Performance Review: Norton Commander Rotary - [1991]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commander Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commander Rotary is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1991. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1992 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin and the 1991 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin.This particular Norton Commander has a 588cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Boxer Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Boxer engine, Touring style motorbike includes the Kawasaki Z 1300 DOHC I - [1983]

The 1991 Commander shares its Boxer engine and Touring style configuration with the likes of the 1983 Kawasaki Z 1300 DOHC I and the 2005 Honda ST 1300 Pan European Police Bike. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Commander's Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1988 Honda NT 600 V Revere | 1988cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton Commander Rotary in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1991 Norton Commander shares the same bhp with the Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025]

In terms of power the 588cc 16 valve Boxer 2 cylinder engine produces 85 bhp (63 kW) @ 9000 rpm similar to the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The Rotary Two stroke unit throws out torque of 55.5 lb-ft (75.3 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Norton Commander you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary.

The 1991 Norton Commander Rotary has a Power to weight ratio of bhp per ton and lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1991 Commander competing with the No rows returned.

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Norton Commander generating around lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the No rows returned.

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 0.9 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 0.9 secs, this makes the Norton Commander Rotary similar in acceleration to the 2019 Norton Atlas 650 Ranger (0.9 secs) and the 2019 Norton Atlas 650 Nomad (0.9 secs). This Norton Commander Rotary also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary and the 2017 Yamaha XMAX 400 Four Stroke

When talking about the performance of the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2017 Yamaha XMAX 400 Four Stroke (0 secs) and the 2016 Honda RS 150 SOHC (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1991 version of the Norton Commander Rotary has a maximum speed of 113mph.

Top Speed of the 1991 Commander equals the 2015 Yamaha FZ6 R

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1991 Norton Commander Rotary then how about a 2015 Yamaha FZ6 R (124 mph) and the 2014 Yamaha FZ6 R (124 mph).

Related Links:

1991 Norton Commander Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison