1974 Norton MK2A 850 Commando Roadster

1974 Norton MK2A 850 Commando Roadster sits right in the middle of Norton's final Commando generation, serving as the standard model that most riders actually bought rather than a flagship or a stripped-down entry point. This is a big parallel-twin roadster built for real-world riding: torque low in the range, a seating position meant for covering ground rather than posing, and enough grunt to make highway overtaking simple without needing to chase revs. The isolastic frame mounting is the whole point here — it takes the vibration that plagued earlier British twins and dials it down enough that you can actually ride one for hours without your hands going numb. The 1974 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1973 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences. Buyers today tend to be experienced riders who grew up around British bikes or collectors adding a usable classic to a small stable. Given the model's high collector interest, well-documented examples with matching numbers command real attention, and clean unmolested Roadsters are getting harder to find at sensible money.