1973 Norton JPS Racer
1973 Norton John Player Special Racer
In the factory racer’s image
The aggressive new Norton Commando was launched at the 1967 Earls Court motorcycle show as a replacement for Norton’s Atlas big twin – which was getting long in the tooth. One of the major woes of the Atlas had been engine vibration, and Norton-Villiers sought to cure this with the Commando’s introduction of the new Isolastic system. The engine, transmission, rear swing arm and rear wheel were created as a unit and attached to the frame with rubber mountings.
Going Racing
The road-going Commando was instantly modified for road racing by a number of privateers throughout the British Isles as well as the US. In 1971, Norton responded with the beautiful yellow-colored Commando production Racer with its fiberglass bodywork and racing controls. But more was needed to keep apace with the Triumph and BSA racers of the era.
Enter the JPN
In 1971, Peter Williams created the ultimate Commando-based road racer and campaigned his Mk I and MK II racers throughout the world. In 1973, he won both the Formula 750 and production 750 racers at the Isle of Man, to the soul-stirring delight of Norton enthusiasts everywhere. Norton soon created a production version of Williams’s works racer, still bearing the John Player cigarette company’s sponsorship and color scheme. The JPN was available with the stock 750cc engine or an optional short-stroke version for serious competition.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 749cc (73×89mm) air-cooled twin cylinder four-stroke
Power Rating: 50 hp
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: two Amal Concentric carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed gearbox Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: disc (front); drum (rear)
Wheels: 3.00×19 inch (front); 3.50×19 inch (rear)
Weight: 380 lb
Maximum Speed: 120 mph
A production-based john Player Norton 750cc, still waging war against the Triumph and BSA racers in American vintage racing events.
This and many other Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle cards are available for purchase.
