1974 JOHN PLAYER NORTON JPN MARK 2A COMMANDO 850cc BRITISH MOTORCYCLE REPLICA

John Player Norton Commando Years produced:1974 Total production:200 (est.) Claimed power:50hp @ 5900rpm Top speed:115mph (est.) Engine type:828cc air-cooled OHVparallel twin Weight (dry):435lb (198kg) Price then:$2995 Price now:$18000-$20000 MPG:40-50

The John Player Norton (quickly abbreviated JPN) was introduced in late 1973 and reached the public in April 1974. Many people think it was put together by the race team but only the production racers were built by the race team not the John Players. In actuality the JPN was either built at Andover in a separate facility or on the main production line at Norton’s Wolverhampton factory.

Most JPNs went to the United States. It’s believed that of the approximately 200 JPNs made 120 were sent to the U.S. All factory JPNs (as opposed to home-built copies) were made in 1974 with the shifter on the right and 30mm intake ports. Tapered manifolds connected the ports to 32mm Amal Concentric carburetors. The front brake was a disc the rear a drum. All factory JPNs had forged aluminum brackets on the back of the fairing. There are some copies floating around but these have welded brackets.

Unfortunately the JPN banked on a collector’s market that did not then exist. To most potential buyers the fairing and twin headlights looked weird instead of fashion forward. Young men looking to lure the fairer sex objected to the lack of a passenger seat while other buyers objected to the price tag. At $2995 — $495 over a standard Commando — it was the most expensive production Commando. JPNs sat on dealership floors. To make matters worse John Player Tobacco quit sponsoring Norton at the end of 1974. And that was the end of the John Player Norton.

This is an excellent example of one of these classic motorcycles- while it is NOT one of the original 200 built- it is an authentic replica of the JPN replicas in that Sprint offered the body pieces as a kit for sale back in that era - this is one of those kits placed on a VERY LOW MILEAGE 1974 Commando - and while the tank underneath the fairing is a standard tank - we do have the extended matte finish tank (which needs to be fitted) and it will accompany the bike - all in all well worth the asking price and much more! Even the kit bikes are Rare as hen's teeth and this one runs like a dream - Just as you see in the photographs. We do have footage of the bike running and can send that to you if requested! Please feel free to ask any questions prior to bidding but I have included just about everything I know about the item in the listing. Will send specific pictures if requested whenever possible. Buyer arranges delivery or pick up - $500 deposit due upon auction close - final payment due within 3 business days of auction completion. Delivery or shipping is extra and to be prearranged by the buyer. Payment must be made in full before transfer of vehicle ownership. Motorcycle is sold "as is" condition with no warranty. Thanks for your interest - - Please look at my other auctions and bid with confidence - RELY on my great feedback. Good Luck! Be sure to add me to your favorite sellers and watch for new items!

Also published at eBay.com