The Norton Commando 850 was a very popular 1960s and 70s model. It was sold as both the “Interstate” with a larger touring tank, and as the “Roadster” with a smaller sport tank. The Norton Commando has an 828cc air-cooled twin engine with a 4-speed transmission. It was the last twin-piston engine motorcycle produced by the Norton-Villiers motorcycle company. The revolutionary part of the Commando, compared to earlier Norton models, was the frame developed by engineer Stefan Bauer. The engine, gearbox and swing-arm assembly were isolated from the frame by special rubber mountings. This eliminated vibration problems. Posters below are from circa 1970.
Norton Commando advertising from Germany, England and the US.
