Classic Bikes by Alex Sharkey

Author:Alex Sharkey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Transport
Published: 2021-03-18T00:00:00+00:00

Norton Commando



The Norton Commando origins trace back to the 1940s, when the Model 7 was released. Designed by Bert Hopwood with a capacity of 497cc, this twin-cylinder design evolved into the 650cc Dominator and 750cc Atlas before being launched as the 750cc Commando in 1967. The main improvement with the Commando over its predecessors was the engine and gearbox were isolated from the frame by special rubber mountings.

Introduced at the Earls Court Motor Show held in September 1967, the Norton Commando was the last twin piston-engined motorcycle produced by the Norton Motorcycle Company. From 1968 until 1972 this motorcycle won the Motor Cycle News ‘Machine of the Year’ competition in the United Kingdom and in the 10 years of its production was popular all over the world.

The frame of the Commando was developed by former Rolls-Royce engineer Dr Stefan Bauer, who was considered revolutionary. Designed around a single 57mm top tube, chief engineer Bernard Hooper used special rubber mountings to isolate the frame from the engine, gearbox and swing arm that had been bolted together. The purpose of this was to eliminate the extreme vibration problems apparent in other models in this range by separating the driver from the engine. Hooper was listed as the inventor on this system’s patent document, the system being known as the Isolastic anti-vibration system.

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