Like many custom workshops, FCR Original has cottoned on to the fact that modern classics are much less hassle to work on than vintage motorcycles. That’s why they have a catalog of build-to-order templates for bikes like the BMW R nineT, Triumph Bonneville, and Royal Enfield Interceptor, along with a shop full of aftermarket parts. But the French outfit likes to step outside of their comfort zone now and again.
For their latest project, FCR Original couldn’t resist the allure of the legendary Norton Commando. With a 1975-model Commando Mk3 in hand, they set out to build the sleekest café racer possible, with an emphasis on visual lightness and handcrafted parts.

A crucial phase of the project was the complete restoration of the underlying bike. FCR’s team went through every inch of the almost half-century-old machine, restoring or replacing each part to better-than-factory spec. The rebuild included a number of upgrades too?some using period correct parts. It’s worth noting that the crew spent almost as much time researching each part that they did fitting it. It was a rabbit hole of consulting seasoned experts, perusing specialist catalogs, and tapping into their extensive network in the UK to figure out the best course of action for each area of the old Norton.

?Our plan was to build a beautiful object capable of rolling,? says FCR Original’s founder, Sébastien Guillemot. ?The mechanics were therefore dismantled and completely renova...