Scratched one off the Bucket List (Norton Commando)

[slack]

So, i was finally able to acquire one of my dream bikes earlier this year.
I've been into British motorcycles for the better part of 20 years or so, and have had quite a few come and go. In my late teens /early 20's i "worked" in a British bike shop, and was always fascinated by the Norton brand.

I had been chasing this particular bike for years now. It was owned by an acquaintance of mine, and had been sitting in his garage for 12 years or so. After much prodding over the past 10 years, he finally caved and i brought it home this Spring.

1973 Norton Commando 750. Last year of the 750cc Nortons. Plans for the bike is to keep it pretty much stock. I have to rebuild the top end, front brake caliper, and install clutch friction plates this winter and it should be good to go.

[stuartinmn]

Very nice! I've always liked Nortons; there was a Norton dealer nearby that I used to hang out at back in the day, and a bunch of friends owned them - mostly roadsters like yours, but also a few Interstates and even one Hi-Rider.

[m-racer]

Congrats. Have ridden a few and it is a great bike. I put a Triumph Bonneville of similar vintage under a bus when I was in college. Last bike I was on. The limp helps me remember.

[WilNJ]

My neighbor was getting on in years so as part of downsizing for their move to Fla. he finally sold his '68 BSA which he's owned since it was new. Sold it to a collector here in NJ within 2 hours of posting it on CL.

[slack]

Thanks guys, i really am excited about finally owning this thing.

I installed new clutch discs yesterday, and sorted out a few things in the primary. With the clutch taken care of, i was able to take it for a considerable ride for the first time. It still has a long way to go, but it is a blast to ride!

[Chimi-Changa]

Congrats! Those are worth waiting for that's for sure. ( and a N is also on my list too)

I might just think about a lower set of bars on it....mean machine!

[rodpaine]

Congrats. Have ridden a few and it is a great bike. I put a Triumph Bonneville of similar vintage under a bus when I was in college. Last bike I was on. The limp helps me remember.

Ouch! I didn't know that Tim, glad that you came away from it in decent shape. I had a new '66 Triumph Bonneville 650 that I rode on the Los Angeles freeways and in the 1967 Mojave Hare & Hound, setup for dirt. Sold it and bought a '68 Husky 360 Viking and stayed in the dirt... much safer than the L.A. freeways. Great days!
-Rod

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

Pretty!

[funfunfer]

Nice bike!
I lusted after Nortons, but only got thru a Kawasaki 350 rotary valve twin and a BSA 650 before Houston traffic made me rethink that plan.
Jim

[Tammer in Philly]

Nice. Guy who rents the shop bay next to me has a trio of Norton Commando 850s. One is a parts bike with a rebuilt trans that is going into the one that is currently a bare frame with every part restored, ready for assembly. The other is a rider.

Those are 3 of the 9 vintage bikes in his bay.

[slack]

So... I figured I might as well update this thread.
My plans to rebuild the top-end 4 years ago ended up like most of my "plans", and the bike sat in my garage. Out of sight, out of mind.

I finally realized about 4 months ago that I was approaching my mid-forties, and better get on this motorcycle sooner than later.

Cylinders bored-out and new pistons installed:





Freshly milled head, with new valves and guides:





All torqued down, with new electronic ignition installed:



2 into 1 intake with new Mikuni carb to replace the worn out dual Amal's:



Polished and rebuilt front caliper and master cylinder:



New tires, tubes, and set of lower handlebars and it's ready to roll...





It actually started on the first kick, and after setting the timing and tweaking the carb, it settles in to a nice idle.
I have about 40 miles on it so far. Still have to fiddle with the jetting on the Mikuni a bit, but other than that, I think it's good to go.

[stuartinmn]

No reason to rush into things...

I've heard that single carb conversion is a good thing to do. Besides getting a modern carb that's not worn out, there's no synchronization required and the performance doesn't suffer.

[muleskinner]

Cool. You should post some youtube vids idling, revving, and going down the road.

[slack]

I've heard that single carb conversion is a good thing to do. Besides getting a modern carb that's not worn out, there's no synchronization required and the performance doesn't suffer.

Some say you lose a bit of performance on the top end, but to me it is well worth the trade off for the ease of setup. That and the lack of gas leaking everywhere trying to prime the old Amal carbs.

[WilNJ]

I've heard that single carb conversion is a good thing to do. Besides getting a modern carb that's not worn out, there's no synchronization required and the performance doesn't suffer.

Some say you lose a bit of performance on the top end, but to me it is well worth the trade off for the ease of setup. That and the lack of gas leaking everywhere trying to prime the old Amal carbs.

Just for the nostalgia, carry an eye dropper full of gas in your pocket and drip it on the pavement every time you start it up.