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The 1970 Norton Commando 750S stood out with its elevated exhaust pipes wrapped in perforated heat shields. View additional images of this iconic motorcycle.The 1970 Norton Commando 750S was the British brand's ambitious attempt at creating a sport bike capable of rivaling Japanese competitors. Though it performed well, it wasn’t quite enough to outshine its rivals.
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Norton, one of the pioneers in the British motorcycle industry, began as early as 1902 with a machine that resembled a bicycle with an engine. It later expanded its offerings with larger bikes, many powered by engines sourced from Peugeot of France.
The Norton brand has a rich racing heritage, having secured its first victory in 1907. Over the years, a wide variety of motorcycles emerged: large, small, two-stroke, four-stroke, some powered by Norton engines, others by third-party units.
By the 1920s, most Norton motorcycles were powered by powerful four-stroke singles built by the company itself, and their success on the racing circuit continued.
It wasn’t until after World War II that Norton expanded into vertical twin engines. The first of these was the Dominator, featuring a 500-cc overhead-valve twin that would serve as the foundation for Norton's larger bikes for years.
In 1953, facing financial struggles, Norton became part of Associated Motor Cycles (AMC), joining forces with AJS and Matchless.
Two years later, Norton motorcycles were introduced to the U.S. market, where its 500-, 650-, and later 750-cc twins earned a strong reputation for their power and handling.
In a bid to win back customers who had turned to other brands, Norton introduced the Norton Commando motorcycle in 1968.
The Commando's Isolastic System was developed by combining a durable frame, a 750-cc vertical-twin engine, and rubber mounting points. This system was designed to minimize vibrations, with hopes of giving Norton an edge over the rising competition from Japan.
Beyond the Isolastic System, much of the Commando’s components were similar to other Norton motorcycles. For example, the front end featured lengthened Roadholder forks and eight-inch, twin-leading-shoe brakes.
At the rear, Girling shocks were adjustable across three settings, allowing for optimal comfort and handling. The reliable vertical-twin engine utilized aluminum for key components like the cylinder heads, push rods, and connecting rods.
The Norton Commando came in various configurations throughout its production, with the “S” model debuting in 1969. Its unique high-mounted exhaust pipes with heat shields set the 750S apart from other models in the Commando lineup.
More importantly, the 'S' in the model name stood for Sport, and magazine reviews were full of praise for the improved performance. Despite its top speed of 125 mph, the Norton Commando 750S faded into obscurity by the end of the 1970 model year, even though the Commando series continued into the mid-1970s.
Keep reading to discover more images and detailed information about the 1970 Norton Commando 750S motorcycle.
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1970 Norton Commando 750S Pictures
A beautiful and powerful machine, the 1970 Norton Commando 750S earned glowing reviews for its impressive performance.The 1970 Norton Commando 750S used Norton’s signature Isolastic System to eliminate engine vibrations, paired with a 750-cc vertical twin that could reach 125 mph.
A classic set of gauges, with the tachometer redlining at 7000 rpm.
The 'S' signified 'sport,' and the chromed, perforated exhaust heat shields were both a practical feature and a signature styling element.For more fascinating motorcycle articles and images, explore the following:
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