The Oddball Norton 750 Commando

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The R, S and SS model Norton Commandos (from left to right).
The R, S and SS model Norton Commandos (from left to right).
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The 1969 Norton Commando R and owner Tony Duffett.
The 1969 Norton Commando R and owner Tony Duffett.
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The 1969 Norton Commando S and owner Jim Bush.
The 1969 Norton Commando S and owner Jim Bush.
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The 1971 Norton Commando SS and owner Dave Guthrie.
The 1971 Norton Commando SS and owner Dave Guthrie.
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At first glance the R looks like a Fastback, but a closer look reveals subtle differences like a different seat and no tail fairing. It was available for one year only, 1969.
At first glance the R looks like a Fastback, but a closer look reveals subtle differences like a different seat and no tail fairing. It was available for one year only, 1969.
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Different bikes, same gauges.
Different bikes, same gauges.
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The ultra-rare 1971 Commando SS model is high on style but was a poor seller.
The ultra-rare 1971 Commando SS model is high on style but was a poor seller.
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Fastback — 1968-1973. The first of the line, it’s not the image that comes to mind when folks think of a Norton Commando. Styling was controversial, and U.S. sales petered out after the Roadster was introduced in 1970.
Fastback — 1968-1973. The first of the line, it’s not the image that comes to mind when folks think of a Norton Commando. Styling was controversial, and U.S. sales petered out after the Roadster was introduced in 1970.
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The Norton Commando S performed better in dealer showrooms than the SS, but was only offered for two years, 1969-1970.
The Norton Commando S performed better in dealer showrooms than the SS, but was only offered for two years, 1969-1970.
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Interstate — 1972-1975. A big 6.25gal (24ltr) tank gave the Commando greatly extended range, while a bigger, softer saddle made it easier to ride for hours at a time. Early tanks are fiberglass, later steel.
Interstate — 1972-1975. A big 6.25gal (24ltr) tank gave the Commando greatly extended range, while a bigger, softer saddle made it easier to ride for hours at a time. Early tanks are fiberglass, later steel.
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Roadster — 1970-1975. The best-selling and most recognized of all the Commandos, and for good reason. It’s light, handles great and is easy to ride. Electric start finally added in 1975. Definitely a classic for the ages.
Roadster — 1970-1975. The best-selling and most recognized of all the Commandos, and for good reason. It’s light, handles great and is easy to ride. Electric start finally added in 1975. Definitely a classic for the ages.
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Hi-Rider — 1971-1975. The spiritual opposite to the Interstate, the Hi-Rider had a teeny 2.25gal (8.5ltr) gas tank, high-rise bars, and a backrest with sissy-bar built into the seat. A factory “chopper” for the U.S. market.
Hi-Rider — 1971-1975. The spiritual opposite to the Interstate, the Hi-Rider had a teeny 2.25gal (8.5ltr) gas tank, high-rise bars, and a backrest with sissy-bar built into the seat. A factory “chopper” for the U.S. market.
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John Player Special — 1974-1975. A limited-production model, the JPS featured bodywork designed by Mick Olfield and inspired by the factory racers, which were ridden to victory by Norton rider Peter Williams. It was otherwise stock.
John Player Special — 1974-1975. A limited-production model, the JPS featured bodywork designed by Mick Olfield and inspired by the factory racers, which were ridden to victory by Norton rider Peter Williams. It was otherwise stock.
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Vibe free: With Norton’s Isolastic system the drivetrain is a unit, hung from the frame on rubber bushings at three points.
Vibe free: With Norton’s Isolastic system the drivetrain is a unit, hung from the frame on rubber bushings at three points.
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Norton Interpol — 1972-1975. With police showing interest in the Commando, Norton designed a police-only version. Sold to police forces around the world, the Interpol was never offered to civilians.
Norton Interpol — 1972-1975. With police showing interest in the Commando, Norton designed a police-only version. Sold to police forces around the world, the Interpol was never offered to civilians.

Engine: 745cc overhead valve, two valves per cylinder, air cooled parallel twin/56hp @ 6,500rpm (R model; 60hp @ 6,800rpm)
Bore and stroke: 73mm x 89mm
Compression ratio: 8.9:1
Carburetion: Two 30mm Amal Concentric
Transmission: 4-speed
Electrics: 12v, coil and breaker points
Frame: Twin downtube cradle with Isolastic engine mounts
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shock absorbers, adjustable preload
Front brake: 203mm (8in) twin-leading-shoe drum
Rear brake: 178mm (7in) single-leading-shoe drum
Front tire: 3 x 19in
Rear tire: 3.5 x 19in
Wheelbase: 1,441mm (56.75in)
Weight (dry): 181.5kg (400lb) (approx.)
Seat height: 787.5mm (31in) (SS; 800mm/31.5in)
Fuel capacity: 9.5ltr (2.5gal) (SS; 8.7ltr/2.3gal)
Top speed: 115mph (est.)
MPG:  40-50

If market demand is today’s mother of invention, then opportunity is its midwife. Such was the case with the “R,” “S” and “SS” models of the 750 Commandos.

The late Sixties were a tough time for the British motorcycle industry. Buyouts and mergers were happening left and right, yet despite being the illegitimate child of a shotgun marriage between Associated Motor Cycles and Villiers, the Norton Commando became one of the most successful motorcycles ever produced in Britain.

Best known are the Roadster and Interstate models, built starting in 1971 until production ceased in 1975. But between the first Fastback Commando of 1968 and the final electric-start bikes of 1975, the factory built a number of short-run variants that are now highly collectible.

The R and the S

  • Published on Nov 28, 2007
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