1974 Norton Commando 'John Player' 850cc Motorcycle

Description

One of Norton’s most collectible models, the iconic ‘John Player’ Commando was a limited production machine inspired by the factory road racers sponsored by the eponymous tobacco company and offered for one year only in 1974.  Lead by former Suzuki racer Frank Perris, John Player Norton’s principal riders Peter Williams, David Croxford and Mick Grant proved the four-stroke twin was still competitive against a new generation of two-stroke machines.  Based on the 850 Mark 2A Commando, the JPN road bike featured clip-on handlebars and different footpegs to suit the signature streamlined fairing, complete with a fibreglass cover over the petrol tank and futuristic twin headlamps.  Conceived as a Café Racer rather than a full race replica, mechanical changes were limited to taller final gearing - otherwise the Norton was essentially a stock Commando.  The big parallel twin developed a very healthy 50 horsepower at 5900rpm, enough for a top speed approaching 200 km/h.  Costing almost $500 than a standard Commando at $2,995, the John Player Norton proved a slow seller and an estimated 200 were made, 120 of them allocated to the American market.  A commercial failure at the time, this rarity - combined with the popularity of ‘70s era Café Racers – has ensured interest in the JPN remains strong.  Indeed, genuine John Player Nortons rarely come on the open market, with most tightly held by collectors around the world, making this a rare opportunity to acquire one of these iconic bikes.