1969 Norton Commando
1969 Norton Commando Background & History
The 1969 Norton Commando came in one additional model for 1969, its second model year in production. The 1968 Norton Commando was available in one model only, and so was simply called ‘Norton Commando’, even though it had what was to become known as ‘Fastback’-styling, that distinctive ‘ducktail’ rear fender. But, once new models were introduced for the 1969 season, it became necessary to differentiate the various Commandos. So, the standard model became known as the Norton Commando Fastback, and it was joined by the new model, the Model S (Street Scrambler) with high pipes, and no ducktail.
The 1969 Norton Commando Fastback became available for the first time in other colors than British Racing Green, showing off it's highly-styled lines.
1969 Norton Commando Styling
Both models of the 1969 Norton Commando had standard chromed rear fenders (mudguards) to match the front. While the 'S' left its rear fender exposed, the Fastback mounted the quirky fiberglass 'ducktail' over the fender. The rear license plate mounted to the steel fender, below the ducktail. All of this combined to give better foul weather protection (ie: mud spinning off the rear wheel) than the ducktail alone could have ever provided. Remember, these bikes were designed in England for English riders, and it rains year-round there. So unlike us spoiled American riders who almost never ride in bad weather, the tough Brits did so routinely. Besides the exhaust systems, and the unique tank, seat and 'ducktail', the Fastback was essentially a stock Commando, as was the Street Scrambler.
1969 Norton Commando Engine & Gearbox
The engine and gearbox were left largely unchanged for the 1969 Norton Commando. Having just launched this new model line the year previous, Norton was still wrangling some of the problems that inevitably come up with any new model introduction. So, they wisely left well enough alone. Not that the engine was lacking in any area. While still an ancient design, and still with equally-ancient non-unit construction, they made plenty of power and torque, and now thanks to the Isolastic Suspension System, they were actually quite smooth. As on all Nortons, gear selection is by right foot, as God intended, with an odd, Norton-only shift pattern of 'One Up, Three Down', the exact opposite of the rest of the industry. Seasoned Norton owners love it that way, the rest of the world hates it.
1969 Norton Commando Fastback
When the Norton Commando launched in 1968, only one model was available, the Fastback. But, since it was the only Commando on the market, they didn't call it 'The Fastback', it was referred to simply at the 1968 Norton Commando. But with the start of the 1969 Norton Commando model year, a second model was introduced, the Model S, or Street Scrambler. So, now the Fastback was called the Fastback. It was meant to be a stylish street brawler with it's narrow tank, wrap-around seat and that crazy ducktail, truncated by the tail light. Only one color was available in 1968, British Racing Green, and as such gave the bike an elegant look. Starting in 1969, other colors and color combos became available. The looks are sort of 'love-it-or-hate-it'. I personally am not a fan of the looks of the 1969 Norton Commando Fastback, but to each his own. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
ABOVE & BELOW: The unique styling of the Fastback, set in motion by that distinctive 'ducktail' rear fender, which required a unique tail light, a very unique seat and tank.
1969 Norton Commando S
The 1969 Norton Commando S Model was styled to appeal to the American street scrambler craze (exploited masterfully by Honda) with high pipes, both running together along the left side. The S also had slimline forks and smaller side covers. The engine had its ignition points mounted for the first time on the timing cover, driven off the end of the camshaft. This meant a new location had to be found for the tachometer (rev counter) drive. This now moved to the top of the crankcase in front of the cylinder block, driven off a skew gear on the camshaft. The hard-to-service ignition distributor formerly located behind the cylinder block, in the tight spot by the magneto, was eliminated in favor of the new points setup.
ABOVE & BELOW: The new-for-'69 Model S 'Street Scrambler' had much cleaner styling than the Fastback, and would serve as a precursor to the upcoming Roadster. Note in the photo above that this bike is missing its front fender.
1969 Norton Commando Specifications
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Model designation: Original Price: Engine type Displacement Bore & Stroke Compression Carburetors Ignition Engine output Oil system Oil capacity Primary drive Clutch Gearbox Ratios, overall: 1st, bottom 2nd 3rd 4th, top Final drive Frame type Suspension, front Suspension, rear Brake, front Brake, rear Wheelbase Seat height Weight |
20M3, Fastback Type S, Scrambler $1,449.00, Fastback $1,450.00, Scrambler Air-cooled OHV parallel twin 746cc / 45 ci 73mm X 89mm / 2.875″ X 3.503″ 9.0:1 2- Amal Type 930 Concentrics, 30mm Battery & coil, Lucas 58 bhp @ 6500 rpm Dry sump 6 pts Triplex chain Multi-plate diaphragm, wet 4-speed constant-mesh, right-foot shift 12.40:1 8.25:1 5.90:1 4.84:1 Chain Double cradle, Isolastic Suspension Telescopic fork, hydraulic damping Swing Arm, 2 dampers, Isolastic mounts 8″ TLS drum, full width 7″ SLS drum, full width 57.1″ 31.3″ 431 lbs |
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