 Norton Commando John Player Special | |
| Parent company | Norton-Villiers |
|---|---|
| Production | 1974 |
| Engine | 828 cc (50.5 cu in) air-cooled OHV parallel-twin |
| Bore / stroke | 77 mm (3.0 in) x 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Top speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) (claimed) |
| Power | 60 bhp (45 kW) @ 6,200 rpm |
| Transmission | Wet clutch, 4-speed chain drive |
| Frame type | Isolastic |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks Swinging arm |
| Brakes | Front: 10 in (250 mm) disc Rear: 7 in (180 mm) sls drum |
| Tyres | Front: 3.50x18 Rear: 4.10x18 |
| Wheelbase | 57.1 in (1,450 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.3 in (800 mm) |
| Weight | 435 lb (197 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 imp gal (16 L; 4.2 US gal) |
| Related | Norton Commando Production Racer |
| Footnotes / references [1][2] | |
The Norton Commando John Player Special was a 1974 limited edition version of the Norton Commando that was fitted with bodywork styled to reproduce the successful Formula 750 works racers that were sponsored by cigarette manufacturers John Player & Sons. The machine was based on the Mk2A 850 Commando. Around 200 of these machines were made, of which about 120 were exported to the US.[3] The bike was expensive, selling for around $3,000 in the US, $500 more than a standard Commando.[4]
- ^ "John Player Norton". Classic-British-Motorcycles.com. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "1975 Norton Commando 850 John Player Special". National Motorcycle Museum. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ Siegal 2010.
- ^ Salvadori 2016.