1973 Norton Commando 850 Roadster

The 1973 Norton Commando 850 Roadster sits at the heart of the Commando range, the standard roadster build that most riders actually bought and rode rather than a specialty variant. This is a big parallel-twin with real presence at low RPM, the kind of bike that rewards riders who like feeling the engine work rather than hiding it behind smoothness. The isolastic frame mounting was Norton's answer to vibration complaints from earlier twins, and on the 850 it makes the power usable across a wider range instead of just at the top end. It's a bike you ride with your hands and feet as much as your right wrist, and it demands a rider who doesn't mind adjusting valves and chasing electrical gremlins occasionally. The 1973 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year, so buyers comparing it to a 1972 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences. Collector interest in these machines runs high, and buyers tend to be experienced British-bike owners moving up from smaller Triumphs or BSAs, or long-time Norton owners specifically seeking the 850's added flexibility over the earlier 750.