1972 Norton Commando 750 Combat – Gino Sassaroli Florence tuning – looking for history

simon b said:

Thank you for the detailed advice!

I have already ordered an ultrasonic cleaner and the appropriate cleaning solution to clean the carburettors thoroughly again. Hopefully that will solve the problem with the cold cylinder.

The valve lash has already been checked and adjusted correctly.

I have also already purchased a new cam nose seal which is ready to install together with the TriSpark electronic ignition that I have just ordered.

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simon b said:

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired a 1972 Norton Commando 750 Combat Roadster with a fascinating and mysterious history, and I am hoping someone in this community might help me uncover more about it.

The bike:
• First registered 29 May 1972 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland
• Currently 45,000 km (35,000 km documented on official Swiss import form from 1985)
• Re-imported to Switzerland in 1985 via Motorcycle Gilg, Zürich
• Conserved in original unrestored condition since approximately 1991

The Sassaroli connection:
Two engine covers are engraved with:
• „Gino Sassaroli – Five Speed” on the gearbox cover
• „Gino Sassaroli – Norton Tuning Florence” on the primary cover

Tuning modifications present on the bike:
• 5-speed gearbox conversion, signed by Sassaroli
• Borrani Record RM 01 4403 aluminium rims, Made in Italy
• Amal 932 carburettors, 32mm
• Port polishing on cylinder inlet to 32mm
• Minolta bottle used as catch tank
• Open short air filters
• Italian Stebel air horn with separate compressor

What I know about Sassaroli:
From Italian forums and Instagram I have found that Gino Sassaroli was a legendary Norton tuner and street racer from Florence. In March 2025, Boxer Art Firenze (Instagram: boxer_art_firenze) posted a photo with Sassaroli himself, confirming he built a Norton PR Special in 1974 together with Silvio Fabbretti in collaboration with the Norton racing department. Italian enthusiasts describe him as „mitico Sassaroli” and „Meccanico D.O.C.G” – the highest possible compliment in Italian craftsmanship culture.

My questions:
• Does anyone know Gino Sassaroli or his work in Florence?
• Has anyone seen this bike before, or know of its racing history?
• Who might have been the original Swiss owner who brought this bike to Florence for tuning?
• Did this bike ever race – in Italy or Switzerland?
• Does anyone know Motorcycle Gilg from Zürich and their possible connection to Italian Norton tuners?

I should mention that I am completely new to the Norton world and have only been discovering this fascinating scene for a few months. Any advice, corrections or additional information from more experienced members is very welcome.

Thank you very much.

Click to expand...

simon b said:

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired a 1972 Norton Commando 750 Combat Roadster with a fascinating and mysterious history, and I am hoping someone in this community might help me uncover more about it.

The bike:
• First registered 29 May 1972 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland
• Currently 45,000 km (35,000 km documented on official Swiss import form from 1985)
• Re-imported to Switzerland in 1985 via Motorcycle Gilg, Zürich
• Conserved in original unrestored condition since approximately 1991

The Sassaroli connection:
Two engine covers are engraved with:
• „Gino Sassaroli – Five Speed” on the gearbox cover
• „Gino Sassaroli – Norton Tuning Florence” on the primary cover

Tuning modifications present on the bike:
• 5-speed gearbox conversion, signed by Sassaroli
• Borrani Record RM 01 4403 aluminium rims, Made in Italy
• Amal 932 carburettors, 32mm
• Port polishing on cylinder inlet to 32mm
• Minolta bottle used as catch tank
• Open short air filters
• Italian Stebel air horn with separate compressor

What I know about Sassaroli:
From Italian forums and Instagram I have found that Gino Sassaroli was a legendary Norton tuner and street racer from Florence. In March 2025, Boxer Art Firenze (Instagram: boxer_art_firenze) posted a photo with Sassaroli himself, confirming he built a Norton PR Special in 1974 together with Silvio Fabbretti in collaboration with the Norton racing department. Italian enthusiasts describe him as „mitico Sassaroli” and „Meccanico D.O.C.G” – the highest possible compliment in Italian craftsmanship culture.

My questions:
• Does anyone know Gino Sassaroli or his work in Florence?
• Has anyone seen this bike before, or know of its racing history?
• Who might have been the original Swiss owner who brought this bike to Florence for tuning?
• Did this bike ever race – in Italy or Switzerland?
• Does anyone know Motorcycle Gilg from Zürich and their possible connection to Italian Norton tuners?

I should mention that I am completely new to the Norton world and have only been discovering this fascinating scene for a few months. Any advice, corrections or additional information from more experienced members is very welcome.

Thank you very much.

Click to expand...