Performance Review: Norton Commando 750 Interstate - [1972]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 750 Interstate is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1972. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1973 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV and the 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV.This particular Norton Commando has a 745cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative V4 engine, Sport-Touring style motorbike includes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]

The 1972 Commando shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Commando's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E | 1978cc.2005 Kawasaki Z 750 S | 2005cc.

Power and Torque:

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

The 1972 Norton Commando shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 745cc 4 valve V4 2 cylinder engine produces 65 bhp (48 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 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 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 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 1980 Yamaha RZ 350 LC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1972 Norton Commando 750 Interstate.

The 1972 Norton Commando 750 Interstate has a Power to weight ratio of 291.4 bhp per ton and 191.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1972 Commando competing with the 1980 Yamaha RZ 350 LC [315.4 bhp\ton] and the 1980 Yamaha RZ 350 LC [315.4 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 191.8 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 1989 Kawasaki ZX-R 750 H1 [216.8 lb-ft per ton] and the 2012 Honda NC 700 S [216.7 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.7 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.0 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 750 Interstate similar in acceleration to the 2008 Yamaha XV 1900 Roadliner (12.7 secs) and the 2008 Yamaha XV 1900 Roadliner (12.7 secs). This Norton Commando 750 Interstate 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 1972 Norton Commando 750 Interstate and the 2009 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom XP

When talking about the performance of the 1972 Norton Commando 750 Interstate 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 2009 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom XP (13.2 secs) and the 2007 Yamaha XVS 1300 V-Star Tourer (13.2 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1972 version of the Norton Commando 750 Interstate has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1972 Commando equals the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1972 Norton Commando 750 Interstate then how about a 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally (120 mph) and the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 (120 mph).

Related Links:

1972 Norton Commando Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison