1974 Elec. Start Norton Commando Mk2E 850 Roadster A 3 year project, I built this bike using the best from my Commando collection beginning with a matching numbers engine and transmission. The majority of the bike is 74 correct with the exception of the Mk3 frame which was converted back to 74 spec. by Brinkracecraft.com. Wheels were crafted by Hagon in UK using hubs rebuilt with sealed bearings laced with stainless spokes to Morad shouldered alloy rims, 19″ wm3 front, 18″ wm4 rear. The electric start begin as a Bob Oswald conversion based on his Kenny Dreer VR-880 design, then perfected by me with a extremely robust starter bracket fabricated by Brinkracecraft.com. A Dreer VR-880 idler bracket with high speed bearings courtesy of Fred Eaton of Old Britts completed the conversion and made it reliable. The Spyke starter is US made in California and easily turns over the 850 even when wet sumped. No “electric assist” here. An Odyssey PC535 battery provides the juice combined with marine grade heavy duty battery cables. The engine was rebuilt with a real shelf find – a nos 850 cylinder (Storm’s Cycle, the Norton dealer in DFW in their heyday) so pistons are standard size. Belt drive and clutch with ring gear are QPD/Bob Oswald which uses Barnett friction plates. Clutch action with Bob’s unique steel pins in the clutch basket which the plain plates ride on is smooth and quick with no slip. The engine has stock compression and cam but has been ported and flowed and manifolds matched to head by Pete Lovell of England, designer of Norvil belt drive, machinist and tuner extraordinaire. The result is a very smooth engine that likes to rev. To make it stop as good as it goes, I converted to the RGM floating disc with Lockheed racing caliper. And during a cold winter spell I meticulously hand sanded, filed and polished the stock Norton/Lockheed master cylinder before sending it off to RGM for their 13mm piston conversion.
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar 1974 Norton (Affiliate link)
Location: Morgan, Texas, United States
