Newly Acquired 1970 Norton Commando S (pics)

Hi Everyone,
This is my 1st post here, although I have been looking around quite a lot over the last few weeks. As you all know this site has a wealth of knowledge... I do have a few questions:

1) How rare is the 1970 Norton Commando S model? Any idea the production #'s?
2) What are the differences between the "S" model and the other Commando's, obviously the exhaust and tank is different, any performance differences?
3) How can I confirm it is an actual Commando S?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks everyone!





P.S. I did these photos a couple years ago, and when the owner decided to sell, I was ready to make an offer!

It looks like a Commando, so it is a Commando !
It can't be anything else.

Apart from some very minor differences in the oil tank and air cleaner and battery arrangements, all Commandos of about the same time were near identical mechanically. Performance differences may come from handlebar types and how upright you sit.

I'll leave it for someone who knows their 70 models to comment.
However, it looks good !

Welcome to the forum.

QuinlanPhotographic said:

1) How rare is the 1970 Norton Commando S model? Any idea the production #'s?

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Not exceptionally rare.

QuinlanPhotographic said:

2) What are the differences between the "S" model and the other Commando's, obviously the exhaust and tank is different

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Exhaust, yes, fuel tank depends what you are comparing it with? The S tank is the same as the 'R' and Roadster models, and the early Roadster was basically an S model with a low level exhaust system.

QuinlanPhotographic said:

any performance differences?

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The 'S' had the standard Commando engine.

QuinlanPhotographic said:

3) How can I confirm it is an actual Commando S?

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Officially, a 750 S should fall within the serial number range 131257-135088. However that range of numbers will also include Fastback, 750 R and Roadster models.

You can apply to the UK NOC or VMCC records dept. to see if any records exist for your particular Commando.

As L.A.B. says, it will be hard to tell if it came from the factory as an S model. Possibilities include the halo headlamp holder, central oil tank, round rear mudguards (C section as opposed to D section), but these things could be changed over the years. Frame/engine/gearbox numbers will be in the range mentioned. Since the front mudguard on your bike is changed, that would be telling too, but only for the years mentioned, S, R, and early Roadster.

Some even make 850's into S models.

I wouldn't say they are rare but sellers like to say so. Probably were upwards of 2-3 thousand of them made, mostly shipped to the US, the UK guys didn't seem to like them and they seemed to market in the US better. I have a list of about 20 that have been restored or still ridden on this forum.



Dave
69S