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The Commando
"SS"
The Commando "SS"
was not, as one might think, a "Super Sports" tarmac tearing
racer replica- it was a "Desert Racer" lookalike, though hardly
suitable for desert racing! With its Dunlop TT100 tyres, and minimal
ground clearance, not to mention a suspension that was set up for, and had
the short travel of, a road motorcycle, this was probably one of the first,
and now very successful, "Enduro" bikes that, as in the case of
BMWs 1150s et al, are hardly suitable for rough terrain. So getting up the
curb to the next coffee bar, yes, but riding or even racing it in the
rough, definitely no!
Basically, the "SS" is a showbike, with engine guard, high front
mudguard, 9-litre petrol tank, motocross handlebars, and very nice though
highly unpractical exhaust system pretending off-road capabilities the
bike does not posess.
It was, I believe, not a great success at the time, but is very much a
sought after model these days, at least in Europe, where everything
"rare", be it as senseless as may be, is sought after by the
Norton afficinados.
As all later Enduros, it gives the rider the "Marlboro Man"
hardcore image in the eyes of the ignorant public, whilst the more
knowledgeable man or woman smiles and probably thinks what an idiot
the flamboyant owner is.........
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