Project Norton

[Evans, Marv]

I'd take it up a notch and say amazing!

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Well done Chris.

That should "Put her right" for the next 40 or 50 years.

I figure this bike will be running 50 years from now, I dont think I'll say that about any of my other "modern" bikes.

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

I'd take it up a notch and say amazing!

Thank you. Its a 5-10 footer still for sure - but I've addressed mechanical's and halted any degradation so thats about the right place I figure for me to enjoy riding it without becoming a worry wart.

[cstreit]

Love seeing the other bikes.

A front disc brake would definitely be a nice upgrade, but I just LOVE the pure mechanical look of the vented front drum so I don't think I'll change it out.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Might as well throw in a picture of mine. The market has pretty well topped out on these bikes. A nice one will run you about $8000.

O holy hannah that is beautiful!

[Mike Andrew]

Dammmm what a change, Chris. Think you have the right idea about just riding it without the worries of, :what if".

Feel sorry for you polishing the springs. Did many times on my Z1; a miserable, time consuming job.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by cstreit

I just LOVE the pure mechanical look of the vented front drum

Me too.

And ask yourself, 'how many times am I going to do the ton on this bike between now and then', and the answer will probably be pretty low.

[Yorkie]

When you refit the oil tank I’d recommend you sit it on a pad of rubber with a hole cut in it to accommodate the screw boss. The tanks have a nasty habit of fracturing on their base so a lot of the long time commando owners either reinforce the base or just let it sit.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Yorkie

When you refit the oil tank I’d recommend you sit it on a pad of rubber with a hole cut in it to accommodate the screw boss. The tanks have a nasty habit of fracturing on their base so a lot of the long time commando owners either reinforce the base or just let it sit.

Thanks! THere's already a rubber grommet in that boss that the screw goes through, but the mount felt rather firm. I'll pull that bolt and install something with some give.

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by cstreit

The only valuable part really is the grab rail, and I see you need one.

[cstreit]

The '71 didn't come with a grab rail as far as I know. I think that started in 72?

[yellowperil]

I've owned about 11 or 12 of the commandos and I '67 650 featherbed framed monster (it may have been a 750) my brain is not working quite right.

And I sold a few, sold one to a friend and I said "You know John this bike is going to ruin you for every other bike you ever own" (Ballsy eh !)

20 years or more latter, saw him again, you were right he said, it was always my favorite


There pics are all of the same bike; bought new in 73 Black 750 Commando than changed over to the fastback look. Had it 1973-2001, Note the steering stabilizer from front fork the frame. Really made the steering extra manageable. Sorry to butt in, I shouldn't do that.

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by cstreit

The '71 didn't come with a grab rail as far as I know. I think that started in 72?

I think you're right.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by yellowperil

Sorry to butt in, I shouldn't do that.

Perish the thought - good to know there are others just as enthusiastic! Love seeing the pics - gives me ideas.

I wish I could address the clutch pull. I'm beginning to thing its a stack height issue, but need to learn how to check and look into it further.

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Perish the thought - good to know there are others just as enthusiastic! Love seeing the pics - gives me ideas.

I wish I could address the clutch pull. I'm beginning to thing its a stack height issue, but need to learn how to check and look into it further.

It has a kink somewhere. I was good at always having smooth clutch and speedo cables. Try to route them different ways it should smoothen out

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by yellowperil

It has a kink somewhere. I was good at always having smooth clutch and speedo cables. Try to route them different ways it should smoothen out

New cable - lubed and I was very meticulous about broad swooping runs.

...but if you're saying its super sensitive I can have a look. Adjusting the clutch arm did help a little.

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by cstreit

New cable - lubed and I was very meticulous about broad swooping runs.

...but if you're saying its super sensitive I can have a look. Adjusting the clutch arm did help a little.

Well you're going about it the right way, hope it works out

[Yorkie]

It’s clutch plate stack height if you’ve got your cable routing correct. Research on AccessNorton.com and you’ll locate the correct thickness of plates. I’ve got boxes of plates so if you need one or two to mix n match let me know. Once you get the stack right it only takes a couple of fingers to pull the clutch.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Yorkie

It’s clutch plate stack height if you’ve got your cable routing correct. Research on AccessNorton.com and you’ll locate the correct thickness of plates. I’ve got boxes of plates so if you need one or two to mix n match let me know. Once you get the stack right it only takes a couple of fingers to pull the clutch.

THanks. I've been reading that on AccessNorton. Lots of people talk about it, haven't found a good guide on how to measure and adjust yet.

Appreciate the offer - I'll be in touch. Still plenty of time this winter to dig in.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Perish the thought - good to know there are others just as enthusiastic! Love seeing the pics - gives me ideas.

I wish I could address the clutch pull. I'm beginning to thing its a stack height issue, but need to learn how to check and look into it further.

I had the same problem with the clutch on my Norton. I fiddled and fiddled with the adjustment and the clutch stack and finally gave up and just bought a new set of clutch plates. They are fairly inexpensive and that solved my problem. When I bought the bike, the crank seal had been blown out from wet sumping and trying to start the bike with a full sump. I think the clutch plates had soaked up too much oil and were swollen and sticky. Again new plates solved that problem.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

I had the same problem with the clutch on my Norton. I fiddled and fiddled with the adjustment and the clutch stack and finally gave up and just bought a new set of clutch plates. They are fairly inexpensive and that solved my problem. When I bought the bike, the crank seal had been blown out from wet sumping and trying to start the bike with a full sump. I think the clutch plates had soaked up too much oil and were swollen and sticky. Again new plates solved that problem.

Colorado Norton Works has a setup for $204 which may be my next purchase.

This bike only has 7900 miles on it, surprised the clutch could be worn out of spec, but the adjuster was too tight so... could be?