Performance Review: Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII - [1972]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII 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, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

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

The 1972 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 Roadster MKII 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 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally - [2025]

In terms of power the 745cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 58 bhp (43 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 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 WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 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 1979 Honda CB 650 cc has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1972 Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII.

The 1972 Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII has a Power to weight ratio of 272.3 bhp per ton and 200.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1972 Commando competing with the 1979 Honda CB 650 cc [297.1 bhp\ton] and the 1982 Honda CB 650 cc [297.1 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 200.8 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 1983 Suzuki XN 85 D Turbo [225.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 1985 Suzuki XN 85 D Turbo [225.6 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 13.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.9 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII similar in acceleration to the 2019 Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM (13.6 secs) and the 2017 Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM (13.6 secs). This Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII 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 Roadster MKII and the 1980 Yamaha XJ 650 Special

When talking about the performance of the 1972 Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1980 Yamaha XJ 650 Special (13 secs) and the 1999 Kawasaki Gpz 500 S (13 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1972 version of the Norton Commando 750 Roadster MKII has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 1972 Commando equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan

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 Roadster MKII then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

1972 Norton Commando Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison