Greetings All!

I'm a new Commando 750 (1971) owner and LOVING it! And that's the good news ...

The not so good news is that my chain just parted and my ride is now in need of some loving. While I'm relatively comfortable twirling wrenches I'd like the advice of a recommended professional.

Any of you guys know of a mechanic in the Napa Valley area?

Thanks!

- Nells

If you don't mind posting questions and pictures you can get a ton of free advice from some very experienced folks here.

I'd trust some of them way more than a local mechanic. Some of them I wouldn't let change my lawnmower's oil.

If you are owning it and riding it you should learn to maintain it.

It is a very easy bike to work on, and the collective knowlege is very useful.

Get a haynes manual and a parts catalog. Don't be afraid to try it.

At going shop rates you will be miles ahead of the game. If it's just a drive chain that's one of the easiest things to replace.

Post pictures and ask questions. Parts are plentiful and affordable.


We are here to help.

Any of you guys know of a mechanic in the Napa Valley area?

Yes. He goes by the name of: Nellie_Rocks. He owns a Norton, too. He'll be the best mechanic for YOUR Norton.

If you can bring to SF, John Rios is your guy!,,www.citybritishcycle.com
He is really good with Commandos and he is the only I let work on mine (as long as I do not move to Colorado!)
Tell him I sent you!
Philippe

swooshdave wrote:If you don't mind posting questions and pictures you can get a ton of free advice from some very experienced folks here.

I'd trust some of them way more than a local mechanic. Some of them I wouldn't let change my lawnmower's oil.

some being the operative word.....!

You probably want to go into town , and find a up to date Jap Bike store ,
With a full spares department , a clean workshop , and kean young mechanics .
And ask them if theres a Grumpy Old Bloke out in the Hills , who knows how to fix Real Motorcycles .

Matt Spencer wrote:You probably want to go into town , and find a up to date Jap Bike store ,
With a full spares department , a clean workshop , and kean young mechanics .
And ask them if theres a Grumpy Old Bloke out in the Hills , who knows how to fix Real Motorcycles .

That one went into my sig.

Nellie_Rocks wrote:Greetings All!

I'm a new Commando 750 (1971) owner and LOVING it! And that's the good news ...

The not so good news is that my chain just parted and my ride is now in need of some loving. While I'm relatively comfortable twirling wrenches I'd like the advice of a recommended professional.

Any of you guys know of a mechanic in the Napa Valley area?

Thanks!

- Nells

Hi Nells,

The Northern California Norton Owners Club is a great resource in this area. www.nortonclub.com
If you need help there are many members close by. I'm only 45 minutes from Napa in Brentwood. Mar 10 there will be a
'bring out your dead" day where the club wrenches on any and all that need help.

Guys:

Thanks for all the great responses and more importantly for gently reminding me of my Shady Tree Mechanic duty.

New parts arrived yesterday - chain, clutch puller, seals, etc. - and I'm buried in the Haynes plus Shop manuals, absorbing all that good Norton knowledge.

I'll take pics and post as I get into it.

Looking forward to it and thanks for all the encouragement!

- Nells

You'd probably be shocked at how fast you may get a response from the forum by posting a problem and a picture.

Well, they ignore me now, but in the good old days before they were sick of me...

Nellie_Rocks wrote:Guys:

Thanks for all the great responses and more importantly for gently reminding me of my Shady Tree Mechanic duty.

New parts arrived yesterday - chain, clutch puller, seals, etc. - and I'm buried in the Haynes plus Shop manuals, absorbing all that good Norton knowledge.

I'll take pics and post as I get into it.

Looking forward to it and thanks for all the encouragement!

- Nells

If you are not already a competent Norton mechanic you soon will be.