Norton Commando Production Racer (CPR) replica. I say “replica” because this is not one of the original 119 CPRs built at the Norton-Villiers Performance Shop at Thruxton Circuit in 1970 and 1971. In virtually every other way though, it is a correct machine. Norton records indicate this bike, 135438, was a "yellow Roadster” when it was dispatched to the US importer, Berliner, on March 7, 1970. However, this substantially correct replica carries the major exotic period pieces of a genuine CPR, including a period three-rib Lockheed disk brake caliper, CPR-specific Campagnolo front axle, “Norton” machined front disc brake hub (also drilled for a second rotor), unique CPR front slider with cast-in carrier for the Lockheed caliper, special Lockheed racing master cylinder, 30mm Amal carbs (correct for a 1970 CPR) with CPR-correct open bellmouths, Norvil head steady, Borrani 19” shouldered alloy wheels, CPR-specific tucked-in exhaust headers, high compression 10.25:1 Hepolite Powermax pistons, reverse cam plate gearbox (to retain GP shift pattern with reversed lever and CPR rear sets) with close ratio gearset, welded up steel intake manifolds instead of standard cast aluminum production pieces, Manx-type (shorter) brake foot lever, vented rear drum brake, longer-than-standard kickstarter, clear rocker oil feed line, CPR-correct serial plate on chassis backbone, and CPR-specific fiberglass fairing, fuel tank and solo seat. 
 
I own seven genuine, documented, NVPS Thruxton-dispatched CPRs; this machine is nearly indistinguishable from those, as well as being in excellent overall condition. Genuine CPRs are fantastic bikes to look at or ride, and their period race record speaks to their now-legendary performance. Most Norton experts would have a hard time distinguishing this replica from the real thing. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of owning or riding one of these bikes, then you know they are the bee's knees of spirited vintage riding experiences and will draw a crowd at your local watering hole. So, make yourself and others happy by buying and riding this beautiful machine!  
 
The winning buyer can choose the large endurance tank as pictured, or an original 16 liter CPR tank that was restored with the bike and has been unused since. The endurance tank currently fitted was an original option on the CPR, but I believe the tank on the bike is a reproduction (probably for the intention of running modern fuels, as it has been coated inside) of the optional factory unit.
 
The overall correctness of this machine and the quality of the restoration can be attributed to its restorer and long-time former owner, who was an original Norton dealer back in the day. Based on the substantial use of correct CPR-specific period components, I would guess that this bike was converted to CPR specification in the early seventies by Berliner or a Norton Dealer using CPR components sourced directly from the Norton Race Department, either for racing as a privateer entry or to keep up with American sales demand at a time when getting genuine, complete CPRs out of England was difficult (only 35 genuine CPRs were sent to the US in 1970).
 
Genuine CPRs are rare and values are slowly, but surely, being dragged higher by the slower, more numerous, round case Ducati 750SS. CPRs rarely come up for sale, but the last one I saw for sale was earlier this year at Mecum's Las Vegas motorcycle auction. That bike, advertised as a genuine example and restored by the same former Norton dealer that restored the bike on offer here, sold for $49,500. Here's your chance to get the same aesthetics and performance of that bike for a fraction of that money, certainly for less than the cost of all the genuine parts and a restoration, which would easily eclipse $25k.
 
Although this is a fixed price listing with best offer option, most of my listings end early, either because I have a change of heart on selling or because someone makes a reasonable private offer before the listing concludes, saving us both the time, hassle and risk of waiting out the auction result. So, if you want a first rate, correctly- and professionally-built CPR replica, and not somebody's shed-built personal statement, buy it now or reach out with your best offer early.

Condition:
I recently recommissioned the bike after it was stored for several years in a climate controlled showroom. New Yuasa battery, routine valve adjustment, carb clean, and fluids...and it is now running like a top. I have tried to photograph the few small scratches on the tank and seat, plus the usual stress cracks on the seat roundel. If you need any other detail photos, please ask. The front brake line needs replacing as the outer sheath is crumbling, although it does not leak and the brake functions perfectly. As I have seen on several other restorations, the rear tail light housing on this bike is black instead of CPR yellow. There are a few blemishes on the silencers as you would expect on a 40+ year old motorcycle (chrome flaking off in a few small spots) or on an older restoration. Mileage is indicated at 130, which I would assume is the mileage since the full restoration. Overall, the bike remains in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, with only the minor "shelf" wear mentioned, a few small scratches, the deteriorated front brake line, and a professional detailing preventing it from being in show-like condition. That all being said, the bike has just the right amount of patina to it and correct parts to give a strong impression of the genuine article. 
 
Terms and conditions:
This bike is sold as-is. No warranty is expressed or implied. Your bid is an offer to buy, not an option to buy, so please ask any and all questions before buying or making an offer. The bike is sold on a Bill of Sale and a copy of the current GA registration (GA does not issue titles for bikes of this age). These documents should be sufficient for your state's DMV, but confirm yourself if there's any doubt. I am not able to crate or ship the bike, but I will make myself available to meet with the shipper of your choice. Local delivery within the Tri-State (NY, CT, NJ) area is a possibility, but confirm any such need with me ahead of bidding/buying. 
 
Check my feedback and bid with confidence. Good luck!

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