Oddball Norton Commandos
(Page 2 of 6)
January/February 2008
By Robert Smith
The fiberglass bodywork and general styling of the original Fastback Commando, while distinctive and racy looking, was somewhat unconventional, and wasn’t as popular as the Norton folks had hoped. So to boost sales for 1969, two new models were introduced: The Commando “R” and “S.”
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The more conservative R model was in essence a transition model from the Fastback to the Roadster. It used up the remaining 20M3 engines, with the side-mounted oil tank and sausage-shaped mufflers from the Fastback, but was fitted with a stylish new fiberglass gas tank and a conventional dual seat. All R’s had gray side panels regardless of gas tank color.
The S, however, made a radical styling statement. Its 5in headlight wore a chrome “halo” attached to a special upper steering yoke, and side panels, color-keyed to the metalflake-painted fiberglass gas tank (the same tank as the R model and later Roadster), covered a central oil tank. Gone were the sensible shrouds and gaiters from the front forks, exposing slender chrome fork tubes with token dust excluders. Chrome exhaust headers wove around the frame downtubes, exiting on the left and sweeping along the side of the bike, with chrome heat shields adding a finishing touch. Chrome also anointed the fenders, rear damper shrouds, chain guard and seat trim. Gaudy, maybe — but subtle it was not.
The R model ended with the final closure of the Plumstead factory in 1969, but the S model lasted into 1970.
The SS
For 1971, the Commando range expanded to six models: The Fastback, as before, but now with the 20M3S engine and upswept exhaust; the Fastback LR (a Fastback with a larger “Long Range” gas tank); the Roadster (essentially the S model with low pipes); the Production Racer, a full-fairing version of the new Roadster; the chopper-esque Hi-Rider designed with the American market in mind; and for three months only, the Street Scrambler SS.
I’ve met Norton collectors who have never seen an SS. None of the standard reference works carry any photographs, and details are sketchy. Perhaps trying to emulate the earlier success of AMC-Norton’s P10 desert sled, the SS was right on styling, but way too heavy for serious off-road work. It combined the basic Commando engine and cycle parts with a new, smaller “peanut” fiberglass gas tank, abbreviated dual seat, sprung front fender, smaller headlight and braced motocross handlebars. An elegantly curved waist-level exhaust pipe ran along each side of the bike, terminating in a “peashooter” muffler.
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