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Memorable Motorcycles - Norton Commando Photo Gallery
Memorable Motorcycles - Norton Commando - The Commando has a long and mixed history. From day one of its launch at the Earls Court show of 1967, it was an outdated compromise. Check out the full story in
Memorable Motorcycles: 1979 Norton Commando
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Often bike models at the end of their production life are excellent machines representing the pinnacle of that design's development and refinement. However, none of that logic applies to the Norton Commando.
When the Commando debuted in 1967 the engine was already old, by the time it powered the Interstate it was ancient.
The Commando Interstate's 828cc powerplant was a bored-out version of the 497cc engine designed by Bert Hopwood way back in 1948.
Even though there was an electric start, an Interstate owner would grow to be very familiar with the kicker anyway.
The Norton Commando Interstate's control panel features an analog speedo and tach.
The Norton Commando Interstate's control panel features an analog speedo and tach.
The Commando Interstate had and electric start but the in-house joke at Norton was that the starter provided 'electrical assistance.'
At the heart of all Commandos is a big, very old fashioned, air-cooled, push-rod Twin.
As with the gearbox, the Commando Interstate made an impressive leap backwards with its horrid brakes, which were abysmal and required a lot of effort at the lever.
The left-hand gearshift on the Commando Interstate destroyed the buttery feel of the original, marring one of the antiquated designs bright spots.
The Norton Interstate results in a very mid-'70s Harley-Davidson boulevard cruising style.
The Commando Interstate's back end.
The Norton name inspires loyalty in many riders the world over, but the last Commandos were not great machines.
Norton has always maintained a loyal following in America and an attempt to resurrect the brand is still in the works. For now riders will have to be content with the vintage pickings.
With the gearshift on the left, the feel of the Commando's orginal was destroyed.
