1972 Norton 750 Commando Mark IV ‘Fight’
With Phil Aynsley
Norton Commando was introduced in 1967 to replace the company’s 750 Atlas.
It was originally intended to have an all-new 800 cc DOHC tandem engine but that engine was dropped, as well as a cheaper redesign.
In the end, a modified Atlas engine was used, with the biggest visual difference being the forward-leaning cylinders.
Design consultant Wolff Ohlins came up with the idea of a fiberglass fuel tank/saddle and ex-Rolls Royce engineer Dr. Stefan Bauer (who was involved in the 800 cc engine) produced a frame new rubber mount for engine.
Then the company’s Chief Engineer, Bernard Hooper, had to modify the frame and thus the company’s “Isolastic” framework was born.
The original Commando was renamed the Fastback in 1969 and evolved into the Mark V in 1973. The bike seen here is a 1972 Mark IV.
It has a “Fight” engine that proves to be a bit problematic in terms of reliability, despite delivering 65hp at 6500rpm.
Other 750 cc Commando models include the ‘R’, ‘S’, Interpol, Roadster, ‘SS’, Hi Rider and Interstate police versions.
850 cc models were also developed with the last Commando produced in 1977.
Specifications of Norton 750 Commando
| Specifications of Norton 750 Commando | |
| Engine | Air-cooled, parallel four-stroke, OHV push rod, two valves per cylinder |
| Capacity | 745cc |
| Diameter x stroke of piston | 73x89mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Instruct | Dual Amal 30 mm concentric carburetors |
| Maximum capacity | 65 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| gear | four speeds |
| Front suspension | telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Dual rear shock absorbers, five-way preload adjustment |
| brake | Front disc brake, rear drum brake |
| Tire | 4.10 x 19in F/R |
| Weight | 203 kg dry |
