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This custom Norton Commando is a lesson in restraint

When customising an already gorgeous bike, there’s a fine line between improving and ruining. Cleveland-based builders The GasBox has mastered the balancing act, as this subtle yet seductive 1974 Norton Commando proves…

If it ain't broke...

As with any one-off build, it’s the little details that make a big difference. To create the flowing, near-stock lines of this bike, an inch of metal was removed from the rear frame loop and a new steel rear end was fabricated before designing a new seat, which perfectly blends into the stock tank — subtle changes that require an expert eye and hours of work to master. While the 829cc engine is close to stock, the troublesome 1974 electronics have been replaced with a modern ignition and charging system, and the LED lighting has been respectfully integrated to keep the lines clean. By caressing the existing character and aesthetic of a timeless design, The GasBox has created a usable, upgraded, and unique vehicle — a welcome change from the unrecognisable, unrideable custom bikes we so often see.

Photos: Mikey Arnold / The Gas Box

You can find a broad selection of classic and modern motorcycles listed for sale in the Classic Driver Market.