Performance Review: Norton Commando 750 Fastback - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 750 Fastback is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1970. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1971 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV and the 1970 Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III.This particular Norton Commando has a 745cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1970 Commando shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Commando's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2020cc.2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2018cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Norton Commando 750 Fastback in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.

The 1970 Norton Commando shares the same bhp with the Suzuki SV 650 ABS - [2025]

In terms of power the 745cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 58 bhp (43 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 42.7 lb-ft (57.9 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm].

Power to Weight:

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

The 1987 Kawasaki Gpz 400 R has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1970 Norton Commando 750 Fastback.

The 1970 Norton Commando 750 Fastback has a Power to weight ratio of 276.1 bhp per ton and 203.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 Commando competing with the 1987 Kawasaki Gpz 400 R [301.0 bhp\ton] and the 1985 Kawasaki ZX 400 R [301.0 bhp\ton].

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 Commando generating around 203.7 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 2018 Honda VFR 800 X Crossrunner [228.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 1995 Yamaha TT 600 S Belgarda [228.4 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 13.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.7 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 750 Fastback similar in acceleration to the 2021 Honda XR 650 L (13.4 secs) and the 2019 Honda XR 650 L (13.4 secs). This Norton Commando 750 Fastback 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 1970 Norton Commando 750 Fastback and the 2007 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom

When talking about the performance of the 1970 Norton Commando 750 Fastback on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.2 secs @ 100 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2007 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom (13.2 secs) and the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star Deluxe SE (13.2 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1970 version of the Norton Commando 750 Fastback has a maximum speed of 116mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 Commando equals the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1970 Norton Commando 750 Fastback then how about a 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS (127 mph) and the 2022 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute (127 mph).

Related Links:

1970 Norton Commando Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison