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Norton Rotary Development (9): Norton
Prototypes
Thanks to the same customer, who enabled us
to build the first "NRS588", we have now at last been able to
build the definitive Commander. As can be gathered from our
remarks on the production P52 and P53, we think this was one of the best
touring motorcycles of its time. However, it was lacking in some
departments, due to having been designed as a Police motorcycle. As such,
it was developed to be sold at a budget price. This was o.k. as far as
public service went, but a civilian version should have differed in some
major components, as a private owner could be expected to pay a higher
price and, therefore, the civilan version could have had a higher
specification. This did not happen, as time and money for such an exercise
were not available. Neither was, probably, not the awareness of a discerning
public!
The following improvements are but a fraction of what went into the bike:
| Front Forks |
Marzocchi USD |
| Brakes |
2x 320mm discs with Nissin
4-piston calipers front;
Brembo caliper rear |
| Wheels |
Front 3.5x17 die-cast
Rear 5.5x17 die-cast |
| Tires |
Front 120/70ZR17
Bridgestone BT020
Rear 160/70ZR17 Bridgestone BT020 |
| Swinging Arm |
F1-Type rear fork, with
mounting points for the fork spindle integrated in the footrest
plates. |
| Radiators |
Twin aluminium radiators
with a gauze-covered centre gap for a) riders access to spark plugs
and b)cool air access to plenum chamber |
| Electrics |
Twin 55W projector
headlamps, waterproof connectors on lightweight wiring loom, digital
ignition. |
| Transmission |
Hydraulic clutch with
Brembo master cylinder; heavy duty transmission gears, externally
lubricated water pump coupling. |
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