Everyone knows (and pretty much loves) the Norton Commando 850 Mk. 3 – but here’s one that has a.) my favorite paint scheme and b.) a little bit of fame, thanks to the fact that it was the featured bike on the cover of the Clymer Commando repair guide:
1973 Triumph Hurricane
The Triumph Hurricane X-75 represented a paradigm shift in motorcycling manufacturing, as it was the world’s first factory custom motorcycle. The brainchild of Craig Vetter (well known as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer of custom motorcycle fairings) and Don Brown (General Manager of BSA), the Hurricane was created when Brown called Vetter up on a secret project to create a …
1,723 Miles – 1971 BSA Lightning A65
Personally, I prefer the looks of the older Lightning, but it’s hard to argue with the condition of this oil-in-frame BSA Lightning A65.
1948 BSA YB34
I’ve never heard of this bike before, but the seller claims it’s a rare competition version of BSA’s 500cc single. This bike exposes my lack of BSA knowledge – I’m familiar with the ’48 YB32 Gold Star, and the ZB34 Gold Star which came about a year later – but a YB34 is not something I know anything about. Quick …
Converted to Street – 1970 BSA Victor
In the early 60’s, BSA’s race team was developing a large single in the hopes of winning the 500cc world motocross championship. A 441cc engine ended up being the ticket, which helped BSA capture the 500cc championship in ’64 and ’65. The following year, the company released the BSA Victor 441 Special to the public. “The 441 single is a …
Desert Racer – 1970 Trackmaster Norton Commando 750
Post-Listing Update: This crazy Commando got no action on eBay. Is this the coolest Norton Commando I’ve ever seen? Maybe. Maybe not. But it sure is one of the most unique. This Commando has a beautiful nickel finish Trackmaster oil-in-frame to turn it into a desert racer that will make you stand out.
Ending Soon – 2006 Triumph Scrambler Custom
Launched in 2006, the Triumph Scrambler 900 was the last bike designed by John Mockett, responsible for most of Triumph’s bikes starting all the way back in 1989. Mockett liked modular design plans, which is why the Scrambler is basically a Bonneville with a few off-road tweaks. Here’s a Triumph Scrambler that’s had a lot of further work done to …
1966 BSA Lightning 650
Post Sale Update: After being relisted multiple times, this Lightning sold for $3,500 on eBay. The BSA Lightning 650 was the British firm’s attempt at an all-around streetbike, slotting between the Spitfire and Thunderbolt. At the time, it was one of the fastest motorcycles available – able to top hit 108 miles per hour, and it’s one of the lasting …
1964 Velocette Venom Clubman Veeline
Post Sale Update: This Veeline sold for $11,100 after 25 bids on eBay. The Venom is already a cool bike. But when you get the full Velocette Venom Clubman Veeline spec, with the beautiful fairing, it’s just a whole ‘nother level of fascinating.
Dunstall Racer – 1972 Norton 750 Commando
Post Listing Update: This Commando did not meet reserve at $8,100. 10-8 Update: This Norton is back up for sale with bidding up to $7,000 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. This Norton Commando has been customized with a Dunstall kit, and in the process it has turned into something that actually reminds me of the Production …
1974 Vincent Egli Black Shadow
Post-Listing Update: This Vincent Egli Black Shadow did not meet reserve with 36 bids up to $44,100. The Vincent Egli Black Shadow is a combination of two amazing things – the 1000cc engine and pedigree of the Vincent Black Shadow with a classic Egli nickel plated chassis. Feel free to drool.
2014 Norton 961 SF
Post Listing Update: This SF did not meet reserve despite 27 bids up to $22,001.98. The rebirth of the Norton Commando now comes in 3 different models – the Cafe Racer, the Sport, and this – the Norton Commando 961 SF. There was also a limited production Special Edition that I’ve featured previously.
Bucephalus – 1966 Triumph Bonneville Custom
Post-Listing Update: Bucephalus was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. It’s unfair to even call this a Bonneville – think of it as an unique, high-tech frame with a vintage Bonnie engine.
1956 James Captain
The James Cycle Company was a British firm that had a 70 year run that abruptly ended in 1966 when Japanese imports started to dominate the market. Until then, they produced plenty of bikes (most of which were painted maroon) with Villiers and AMC engines. One of their more popular models was the James Captain you see before you.
1969 BSA 441 Victor
In the early 60’s, BSA’s race team was developing a large single in the hopes of winning the 500cc world motocross championship. A 441cc engine ended up being the ticket, which helped BSA capture the 500cc championship in ’64 and ’65. The following year, the company released the BSA 441 Victor Special to the public.