Like many customs FCR Original has found that modern classics are much easier to repair than vintage motorcycles. That’s why they have a custom catalogue for bikes like the BMW R nineT, Triumph Bonneville and Royal Enfield Interceptor, along with a full aftermarket parts store. But every now and then, the French company likes to step outside its comfort zone.
For its latest project, FCR Original couldn’t resist the allure of the legendary Norton CommandoWith a 1975 Commando Mk3 in hand, they set out to build the most beautiful car ever. coffee racing car possible, focusing on visual lightness and handcrafted parts.
A key phase of the project was the complete restoration of the bike underneath. The FCR team went through every inch of the nearly half-century-old machine, restoring or replacing every part to better-than-factory specifications. The rebuild also included a number of upgrades—some using period-correct parts.
Remarkably, the crew spent almost as much time researching each component as they did assembling it. It was a rabbit hole of consulting with seasoned experts, scrutinising specialist catalogues and tapping into their vast network in the UK to find the best course of action for each area of the old Norton.
“Our plan is to build a beautiful object that can roll,” he said. Original of FCR founder, Sébastien Guillemot. “The mechanisms were therefore completely disassembled and reformed—from the crankshaft to the cylinder head, on which the Y-shaped intake manifold was mounted. With a single carburetor, the twin engine appeared even narrower.”
For the Norton Commando’s drivetrain, FCR installed Ceriani forks up front and new shocks at the rear. The wheels are 18” Borrani rims, laced to hubs that FCR custom-built for the bike. ABM brake calipers handle stopping duties.
Although the new Commando’s tank and tail are handcrafted from aluminium, FCR Original used modern techniques to design them. Parts were sketched the old-fashioned way, before being copied using digital design software. Working with 3D renderings of each part, the team was able to perfect every aspect of the design before cutting, shaping and welding everything.
Once the fuel tank and seat assembly were built, FCR polished them rather than painted them. It was an inspired move; the bodywork looks like elegant drops of mercury running across the top of a classic Norton frame.
The polished details match Norton’s refreshed engine case, with black epoxy on the frame and swingarm. “I wanted an authentic cafe racer, crafted with metal and a touch of leather,” adds Sébastien.
“My goal was to highlight the engine, with a black and polished aluminum finish. During the disassembly, I took the opportunity to give it a special look. So we chose to paint the top of the engine black.”
Sébastien also had a very specific design in mind for the Norton’s exhaust. The idea was for the hand-bent stainless steel pipes to exit the cylinder head parallel to each other, plummeting down and ending on the right side of the bike in a pair of stacked mufflers. It took a while to get going, but the crew eventually got it done.
Up top, the original Norton forks have been surfaced and fitted with a custom plate that covers the original lift holes and holds a Motogadget speedometer. The clamps are fitted with new throttle, grips, levers and push-button switches. A small Bates-style headlight sits up front; the LED taillight and turn signals are FCR originals.
Customize an older machine like This Norton Commando Mk3 It’s certainly more work than building a newer bike, but FCR Original has proven the results are worth it. We’re eagerly awaiting their next take on the classic.
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