1977 Norton Commando Interstate

[Groover]

I've been in communication with a racer/bike collector from Slovenia for some parts that I'm ultimately not buying. He also has a new, 0 mile "1977 Norton Commando Interstate" if anyone is interested. He send me all his info, address, photos, phone number and seems legit and  social person. Anyway, this may be an opportunity for someone here, but all at your own risk. I can forward his email address if interested.

Here is a note from his last email to me:

"If you know somebody who has a lust and finances for a collactable Norton Commando Interstate from a Podevijn heretige collection (which means o kilometers on clock, never started just put out of the factory box and stay as a exhibiton item, you can give my contact. It is not cheap but it is in the state like in 1977 comming from a factory doors... Currently it is on lease in classic motor museum."

The file name if the box image he sent was:

thumbnail_NORTON CARDBOARD FRONT FACE WITH SIGNS FROM LEFT CAE NO51, nr. of motor 336181, color SILVER, PODEVIJN, AALS.jpg

[Joliet Jim]

I thought 75 was the last year for Norton or was that just in the US?

[Groover]

I really don't know anything about Nortons. I'm just going off his message. I did google search the model and it did come up, so maybe?

[yogidozer]

Found this:
When the classic Commando went out of production in 1975, a battle over the rights to the name ensued. Ultimately UK business man Stuart Garner, who already owned Norton Racing Ltd acquired the rights to the Norton Commando brand
Could be seller's typo or.....

[blackcat]

NVT(Norton Villiers Triumph) which is on the box, ended production in 1975.

[T Peterson]

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/belgium-crated-mk3-resurfaces-still-in-crate.31470/

Interesting thread

[Nortman54]

All correct.  Norton ceased production in 1975.  Towards the end of 1976 a workforce of 220 was hired and assembled 1500 Commando MKIIIs from parts at Wolverhampton.  These were registered as 1976 or 77.  Most I have seen of those late years are grey Interstates.  Facts are from “Norton Commando” by Mick Duckworth.  A good book for Commando guys.

[blackcat]

All correct.  Norton ceased production in 1975.  Towards the end of 1976 a workforce of 220 was hired and assembled 1500 Commando MKIIIs from parts at Wolverhampton.  These were registered as 1976 or 77.  Most I have seen of those late years are grey Interstates.  Facts are from “Norton Commando” by Mick Duckworth.  A good book for Commando guys.

I recently acquired Mick's book but haven't read it yet.

[chuck peterson]

If it was the blue with silver stripes I’d have to cut off an arm to pay for it. No that wouldn’t work would it?

My first apartment was three guys with eight motorcycles one of them with a commando

I’d ride from Vienna Virginia to Harpers Ferry West Virginia, then right downtown and up to the church where the steps ran red

The foot shift/clutch pattern was bliss. As you released the clutch, your right foot was doing the same movement (coming forward or up). It was great!

Shenandoah down to Blue Ridge Pkwy, pick almost any road off and down from the ridges and you might die laughing from sooo much fun

Silver Metal flake blue with the same silver used as stripes.

Found a pic, no stripes but the logo and name are the same silver used in the metal flake. Amazing in sunlight

The photo also points out i was riding the commando version, doesn’t say Interstate

[yogidozer]

If it was the blue with silver stripes I’d have to cut off an arm to pay for it. No that wouldn’t work would it?

My first apartment was three guys with eight motorcycles one of them with a commando

I’d ride from Vienna Virginia to Harpers Ferry West Virginia, then right downtown and up to the church where the steps ran red

The foot shift/clutch pattern was bliss. As you released the clutch, your right foot was doing the same movement (coming forward or up). It was great!

Shenandoah down to Blue Ridge Pkwy, pick almost any road off and down from the ridges and you might die laughing from sooo much fun

Silver Metal flake blue with the same silver used as stripes.

Chuck, make it your left arm, you don't need it on the convert 

[LesP]

Found this:
When the classic Commando went out of production in 1975, a battle over the rights to the name ensued. Ultimately UK business man Stuart Garner, who already owned Norton Racing Ltd acquired the rights to the Norton Commando brand
Could be seller's typo or.....

Kenny Dreer (USA) got the name back in order.

Garner got involved in 2008, the sordid story after that including screwing over Spondon is something else.
Hopefully he is making 'number plates now and eating cheese macaroni for three meals a day.

https://www.cycleworld.com/2010/09/09/the-real-commandos-special-feature/

There was a bunch of those Interstates auctioned off some years ago. (Even that Belgium dealer has some shady dealings it seems)
A Silver Interstate had to be the blandish example so why that guy put those bikes (and other brands) in the back room back in the day is anyone's guess.
They sold for silly money all the same and destined to never turn a wheel under motive power most likely.


The 1974 Mk2a 850 being something else. 

[LesP]

The blue bike up the page looks to be a 1971 20M3S 750 Roadster (fuel tank) with Interstate side covers.

[Scout63]

They were using up parts and building bikes in 1977.   The ‘75 on electric start left side shift models are very popular.  I’m partial to right side shift 750s.  Interstate blue was very different than the metal flake Roadster blue.  Interstates had a darker flat blue with silver lettering and stripes. Here it is in the original glass tank and copied on steel:

[Gino]

I am lucky enough to own 6 Commandos, I signed up for the auction when the Belgian bikes were sold. I dipped out at 12k pounds and most ran to 16k plus. Crazy money for very unknown bikes. Guzzi’s are much better value for money

[blackcat]

They were using up parts and building bikes in 1977. 

You could do that today with Andover Norton, though it would be quite expensive.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/distributors/

[Scout63]

You could do that today with Andover Norton, though it would be quite expensive.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/distributors/

It is.  I restored mine using AN parts from Old Britts.  I’m sorry that they are no longer in business but Fred and Ella earned their retirement. Even having the bike the sheer number of fasteners, seals, etc was unbelievable. There are still some parts you can’t get, like tanks, headlight shells, seats.  Tanks are the most problematic.  For all their warts I think a Commando is one of the most rewarding bikes to own and ride.

[blackcat]

Tanks are a problem though Andover does offer metal roadster tanks and some other tanks if I’m not mistaken. I was going to get the headlight shell on mine replated but the one I purchased from Andover is perfect, same with the front fender. I did buy an Indian made aluminum  tank and it weeps some fuel on the bottom, may try some JB Weld or just bring it to the welder.



The Indian tank isn’t a bad copy.



I only put non ethanol in the tank and have had no problems

[moto-uno]

 Strange isn't it , how the drum front brakes look soooo much better than the disc !   Peter

[krglorioso]

Strange about Nortons;  I live in rural Texas, 15 miles to the nearest traffic light. Prior to selling it last year,  I kept my 1974 Norton 850 Commando Interstate in my garage.  Across the road, a neighbor keeps his 1975 Norton Commando Interstate in his garage.  We'd never known about each other's interest in bikes, much less in Nortons, very much less in Interstates.  I can't imagine two Norton Commando Interstates not owned by the same enthusiast parked so close to each other anywhere else! 

[blackcat]

Strange about Nortons;  I live in rural Texas, 15 miles to the nearest traffic light. Prior to selling it last year,  I kept my 1974 Norton 850 Commando Interstate in my garage.  Across the road, a neighbor keeps his 1975 Norton Commando Interstate in his garage.  We'd never known about each other's interest in bikes, much less in Nortons, very much less in Interstates.  I can't imagine two Norton Commando Interstates not owned by the same enthusiast parked so close to each other anywhere else!

Funny.