Norton Isolastic frame

[3][4][5] Following the collapse of the old Norton parent-company AMC in 1966, a new business was structured to produce motorcycles using the name Norton Matchless Division, under a new parent company name of Norton Villiers Ltd.[2] Part of the changes involved creating a new design frame produced as previously by Reynolds Tubes in Tyseley, Birmingham, England, where the traditional Featherbed frame had been produced since the 1950s, shipped for assembly at the Matchless works in Woolwich, London.

As the rubber bushes deteriorated, however, the bike became prone to fishtailing[clarification needed] in high-speed turns.

[7] Earlier models therefore required careful maintenance and adjustment of the clearance between frame and mounts using shims.

A new model named Commando S was introduced with alternative styling having a different tank, mudguards and high-level exhausts.

[9][4] The six-storey former Matchless factory at Woolwich closed on 25 July 1969, and production was transferred to a new, small, modern facility at Andover, Hampshire,[6] when the range was expanded to five Commando variants—Fastback, Roadster SS, Production racer and Hi-Rider, all having "Isolastic Construction—Norton's revolutionary answer to vibration".