Post-Sale Update: This Combat Commando sold for $12,590 after 42 bids on eBay.
In 1972, Norton offered an optional high spec engine initially just for the Roadster and Interstate – they called it the “Combat.” The British firm advertised an extra 5 horsepower from the Combat engine (and it was paired with a disc brake up front) but there were serious design issues and the engines started failing at an unpleasant rate. As hindsight is 20/20, the main issues of crankcase and bearing design were discovered and rectified by some in the aftermarket. This example has been restored to a claim of “100% perfect, concourse condition” with Superblend bearings – the hope being that you won’t have any engine issues going forward.
For more on what caused the issues with the Combat engine and how they can be addressed, check out Andover Norton. This numbers-matching example (VIN: 210313) has just 3 miles on it since the restoration, as it only leaves the house for shows or to get started periodically. The seller says this bike is perfect and ready to be ridden, though it still needs break-in done. The seller says this bike was at the Vegas auctions in January where it was bid up to $14,500 – now it’s up for sale with no reserve.
Find this Combat Commando for sale in Boise, Idaho with bidding up to $9,000