Norton
850
Commando Interstate Mk3 - 1974
The
last survivor
When Norton was forced to bring out a new line in 1967 to keep
up with the competition, the gathering financial problems of the British
manufacturer forced it to set aside its projects for new power units and use
the existing engine of the 750cc Atlas parallel-twin model.
Rough Ride
This design was long outdated and suffered from terrible
vibration. To solve the problem, Norton's engineers came up with the ingenious
idea of combining engine, transmission, rear fork and wheel as a separate
subassembly on sturdy mountings. The first Commando with an Isolastic frame had
been born.
Well-Earned Success
The Commando enjoyed a well-earned success through its
outstanding road- holding and the torquey responsiveness of its engine, but
Japanese competition was increasing and evolution was necessary. Development
Engineer R.V. Trigg - already responsible for the Isolastic frame - developed a
new 7- gallon tank within three months of the crucial London Show, creating the
new Norton Interstate. Norton had been the sole British builder to show a
profit in 1972 and, in the same year, the company unveiled an 828cc evolution
version of the Commando as well as a 65 hp "Combat" version. The
Commando
Interstate remained in production until 1978. A modified version
appeared in 1975 with an electric starter and the gear selector on the left,
Japanese- style.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Engine: 828cc (77x89mm)
parallel-twin fourstroke
• Power output: 60 hp @
5900 rpm,
• Valves: pushrod-operated overhead
valves
• Fuel system: twin Amal
carburetors
• Transmission four-speed
gearbox; chain final drive
• Suspension: (front)
telescopic forks; (rear) swinging arm
• Brakes: (front) disc; (rear) drum
• Wheels: wire; (front) 19 in; (rear)
19 in
• Weight: 432 lb
• Maximum speed: 125 mph
Shown here in its 1974 Interstate version, the Norton Commando
was the last survivor of an era when British bikes were kings of the road.”
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