Norton Knowledge

Norton Knowledge

Before joining the Commando squad, read this...

HISTORY: The Norton Commando, arguably the world’s first superbike, now more frequently cited as the “most practical British Twin for regular use,” was Norton’s first commercial success in North America. More than 80 percent of the 57,000 produced between 1968 and 1975 were sold here. On the market in the spring of ’68, the Commando was named “Motorcycle of the Year” in

Britain, while Americans reveled in its quarter-mile times-low 13s and mid-12s occasionally-and 115-mph-plus top speed. One test claimed the Norton sufficiently strong enough to “rip the bars from the grasp of the rider.” Such comments made the Commando “King of the Hill” for a long enough time to establish its place in the hearts and minds of young riders back then who now, grown up, are its mostly middle-aged fans.

MECHANICALS: First in 750cc form, then as an 850 in 1973, the Norton made horsepower in the 50-60 range, with great gobs of torque at relatively low rpm. Like any parallelTwin, it shook, but Norton mounted the motor and (separate) transmission at three points in a patented “Isolastic” system, which allowed it to move about below 2000 rpm, but isolated higher engine-speed vibration from the rider. Other improvements included perhaps the best clutch in any “classic bike,” a new triplex-chain primary drive in a two-piece alloy (no leak) case, a coil ignition, etc. Even the purists had to admit that the Commando handled pretty well, albeit differently

than the fabled Featherbed models, when the hot-rodded 1972 Production Racer versions and their successors started winning Formula 750 events in Britain and elsewhere.

FLAWS/FIXES: The first 3000 or so Commandos had frames that broke, easily and dangerously, at the steering head before being replaced with an upgraded version. Main bearings-particularly in 1972 Combat-engined versions-could quickly grenade and rarely lasted more than a few thousand miles; any Norton likely to be on the road today has long had them replaced with “Superblends,” barrel-shaped, largely bullet-

proof bearings. Over the course of seven years’ production there were in excess of 60 modifications, all of which made the Commando into a fast, dependable highway cruiser on which you could (can) enjoy the twisties. Other recommended improvements include Boyer-Bransden electronic ignition; Mikuni carbs or sleeved Amals; vernier-adjustable Isolastic mounts as on the 1975 models; a box-section head-steady as on 1973-75 models; and a roller bearing for the layshaft. These upgrades (and others) are fully described in the United States Norton Owners Association technical manual.

MODELS: Nortons came in six different flavors. Fastback models, with integrated seat/tailsections, were produced through 1973, but were never as popular as the Roadsters, which were introduced as low-pipe S models as early as 1969 and continued through 1975. Two short-lived 750cc variations were a high-pipe S in 1970 with two exhausts and an ineffectual heat guard exiting on the left, and the 1971 SS, a 400-plus-pound off-roader (!) with a mini, 2.3-gallon tank, high pipes, and motocross fenders and handlebars. So-called Hi-Riders (1971-74), maybe the first factory customs, are very rare because owners got tired of being laughed at and soon got rid of the apehangers and banana-like seat with sissybar. The Interstate (1971-75), with its 6-gallon tank, is the most practical Norton for the long haul-and pretty, to boot.

PRICES: Normal price range for a standard Commando Roadster from which you should expect to get at least a year’s worth of relatively trouble-free, if maintenance-intensive, weekends extends from about $2500 to $4500, and begins at the latter level for various authentic “specials” (Dunstalls, etc.). More or less complete but non-running bikes can usually be found for around $1500. Authenticity is generally held in less esteem than ridability by most owners, as nearly all Commandos have been modified to suit both styling tastes and riding styles.

MORE INFO: The USNOA (770/964-4951) has about 2600 current members. Brian Slark, formerly

with Norton in Britain and the U.S., and the club’s technical adviser, believes that 3000 Commandos are still regularly ridden here, though other estimates range as high as 8000, with perhaps an equivalent number in Britain, Australia, etc., after years of repatriation. Keeping one on the road is easy. All consumable parts are still being made and there’s a willing network of owners, shops, parts distributors and specialists for various fixes and upgrades regularly advertised in USNOA’s Norton News and more than 30 local chapter newsletters.

-Bill Bibbiani