TWO motorcycles which battled it out in the sales charts throughout the early 1970s are going head to head once again - this time in the auction room.

A Norton and a Honda are included in the Charterhouse specialist auction of classic can vintage motorcycles in June at the Haynes International Motor Museum.

“The market for classic motorcycles continues to get stronger, with interest particularly in motorcycles from the 1970s,” said George Beale.

“It will be quite interesting to see if the Norton Commando 750 or the Honda CB750K1 will sell for the most money at the auction as they were quite comparable bikes back in the day.”

For many, the mention of a Norton stirs happy memories, but with many favouring the Japanese bikes, such as Honda from the 1970s, when they started to gain in popularity quickly and to dominate the home market.

Each motorcycle comes to auction in super condition having been restored to original specification.

The Norton Commando rolled off the production line in 1973 and was good for 115mph while the Honda, a CB750K1 produced in 1971, had a top speed of 125mph.

Somerset County Gazette: One of the lots in a Charterhouse motorcycle auction
BATTLE OF THE BIKES: The 1973 Norton Commando 750

Both the Norton and the Honda are estimated to sell for around £9,000 when they go under the Charterhouse hammer at their auction being held at The Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of classic and vintage motorcycles on Wednesday, June 30.

George Beale and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for entries at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277 or via www.charterhouse-bikes.com.