Norton Commando Classic Motorcycle

For lovers of classic motorcycle, the Norton Commando can be categorized as a motorcycle dream in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Asked why? Because this bike is a combination of performance and excellent engine torque, accompanied by a steady handling. Selection of the right chassis, minimizes resonance that often occurs in British parallel twin engine.

Norton Commando was launched in 1968, and brought the 745cc water cooled engine 4 valves parallel twin. With this engine power can be generated to achieve 58HP at 6800RPM. Which makes it special is the chassis, use the 'isolastic' system uses rubber (rubber mounting) to minimize vibration. This system is designed by a former engineer of Rolls-Royce, Dr.. Stefan Bauer. 4 speed transmission with chain drive. Using a steel chassis with twin downtube spin. The front suspension used telescopic fork, while still using a twin-shock rear. Front and rear brakes use drums. Weight of this bike is 191 kg and a top speed this bike can reach 185 km / h. Tank capacity 13.5 liters.

Norton Commando was also crowned by the Motor Cycle News as a Machine of the Year for 5 consecutive years. This is due to the motor is tested to drive as far as 3200 km, and is still excellent and do not vibrate the whole way. Norton Company and eventually went bankrupt in 1977 and discontinued production, caused by the financial crisis. Anyway, for lovers of classic Norton Commando motorcycle is worth considering.

History Norton Motorcycles Company

Norton motorcycles are coming from Birmingham, was founded in 1898 as a manufacturer. In 1902, they had begun manufacturing motorcycles with bought-in engine. In 1908, Norton-built engine was added to the range. This began a long series of single motorcycle production and finally twin-cylinder, and a long history of racing involvement.

As major shareholders began to leave Norton in 1953, the company declined and the Association of Motor buy stocks. Although sales of motorcycles go. Through the recession in the 1950s, and Norton Motors Ltd only small producers, Norton growing sales. A series of 500cc Norton Dominator Twins, and then 600cc and 650cc and 750cc Norton Atlas continued buoyant sales, especially with sales to the United States.

The Story of Norton Motorcycles

Glad to see Norton Motorcycles back to the bike news and building again, even though the new company the early signs are good with great reviews from the motorcycle press. Norton motorcycle, long may they reign in whatever form they take, now and in the future. I am sure the new owner Mr. Stuart Garner marque will take a new company from strength to strength and I know all of our Norton fans really look forward to new models.

James Lansdowne Norton, the father of the company, began the story in 1898 with a factory that made cycle chains in Birmingham, UK, but by 1902 he was importing engines from Switzerland and France to create his own motorcycles, and success followed quickly with a Norton ridden by Rem Fowler winning the twin-cylinder class at the first Isle of Man TT race. Norton motorcycles built their own side-valve, single engine in 1908, which served them well until the 1950's.

However, after a solid start, the business saw a downturn and faced extinction, only to be saved by R.T.Shelley & Company who created Norton motorcycles. Norton had been buying Sturmey Archer gearboxes and clutches, but when the company discontinued production in 1934, Norton purchased the design rights and asked Burman, a gearbox manufacturing company, to pick up the reins.

After the Second World War, Norton needed to pick up production, so began introducing more models, with the Norton Dominator 500 appearing in 1949. In that premier World Championship year, Norton only managed fifth place. In 1950, the McCandless brothers of Belfast developed the 'Featherbed' frame, which shot Norton back to the top again. In 1972 BSA was also struggling, and in order to secure government help, was forced to merge with Norton-Villiers to form the Norton-Villiers-Triumph company. Thus the history of norton motorcycles.