Performance Review: Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler - [1969]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Norton Commando Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1969. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1969 Suzuki A 95 Two Stroke and the 1969 Suzuki T 125 II Stinger.This particular Norton Commando has a 745cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo - [2020]

The 1969 Commando shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Commando's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo | 2020cc.

Power and Torque:

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

The 1969 Norton Commando shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 745cc 4 valve V-Twin 2 cylinder engine produces 58 bhp (43 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 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 Ténéré 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 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 1996 Suzuki GSX 400 S Impulse has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1969 Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler.

The 1969 Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler has a Power to weight ratio of 274.8 bhp per ton and 202.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1969 Commando competing with the 1996 Suzuki GSX 400 S Impulse [299.4 bhp\ton] and the 1988 Suzuki GSX 400 F [299.4 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 202.7 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 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid [227.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 2023 Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid [227.2 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 13.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.8 secs, this makes the Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler similar in acceleration to the 2021 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S Cafe (13.5 secs) and the 2021 Kawasaki VN 650 Vulcan S ABS (13.5 secs). This Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler 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 1969 Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler and the 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin

When talking about the performance of the 1969 Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.4 secs @ 90 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1977 Yamaha TX 500 Twin (14.4 secs) and the 1984 Suzuki RG 250 Gamma (14.4 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1969 version of the Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler has a maximum speed of 115mph.

Top Speed of the 1969 Commando equals the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker SE

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1969 Norton Commando 750 S Scrambler then how about a 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker SE (126 mph) and the 2015 Yamaha XVS 1300 Stryker Bullet Cowl (126 mph).

Related Links:

1969 Norton Commando Rivals List.

A Brief History of Norton

Bike Comparison