Norton Commando 850 Frame
An illustrated reference article covering the chassis and engine development of the Norton Commando 850. The chassis section explains how Norton moved away from the traditional Featherbed frame concept and adopted the Commando’s Isolastic rubber mounting system to control vibration from the increasingly powerful twin-cylinder engine.
The article also reviews key chassis features including the tubular frame, swing-arm rear suspension, telescopic front forks and braking arrangements used on later Commando models. The accompanying engine section traces the evolution of Norton’s parallel twin into the 850 Commando, covering the crankcases, primary drive, gearbox, cylinder head design and the well-known reliability concerns addressed during production.
This is a useful background resource for anyone studying Norton Commando design, engineering changes and the development of the final 850 models.
- Illustrated overview of Norton Commando 850 chassis design
- Explains the Isolastic vibration isolation system
- Covers 850 engine development, gearbox and primary drive
- Useful background reference for Commando restorers and owners
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