Target Audience:
Service technicians, restorers and DIY owners of classic Norton Commando motorcycles
Intended Use:
Workshop-level repair, overhaul and maintenance reference
Coverage:
Full factory-style coverage of 650, 750 and 850 Commando engines in one manual
Format:
Searchable, printable PDF compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux
Delivery:
Instant high-speed download
Content:
Complete service and repair procedures, specifications, exploded diagrams and troubleshooting
Printing:
Fully printable pages for workshop use
Manual Type:
Master service repair manual
Coverage Areas:
Engine, transmission, frame, electrics, carburetion, brakes, suspension and general maintenance
Page Count:
N/A - not specified for this manual
Delivery Method:
Instant high-speed download
Compatibility:
All versions of Windows, Mac and Linux
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine:
Complete teardown, inspection and rebuild of 650, 750 and 850 parallel-twin engines
Cylinder Head:
Removal, decarbonizing, valve and valve seat service, rocker gear
Fuel System:
Carburetor strip-down, cleaning, jetting and tuning
Ignition System:
Contact breaker points, timing, spark plugs, coil and magneto service
Transmission & Gearbox:
Gearbox removal, overhaul, gear selection and layshaft service
Clutch:
Clutch removal, plate inspection, adjustment and rebuild
Isolastic Mounting:
Commando Isolastic system fitting, adjustment and bush replacement
Primary Drive:
Primary chain, sprockets and tensioner service
Wheels & Brakes:
Wheel bearing service, brake shoe and drum overhaul, front brake service
Suspension & Forks:
Front fork teardown, seals and stanchions; rear shock and swingarm service
Frame & Steering:
Frame inspection, headstock bearings, steering adjustment
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting and switches
Exhaust:
Exhaust removal, refitting and leak repair
Maintenance Schedules:
Lubrication and periodic service intervals
Diagnostics:
Fault-finding and troubleshooting charts for engine, electrics and running faults
Specifications Tables:
Torque settings, clearances, tolerances and wear limits
Technical Depth:
Workshop-level: full strip-down and rebuild procedures with step-by-step instructions
Illustrations:
Exploded views, diagrams and photographs throughout
Special Tools:
Tools required for overhaul procedures identified
Parts Lists:
Exploded diagrams identifying components for disassembly and reassembly
Part Numbers:
N/A - not a parts catalog; consult Norton parts lists
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:
Norton air-cooled parallel twin, 650cc, 750cc and 850cc variants
Engine Range:
650cc models through the later 750 and 850 Commando engines
Valvetrain:
Pushrod overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Lubrication:
Dry sump with separate oil tank
Fuel System:
Twin carburetors (Amal-type) with manual choke
Ignition:
Battery and coil with contact breaker points
Power Output:
N/A - consult specification tables within the manual for each model year
Wheelbase:
N/A - varies by model year, see manual specification tables
Overall Length:
N/A - varies by model year, see manual specification tables
Curb Weight:
Approximately 180-195 kg depending on 750 or 850 variant and model year
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 gallons (11 liters) for typical Commando tanks
Safety Equipment (Era-Appropriate)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - crash test ratings did not exist for 1960s-70s motorcycles
Brakes:
Drum brakes front and rear on earlier models; front disc brake on later Commandos
Lighting:
Headlamp, tail lamp and signal equipment per period regulation
Active Features:
Isolastic engine mounting system for improved handling and vibration control
Passive Features:
N/A - no modern passive safety equipment on this era of motorcycle
Audio System:
N/A - not fitted to this era of motorcycle
Driver Assistance:
N/A - no electronic driver assistance systems on 1960s-70s motorcycles
Instrumentation:
Speedometer and tachometer, ammeter, warning lights
Electrical System:
12-volt system with battery and coil ignition on later models
Engine Oil & Filter:
Engine and gearbox oil changes per manual schedule; dry sump oil tank drained regularly
Chain Service:
Primary and rear chain inspection, adjustment and lubrication at routine intervals
Points & Timing:
Contact breaker gap and ignition timing checks at scheduled intervals
Carburetion:
Carburetor idle adjustment and synchronization checks
Engine Oil:
Period-correct mineral engine oil; grade recommendations per specification tables in the manual
Gearbox & Primary:
Gearbox and primary chaincase oil per manual grade recommendations
Fork Oil:
Front fork oil grade and quantity per fork specification tables
Isolastic System:
Isolastic rubber bush wear causing vibration; periodic adjustment required
Common Wear Items:
Contact breaker points, spark plugs, chains, brake shoes, fork seals and clutch plates
Oil Leaks:
Crankshaft main seal and rocker box gasket seepage common on high-mileage engines
Manufacturer:
Norton Motors (Norton-Villiers from 1966), Birmingham and Wolverhampton, England
Model Evolution:
Introduced 1967 as a 750; grew to 850cc in 1973; Isolastic vibration isolation was its signature innovation; production ended 1977 (1960-76 coverage in this manual)
Production Location:
United Kingdom
Significance:
Motor Cycle News Machine of the Year five consecutive years, 1968-1972
