in 1967 the commando prototype was shown at the earls court show in november, and introduced as a production model for 1968. its styling, innovative isolastic frame and powerful engine made it an appealing package. the commando easily outperformed contemporary triumph and bsa twins and was the most powerful and best-handling british motorcycle of its day. the isolastic frame made it much smoother than the atlas. it used rubber bushings to isolate the engine and swing arm from the frame, forks, and rider. however, as the steel-shims incorporated in the isolastic bearings wore, often from rusting, the bike became prone to poor handling – fishtailing in high-speed turns.