NORTON 850 COMMANDO INTERSTATE- 1974
Shown here in its 1974 Interstate version, the Norton Commando
was
the last survivior of an era when British bikes were kings of the
road.
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This design was long outdated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 four stroke
Power
Output 60hp @5900rpm
Valves pushrod operated
overhead valves
Fuel System twin Amal
Carburetors
Transmission four speed gearbox, chain
finial drive.
Brakes (front) disc; (rear)
drum
Weight 432 lb
Maximum
Speed 125 mph