New ,1.7 miles, Commando. Last one from Andover Norton

Even if I could or would buy it, I shouldn't. I'd have to prep it, start it, ride it around the block and further.
And there would go all that Provenance.....

Hi all,
Generally I would say motorcycles are there to be used but I think there are enough Norton’s available to ride, perhaps because of it’s historic status this one should remain in a ‘glass case’.
Al

You wait ages for an unridden Commando... Then two come along at once!!!

Anybody ever try Goodyear Eagle tyres???

I don't see much point in owning expensive bottles of wine unless you drink them! Saving stuff for posterity is over-rated I think. But I have to admit that for the price it will likely fetch you could own a really sweet ride and a van to haul it around in. So, I'm not sure I'm the right guy to appreciate the value of said motorcycle!

Will they still do the free first service after 500 miles?

Truly a Unsorted Norton!!!!!!!

rvich said:

Saving stuff for posterity is over-rated I think

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Owning such a ride and keeping it under glass, to me, is sad. That beauty should be shown the wind and have it's presents shown.

MichaelB said:

Even if I could or would buy it, I shouldn't. I'd have to prep it, start it, ride it around the block and further.
And there would go all that Provenance.....

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I agree with MichaelB up to a point; the provenance, the way I understand it, won't go away as it will always be the last Norton made. It should be ridden. And, yes, it might need a lot work to get it on the road. Do you suppose that it has the widow-maker layshaft bearing?

Back in the late seventies I purchased a Colt Model 1860 black powder revolver in a nicely fitted case. I had built 2 black powder Kentucky long rifles and wanted to try a black powder revolver, so I shot it, but quickly became tired of being covered tallow and later beeswax used to diminish the possibility of cross fire ignition. After a good cleaning and oiling I took it back to the dealer I purchased it from to trade for a center fire S&W model 686. The dealer's first remark was, "you fired this?". I told him that I couldn't afford to look at it. Every time I fired the Colt I felt the provenance.

I wouldn't buy the Norton , a Bugatti or an ostentatious yacht (or anything that says "look at me"). That's just not me, I have no desire to stand out; I am happy to stand up.

Best.

New MKIII's come up for sale once in while. Moving around , staying unridden. But try to find an unridden new 126 1968 Fastback, now that would be something, as no one saved any, unlike the end of the line MKIII's , where many were tucked away. (please leave the frame discussions out )

EstuaryBoy said:

You wait ages for an unridden Commando... Then two come along at once!!!

Anybody ever try Goodyear Eagle tyres???

Click to expand...

Yes. I worked for Andover Norton in the early 1980s as a rep. We had a video of Kenny Roberts on Goodyear HST tyres on a wet track, incredible what he could do. That Commando was fitted with HSTs for the launch at the RAC club in London and we had to get it up a flight of stairs! Met Kenny there for the first time, really interesting chat with him. I also introduced David Hughes to Mike Jackson who was my boss as he wanted the very last one of the last batch. No commission on that deal unfortunately.

Cool history. That bike won't be ridden much if at all.

Sold for £20,700 inc premium. Anyone on here bought it?