After a successful career in trials, scrambles, and TT racing, Gus Kuhn founded a dealership with his namesake in 1932. His wife fell ill in the 40s, and he took a back seat and let Vincent Davey start taking over the reins. When Norton released the Commando in ’68, Vincent thought it’d be a great model to start a race team. The Gus Kuhn Norton 850 Commando was born – and it led to an extensive customization service at the dealership. In the 70s, export business grew tremendously thanks to tax breaks for exported vehicles, and bikes like this one made it across the Atlantic Ocean.
Gus Kuhn would custom build a Commando to any buyer’s specifications, which means each bike is a little bit different from its bretheren. Common modifications include the fiberglass fairing, chromed oil tanks and battery covers, special clipons, rearsets, and varying power levels as requested. This example features some parts from the Norton Commando Production Racer, as well as a Seeley alloy tank, a Stage 2 engine, upgraded Amal carbs with velocity stacks and air filters, upgraded wheels, and more.
Find this Gus Kuhn Commando for sale in Prescott, Arizona for $20,000 here on Access Norton.