1974 John Player Norton 850 Commando MkIIA
This is an original rare factory special, one of only 200 built to commemorate Peter Williams' win at the Isle Of Man TT in 1973.
I owned this bike briefly in 1998, and pursued it doggedly until November of 2015 when I was able to buy it from a mutual friend of the fellow who reneged on the original deal. It had been sitting in a dusty barn for at least 5 years since I last had it running for the previous owner.
AS FOUND - "Barn Fresh" (literally)
My first thought was to do a quick "make run"...
CLEANED UP
The closer I looked, the clearer it became that this bike needed to be restored to it's former beauty.
I was able to source a set of original JPN bodywork from a guy in Canada that had installed it on his bike in '75, took one look at it and immediately removed it; it never had a bug hit the windscreen! It sat untouched in boxes for 40 years. The bodywork, and the LAST remaining set of reproduction black chrome "beancan" mufflers available in the 'States were the hard parts. All of the rest (stock Norton parts) was relatively easy to source from my usual distributors, ebay, and forum friends.
COMPLETED
Entire build thread with extensive research and professional input is HERE
This bike is arguably one of the best-documented original John Player Nortons in the U.S.A., certainly one of the top 10.
Basically:
Powdercoated frame, chassis, and cycle parts
Rechrome all but wheel rims
Polish all alloy parts
Cad plated all original fastener hardware, small bits, nuts, screws, bolts & washers
Blanchard ground front brake disc
New original pattern Dunlop tires & tubes
New OEM bodywork & gas tank
Overhauled engine
New pistons, rings, bearings, bushings, seals & gaskets
Professionally overbored cylinders
Complete valve job
Overhauled transmission
Overhauled primary drive system
Overhauled carburetors
Overhauled forks
Overhauled rear shocks
Replacement OEM airbox
Replacement reproduction black chrome mufflers
New vernier adjustable isolastic suspension units
Local upholsterer fabricated exact replacement seat foam & cover
Professionally overhauled meters
Thoroughly refurbished wiring harness & electrical components
Refurbished all other parts & components
New Sparx electronic ignition
The bike is for sale for $20,000.00 or nearest reasonable offer. I will deliver it almost anywhere, for a fee.
Delivered bike will include current registration & license plate, and original points & condensers with AAU and wiring. Also includes DVD with copies of all restoration photos (400+).
Beauty Shot...
This is an original rare factory special, one of only 200 built to commemorate Peter Williams' win at the Isle Of Man TT in 1973.
I owned this bike briefly in 1998, and pursued it doggedly until November of 2015 when I was able to buy it from a mutual friend of the fellow who reneged on the original deal. It had been sitting in a dusty barn for at least 5 years since I last had it running for the previous owner.
AS FOUND - "Barn Fresh" (literally)
My first thought was to do a quick "make run"...
CLEANED UP
The closer I looked, the clearer it became that this bike needed to be restored to it's former beauty.
I was able to source a set of original JPN bodywork from a guy in Canada that had installed it on his bike in '75, took one look at it and immediately removed it; it never had a bug hit the windscreen! It sat untouched in boxes for 40 years. The bodywork, and the LAST remaining set of reproduction black chrome "beancan" mufflers available in the 'States were the hard parts. All of the rest (stock Norton parts) was relatively easy to source from my usual distributors, ebay, and forum friends.
COMPLETED
Entire build thread with extensive research and professional input is HERE
This bike is arguably one of the best-documented original John Player Nortons in the U.S.A., certainly one of the top 10.
Basically:
Powdercoated frame, chassis, and cycle parts
Rechrome all but wheel rims
Polish all alloy parts
Cad plated all original fastener hardware, small bits, nuts, screws, bolts & washers
Blanchard ground front brake disc
New original pattern Dunlop tires & tubes
New OEM bodywork & gas tank
Overhauled engine
New pistons, rings, bearings, bushings, seals & gaskets
Professionally overbored cylinders
Complete valve job
Overhauled transmission
Overhauled primary drive system
Overhauled carburetors
Overhauled forks
Overhauled rear shocks
Replacement OEM airbox
Replacement reproduction black chrome mufflers
New vernier adjustable isolastic suspension units
Local upholsterer fabricated exact replacement seat foam & cover
Professionally overhauled meters
Thoroughly refurbished wiring harness & electrical components
Refurbished all other parts & components
New Sparx electronic ignition
The bike is for sale for $20,000.00 or nearest reasonable offer. I will deliver it almost anywhere, for a fee.
Delivered bike will include current registration & license plate, and original points & condensers with AAU and wiring. Also includes DVD with copies of all restoration photos (400+).
Beauty Shot...