1971-1973 750cc Norton Commando Racing
Motorcycles
At the time that Norton released its 750cc
Commando in the late Sixties it was important
to showcase such a high performer at international
races for standard production motorcycoles.
In 1969 a small development department set up
at Thruxton circuit by Norton Villiers prepared
two Commandos to represent the company in major
production class events including the Isle of
Man TT races and the Thruxton 500 mile race.
The pair achieved notable successes over five
seasons, during which time several modifications
were implemented.
Increased cornering clearance was the aim of
two obvious alterations. One was the routing
of both exhaust pipes to the right of the machine
and the other was a re-positioning of the power
unit and its isolastic mountings, placing it
higher and shifting it 10mm to the right. To
gain the last few mm of clearance,the primary
chaincase was chamfered on iys lower edge.
The motorcycle carring number 2 replicates
Thruxton or Isle of Man trim, with a large capacity
fuel tank and full ligting equipment. White,
red and black colours werea doptedto match the
Player-sponsored F750 racers in 1973.
Engines - 745cc (73 x 89mm), air-cooled
overhead valve parallel twin, 11:1 compression
ratio, two 33mm Amal carburettors, Lucas Rita
electronic ignition
Transmission - Triplex chain primary drive,
wet multi-plate clutch, Quaife five-speed
gearbox, chain final drive
Chassis - Tubular double cradle frame, telescopic
fork front suspension, swinging are rear suspension,
disc front brake, drum rear brake, wheels
- 18in
Power - 74bhp @ 7200rpm
Dry Weight - 350lb (159kg)
Top Speed - 150mph
Thruxton 500 mile RaceM
1970 - 1st, Peter Williams/Charlie Sanby
1971 - 1st, Dave Croxford/Mick Grant
1973 - 1st, Norman White/Rex Butcher
750cc Production TT
1969 - 2nd, Paul Smart
1970 - 2nd, Williams
1971 - lap record Williams (101.06mph)
Hutchinson 100 Production Race
1971 - 1st, Williams
1973 - 1st, Williams
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