1973 Norton Commando 850

Kenny Dreer - Vintage Rebuild Special

1973 Norton Commando 850 – Vintage Rebuild Special If you’re reading this description, I must assume you are already aware of Norton’s storied past rich in racing tradition, iconic imagery and commercial ups and downs. No bike exemplifies the path of the Norton brand as well as the one offered for sale here. This 850 is like no other having been a witness and benefactor of the last thirty years of Norton’s existence. Born with serial number 300873 it has since been named Lady Bird it is now seeking a new steward. The bike was originally built in 1972 during the waning years of British motorcycle dominance. Delivered to the US and sold by the legendary Michael Jackson (“Old MJ” to his friends – not the man with the white glove) to a dealer on the west coast, it lived a rather pedestrian existence until 1993. In late 1993, Gary Lipton of Michigan purchased the bike from legendary restoration expert Kenny Dreer. This was one of the first series Nortons to receive a “World Class Restoration” by Vintage Rebuilds. The $8,000 restoration to “remanufacture the bike to concourse condition” included the following (original documentation included in photos): • Blue printed “850” motor, gear box, and primary • Powder-coated frame and parts • Stainless steel spokes and nipples (polished) • Stainless steel oil lines • Stainless steel/ chrome/ nickel plated hardware • Hand made cables and controls • Recalibrated original Smith’s Instruments • Electronic Ignition system • Resleeved Amal carbs with stainless steel slides • All precision machine valves, guides, springs • All aluminum cases matched and buffed to highest luster • New Avon tires • Completely updated and improved isolastics • New English manufactured exhaust system • Seamless mufflers • Twin Leading shoe front brake system • Two Tier Commando Seat • Akront shouldered aluminum rums • 1994 Ford light Evergreen Mist Metallic paint on tank and side covers, ebony black fenders • Vintage Rebuilds flag logo on side covers • Hand lettering and striping where applicable • Standard rise handle bars • Two seat configurations – bench and mono-posto At this time the soon to be famous VR 880 restoration platform had yet to be created. While the VR 880’s certainly enjoyed more exotic upgrades, (disc-brakes, electric start and modified body-work) their power and strength exceeded their material limits. This proved to make the bikes fragile in the way a thorough-bred race horse like Barbaro was both powerful and fragile. Certainly strong enough to wheelie but not stout enough to endure the sheer physical demands of the experience. Lady Bird is a more classic restoration work that retains the visual and structural elements of the original design but has been modified and cared for in a way to make her a regular rider that delivers a riding experience not available in modern motorcycles. From Mr. Lipton’s garage it was then sold to a friend who lived in-state and didn’t see much road time. While well cared for in the company of the owner’s extensive motorcycle collection, the then owner was looking to pare down his collection and offered Lady Bird up for sale in 2003. Here’s where I enter the picture. Having joined Kenny Dreer and a collection of other Norton experts and enthusiasts as the Director of Marketing and Licensing a year earlier, I was a long-time motorcycle enthusiast but had no first-hand Norton experience. Figuring I was in the presence of the best vintage motorcycle maintenance crew anyone could hope for, I jumped at the chance to purchase Lady Bird and had her shipped out in the caring hands (and truck) of John Van Dam of Van Dam Trucking. Upon arrival she was inspected, re-shod in new Avon tires and given a full service by Kenny’s right-hand technician Brett Hoyt. Given a clean bill of health, I enjoyed her speed, power and aura for a couple years in light riding that included the Hansen Dam ride of 2004 and many rides alongside the various iterations of the new Norton Commando 952/ 961. During that period Lady Bird was given a few significant up-grades to improve rideability. The most significant of which was the replacement of the Amal carbs with Keihin 35R flat-slide carburetors. Once installed, this upgrade dramatically improved the bikes starting, acceleration, reliability and overall performance. As Norton America’s attempts to relaunch the brand with a new Norton motorcycle began to fade another chapter in Norton’s tumultuous history was coming to a close. After a series of unsuccessful fund-raising CEO arrivals and departures Kenny decided it was time to move on to his next chapter of motorcycle involvement and closed the doors of the Gladstone, OR shop. From there Lady Bird came home to my garage and has seen regular but limited riding. Being a firm believer that these bikes deserve and need to be ridden (it only has 1806 miles on the odometer) and not displayed, I’ve come to the point where I believe the bike should be passed on to another deserving steward. Lady Bird is now up for sale. I welcome any and all questions via email and have provided all the photos that are available. I will state in advance the only two cosmetic flaws are the cracked fork boots (pictured) and a chip out of the side paned (also pictured). While this sale is certainly emotional, the transaction must be deliberate. The successful bidder must place a $500 down-payment within 24 hours via PayPal at roblavigne@gorge.net. Full payment by certified funds prior to pick up required. I will deliver to the Portland, OR market but in all other cases the buyer is responsible for all pick-up and shipping. Given the bike’s quality, condition and history I recommend one of the premier bike delivery companies like Van Dam Trucking (www.VanDamTrucking.com) for guaranteed delivery and unsurpassed service. Please note this motorcycle is also for sale locally and may be removed from the auction at any time.

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Added by: roblavigne@gorge.net at: 17:21 6/13/2007

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