1974
Norton MK2A 850 Commando Roadster - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 125673 |
|---|---|
| Category | Sport |
| Make | Norton |
| Model | MK2A 850 Commando Roadster |
| Price | US$ 1900. Prices depend on country, taxes, accessories, etc. |
| Year | 1974 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Double cradle, large back bone steel, with Isolastic vibration system |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Single disc |
| Frontsuspension | Telescopic |
| Frontwheeltravel | 152 mm (6.0 inches) |
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rearsuspension | Twin shocks |
| Rearwheeltravel | 76 mm (3.0 inches) |
| Wheels | Spoke |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 77.0 x 89.0 mm (3.0 x 3.5 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Wet multiplate |
| Compression | 8.5:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 828.00 ccm (50.52 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Twin, four-stroke |
| Enginetype | Same engine as the Interstate |
| Exhaustsystem | Double chrome pipes |
| Fuelconsumption | 5.11 litres/100 km (19.6 km/l or 46.03 mpg) |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor. Twin Amals |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Greenhousegases | 118.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Ignition | points |
| Lubricationsystem | Dry sump |
| Maxrpm | 7500 |
| Onequartermile | 13.000 seconds |
| Power | 60.00 HP (43.8 kW)) @ 6250 RPM |
| Topspeed | 189.9 km/h (118.0 mph) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
| Valvespercylinder | 2 |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Blue, red, black |
|---|---|
| Comments | English bike. Last of the kick start Commandos. Shifts on the right side. 1 up 3 down |
| Electrical | 12v dc |
| Modificationscomparedtopreviousmodel | Not much change from the 73 model. The air boxes are more restricted with the mk2A. |
| Starter | Kick |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 188.2 kg (415.0 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 11.36 litres (3.00 gallons) |
| Groundclearance | 152 mm (6.0 inches) |
| Oilcapacity | 3.00 litres (0.20 quarts) |
| Overalllength | 2,235 mm (88.0 inches) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.3187 HP/kg |
| Reservefuelcapacity | 3.79 litres (1.00 gallons) |
| Seatheight | 787 mm (31.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weightincloilgasetc | 199.6 kg (440.0 pounds) |
About Norton
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
James Lansdowne Norton
Best Known For:
Isle of Man glory (Manx), Featherbed frame, Commando twins; modern V4/V-twin revivals
Company History
Few badges carry more romance than Norton: Manx singles howling over the Mountain, the Featherbed frame teaching the world about chassis stiffness, and the Commando’s rubber-mounted charisma defining a generation of British twins. Financial dramas and ownership changes punctuated the marque’s modern history, but the idea of Norton endured—elegant engines, taut handling, and a certain aristocratic restraint. Recent revivals pursued premium V4s and modernized Commandos with contemporary electronics and finishes, aiming to reconcile heritage with present-day reliability and compliance. Enthusiasts remain drawn to the riding experience: steering that reads the road, engines that speak through the bars, and ergonomics suited to fast B-roads. Historically, Norton is a pillar of motorcycling’s canon. Whether in classic trim under club racers or in modern carbon and billet, the name signals a commitment to the art of handling and the poetry of mechanical rhythm.