Dave's Classics: Norton Commando

Introduced at the 1967 Earls Court Show, the Norton Commando became one of Britain’s defining superbikes. Its innovative Isolastic system mounted the engine, gearbox and swinging arm on rubber bushes, greatly reducing the vibration reaching the rider.

The 850 Mk II arrived for 1974, powered by an air-cooled 828cc overhead-valve parallel twin with a 77mm X 89mm bore and stroke and 9:1 compression ratio. Fed by twin 32mm Amal carburettors, Norton claimed 60bhp @ 6,200rpm and 49lb-ft of torque. It had a diaphragm clutch, four-speed right-foot-gear change and chain final drive.

Weighing 188kg dry, the Mk II had a 57-inch wheelbase, Roadholder telescopic forks, twin rear dampers, 19-inch wheels, a 10-inch hydraulic front disc and seven-inch rear drum. Depending upon gearing and specification, it was capable of around 115–120mph.

The final Mk III arrived in 1975 with electric starting, rear disc brake and left-foot gear change. Commando production continued until 1977, with a small number of machines assembled in 1978.