Having dominated the post-war motorcycle market with its Norton Manx and Atlas models, featuring a revolutionary double-overhead-camshaft engine and “featherbed frame,” Norton-Villiers Chairman Dennis Poore realized the firm needed a new flagship bike to remain competitive against the ever-encroaching Japanese manufacturers.

Poore established a design team headed by former Rolls-Royce engineer Dr. Stefan Bauer, working in conjunction with former Velocette engineer Charles Udall. Knowing that vibration was an inherent problem with vertical twin engines, Bauer thought Norton’s revered featherbed frame may have been causing more harm than good, so he endeavored to design a new frame based around a single top tube for increased stiffness and rubber-mounted engine to isolate vibrations from the rider.

Experiencing difficulties designing an all-new engine, it was decided to launch a new model around Bauer’s “Isolastic” frame using the preceding Atlas’s 750-cubic-centimeter twin. This new model, named the Commando, was an instant success both on the home island and abroad, particularly in the crucial American market, and was voted Motor Cycle News’ “Machine of the Year” for five consecutive years upon its launch.

In 1973, Norton debuted the Commando 850. Displacing 828 cubic centimeters, the new twin featured a larger bore, stronger gearbox, all-metal clutch, and through-bolted cylinder block along with a slew of other minor improvements. All these improvements were no match for the firm’s financial mismanagement, however, and Norton was forced to close its doors in 1978, making the Commando 850 the swan song of one of Britain’s most iconic manufacturers.

Debuting initially in 1970, the Roadster trim featured a higher compression “Combat” engine, Lockheed front disc-brake, and a low-level exhaust system with upward-angled silencers and reverse cones.

This 1973 Commando 850 Roadster is finished in Norton’s iconic black and gold livery. Benefitting from an older restoration, the work done in years past is beginning to show its age, most notably the chrome which is starting to pit. It remains, however, a wonderful opportunity to acquire a sleek motorcycle with café-style design cues made by one of the most celebrated British motorcycle firms.