Built between 1970 and 1972 at the Norton Villiers Performance Center, the Norton Commando Production Racer Replica was a hand-built, limited production racing motorcycle. Each bike was based on a regular Norton Commando, and was commonly referred to as the “Yellow Peril” and included a host of upgrades over the normal variant. 

The upgrades included a hand-assembled and blueprinted engine, individually chosen heads from the stock castings, larger inlet valves with phosphor-bronze valve guides, a 3S racing camshaft, high-compression pistons, and shorter pushrods. Additionally, the chassis were hand-selected from the line and checked for exact dimensions. 

The Commando Production Racer ended up being quite successful winning its first race in 1970 at the Thruxton 500 and even coming close to winning the famed Isle of Man TT in the 750 Production class, had it not been for an unfortunate mishap after running out of fuel. An Italian team, and their rider, Giuliano Ermanno, acquired one of the first completed examples and won the 1970 100 Miglia Di Imola as well. 

The 1972 Norton Commando Production Racer Replica presented here is a numbers-matching example finished in the correct and iconic Yellow with green and black pinstrips coming off a fresh mechanical rebuild and is fully ready to be enjoyed. 

Much of the earlier history of this example is unknown, however we do know the bike was sold in 2022 via an auction in Armada, MI. The bike was originally equipped with the combat engine and the original and correct combat specific head is included in the sale, however the current head on the bike is not, albeit still a correct one. The Norton also features many period-correct upgrades from noteworthy brands such as Dunstall and Hyde. Those upgrades include the  Dunstall body kit, exhausts (Dunstall Decibels), Hyde rear sets, a Boyer Bransden ignition, and Borrani wheels. Additionally, the bike mechanically sorted and prepared for road readiness in 2023 by British motorcycle expert Todd Ethridge, of McBee’s Motorcycles in Eastpointe, MI.   

During the rebuild, they resealed the tank, installed fresh spark plugs, completed a brake service with new pads, new battery, and rebuilt the carbs. Post-reconditioning, on the test drive it was noted that the bike is running fantastic, and that the motor pulls nicely, and is happiest cruising between 60-75mph! Additionally, fresh tires were equipped and have just 50 miles on them as well as a speedometer so the bike could be operated on the road as it didn't have one at the time of purchase due to possibly being a race or track bike. As it sits today, this Norton is turn key and ready to enjoy. 

Included in the sale of this motorcycle is the original, numbers matching head, and service records for work completed.