Tagged: Commando S

Norton had some troubles in the 70s, changed names and consolidated, then went into liquidation. A new Norton and a New Commando  is said to start production in 2012. The original Commando was and iconic motorcycle for the original Norton.

Offered from 1968 through 1977 the Commando was an evolution for the company in size and shape. First offered in 750cc the Commando grew to 850cc before the end. In the 73x89cm 750cc engine, performance was measured at 60hp with a 9.0:1 compression ration to give a top speed of 105.6 mph

  looks great, and from the description lots of work has been done.

Matching numbers frame and engine. Cyl. Head rebuilt with new valves by Henry’s motorcycles, bored .20 over with new pistons, SKF Bearings, seals and gaskets, tach cable, pressure reducing valve, headers, both carbs rebuilt, new K&N filter, new Boyer Bransden electronic solid state regulator, and new Lucas headlamp and switch. Speedometer rebuilt original mileage was 28331 now reads 352. Frame powder coated black, fresh paint on the tank and side covers with fresh decals. New aluminum wheels with stainless steel spokes and new Dunlop Roadmaster tires. Seat cover replaced with new Norton Cover. Every part on this bike has been refinished or replaced

Norton Commando’s came in Hi Rider, Interstate, Roadsters,  John Player Replica and the S. It looks like the S might have had high exhaust pipes when first offered, giving a street fighter or traker look that may not appeal to all classic owners.

The engine for the Commando was joined to the frame in a new Isolastic system that separated the engine from the rider and frame with rubber bumpers. Designed by a team of Bauer, Hopper and Triggs this design was a huge departure from a frame that had been coveted as the best handling frame for decades.

This example is very neat and clean. Has it spent its time inside? Who knows? The Commando is one of those bikes that everyone should own for a little while. It shows what the a British bike was, both good and bad, before the end of the British motorcycle industry. BB