Norton Commando: The Final Roar of a British Icon

The Norton Commando stands as one of the most important motorcycles in British motorcycling history. Produced between 1967 and 1977, it was the last great machine from the original Norton company before the collapse of the British motorcycle industry. Combining traditional parallel-twin power with groundbreaking engineering, the Commando built a global reputation for performance, handling, and charisma — even as the world rapidly shifted toward Japanese innovation.

Origins and Development

By the mid-1960s, Norton's Featherbed-framed Dominator twins were admired for their handling but considered outdated. Without the resources to develop an all-new engine, Norton’s engineers — led by Dr. Stefan Bauer and Bernard Hooper — reworked the existing 750cc OHV parallel-twin from the Dominator series.

Their key innovation was the Isolastic frame system. Instead of rigidly mounting the engine, they suspended it in the frame using rubber bushings. This allowed the engine to vibrate independently of the frame, dramatically improving rider comfort at speed — though it demanded careful maintenance to preserve handling precision.

The new Commando frame, designed by Bauer, broke from the famous Featherbed layout and gave the bike a lower, more modern profile. Peter Williams styled the original Fastback, creating a slim, aggressive look that complemented the Commando’s lively character.

Launch and Early Models

The first production Commando, the 750 Fastback, launched in late 1967 for the 1968 model year. The 745cc twinproduced around 58 bhp at 6,800 rpm, giving the bike a top speed of approximately 115 mph (185 km/h) — highly competitive for the era.

Several key Commando variants soon followed:

• 750 Fastback (1968–1973): Distinctive "cigar-tail" styling with long rear bodywork.

• 750 S (1969–1970): A stripped-down, off-road-influenced version with high pipes.

• 750 Roadster (1970–1973): Featuring a teardrop tank and more conventional looks, it became the most popular Commando style.

• 750 Production Racer (1970–1972): A lightweight, tuned version aimed at club and production racing.

• 750 Interstate (1972–1973): Designed for touring with a larger fuel tank.

The 850 Commando

In 1973, Norton introduced the 850 Commando to address demands for more torque, better reliability, and improved refinement. The 828cc engine maintained similar peak horsepower but offered a broader powerband and more durable construction. Updates included:

• Improved Isolastic mounts for better handling consistency.

• A front disc brake replacing the earlier drum.

• Strengthened crankcases and internal upgrades.

The final evolution, the 850 Mk3 Commando (1975–1977), added an electric starter (though it was notoriously weak), left-side gearshift (to comply with U.S. regulations), and further reliability improvements.

Achievements and Racing Success

The Commando won Motorcycle News' "Machine of the Year" award five consecutive times (1968–1972), setting a benchmark for British performance motorcycles.

On the racetrack, the Commando made its presence felt in production racing, where riders like Peter Williams and the John Player Norton factory team proved the bike's potential against newer, more powerful competitors.

The Commando’s lively performance, distinctive styling, and surprisingly good touring ability helped it maintain strong sales — particularly in the crucial American market.

End of an Era

Despite the Commando’s successes, Norton — and the British motorcycle industry at large — struggled against Japanese manufacturers like Honda, whose CB750 rewrote expectations for reliability, speed, and refinement.

Norton Villiers Triumph (NVT), created in a last-ditch effort to save Britain’s motorcycle manufacturing, collapsed amid financial struggles, labor disputes, and falling sales. Production of the Commando ended in 1977, closing a remarkable chapter in motorcycling history.

The Commando's Legacy

Today, the Norton Commando is celebrated as a masterpiece of ingenuity, character, and performance. It was the last great British parallel twin of the classic era — a bike that offered visceral speed, aggressive styling, and one of the best riding experiences of its time.

Properly maintained, a Commando remains a thrilling machine even today: fast, raw, and unforgettable. It stands as a tribute to Norton’s engineering creativity and to the spirit of an industry fighting to survive in a rapidly changing world.