Model Variant:
Commando 750 / 850 (Fastback, Roadster, Interstate, MkI-MkIII)
Production Years Covered:
1968-1977
Vehicle Type:
Parallel-twin standard motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders, restorers, and DIY mechanics maintaining the Norton Commando
Model Positioning:
British performance standard of the late 1960s and 1970s
Isolastic Frame:
Rubber-damped engine mounting system reducing twin-cylinder vibration
Engine:
Air-cooled 750cc then 850cc parallel twin
Competitive Advantage:
Smoother running than comparable British twins; strong torque and classic styling
Manual Type:
Full service and repair workshop manual
Page Count:
Complete factory-level content, full version
Delivery Method:
Instant high speed download
Compatibility:
All versions of Windows, Mac and Linux
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine:
Complete teardown, inspection, rebuild of cylinder head, barrels, pistons, crankshaft
Fuel System:
Amal carburetor strip, cleaning, tuning and jetting
Ignition System:
Points timing, coil testing, advance mechanism service
Charging System:
Lucas alternator, rectifier, zener diode and battery testing
Transmission:
4-speed gearbox disassembly, gear cluster, selector mechanism rebuild
Primary Drive:
Primary chain, clutch inspection and adjustment
Isolastic System:
Isolastic mount shim adjustment and maintenance
Frame and Suspension:
Frame inspection, forks, rear damper units, swinging arm
Wheels and Brakes:
Drum and disc brake service, wheel bearing replacement, spoking
Wiring:
Full wiring diagrams for 750 and 850 models
Routine Maintenance:
Service schedules, adjustments, lubrication points
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values for major fasteners
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based fault diagnosis for engine, electrical, driveline
Special Tools:
Required and alternative tools listed per procedure
Depth Level:
Complete teardown and rebuild instructions to factory workshop standard
Exploded Views:
Detailed part diagrams and illustrations throughout
Specifications Tables:
Clearance, wear limit and tuning data included
Parts Diagrams:
Exploded views with factory part references
Interchange Data:
Differences between 750, 850, and MkI/MkII/MkIII variants noted
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
Air-cooled OHV parallel twin, 745cc (1968-1973)
Later Engine:
850cc version introduced 1973
Power Output:
Approximately 65 bhp (750cc version)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 9.0:1
Carburetors:
Twin Amal Concentric carburetors
Fuel Supply:
Gravity-fed tank, twin Amal carburetors
Fuel Grade:
Premium leaded fuel of the era; modern equivalents discussed
Standard Transmission:
4-speed constant-mesh gearbox with right-foot shift
Optional Transmission:
Left-side gear change conversion (RGM type) available
Primary Drive:
Chain-driven primary, multi-plate clutch in oil bath
Final Drive:
Chain final drive
Gearbox Service:
Full overhaul and selector adjustment procedures covered
Brakes:
8-inch twin-leading-shoe front drum; front disc brake standard on later 850 models
Lighting:
Lucas 12-volt lighting and signaling system
Frame Design:
Isolastic rubber-damped frame reducing rider fatigue
Era Equipment:
Era-standard equipment only; no modern rider aids
Crash Test Information:
N/A - crash testing not performed in this era
Audio System:
N/A - no factory audio equipment on this model
Electrical / Driver Assistance
Electrical System:
12-volt Lucas system with alternator and battery
Instrumentation:
Speedometer and tachometer; ammeter and warning lights on later models
Driver Assistance:
N/A - not applicable to this era
Routine Service:
Chain, points, and carburetor checks at regular mileage intervals per schedule
Oil Changes:
Engine and primary chaincase oil changes at specified intervals
Valve Clearance:
Periodic tappet adjustment per factory schedule
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 multigrade recommended for modern use
Primary Chaincase:
Engine oil per factory specification
Gearbox Oil:
EP 80/90 gear oil per factory specification
Fork Oil:
SAE 20 fork oil, quantity per model specified
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Isolastic Mounts:
Rubber components wear; shim adjustment and rebuild covered
Electrical:
Lucas charging system and wiring faults common; full diagnostics included
Main Bearings:
Crankshaft main bearing wear known; rebuild procedure detailed
Carburetors:
Amal carburetor wear and jetting procedures included
Manufacturer:
Norton Motors Ltd., England
Heritage:
Founded 1898; renowned for racing success including Isle of Man TT victories
Introduction:
Commando launched in 1968 with Isolastic frame
Growth:
Displacement increased to 750cc then 850cc in 1973
Final Mark:
MkIII with electric start and left-side shift produced through 1977
Production Country:
United Kingdom (Wolverhampton and later Andover, England)
