For a motorcycle that became the icon from an iconic line, the Norton Commando certainly started with a host of problems. The notoriously rough motor from the soon to be failed Atlas, the old design (Featherbed) frame and a ridiculously small development budget.
Introduced in 1968, the Commando quickly became a raging success. All of the 1968s were what we call the fastback, model 20M3. Complete with a brand new frame design and a unique vibration isolation system the new Commando sported a forward lean to the motor and an ‘edgy’ body line. The Isoclastic powertrain mount worked well if adjusted properly and though the ‘68s had some frame problems the issue was quickly sorted. A memorable model was born.
The 1968 Norton Commando used a 749 CC (40.70 CID) air cooled parallel twin overhead valve motor that produced 55 HP with a 4 speed transmission that gave it a top speed in the neighborhood of 110 MPH. The frame was new for the Commando as was the fiberglass tank and tail section which contributed to the 420 LBS weight.
This particular 1968 Norton Commando (VIN # 126697) is in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas and is listed as “A-1 Complete” and the VIN indicates it is one of the first 600 off the assembly line. The only issue reported is with the tach reading 2x the actual revs. The owner would consider a trade for a 600 CC Norton Dominator of like condition otherwise it carries a Buy It Now price of $9,999