1969 Commando revitalization.

I'd just go for a matching pair, without worrying too much about the year; as you will have seen from the discussion, very few people know what your bike should have. And those that do wouldn't approve of the 18" wheels, the crankcase breather, and the rearsets. I think its something like 2% of Norton owners try to keep them original.

Mine is a 1970 fastback, now interstate, and when I need to replace something I try to go for the best that is available, which is rarely the original 1970 part. When my speedo or tachometer fail, I will definitely go for these https://legendary-motorcycles.com/product-category/gauges-brackets-speed-rpm/ . Not original, but they seem much better.
A matching speedo is on my list of to buy things 👍🏼. I’m not a purist but I do like improvements of the era like the Hyde rear sets which btw will probably my favorite mod , next is lower bars ,18 wheels when I get them will be right up there with the rear sets I think. When it’s all done I’ll probably want some high pipes and a headlight halo , moding and adding things not likely to change just kinda enjoying an old Commando 😎.
 
I get the part of improvement through upgrades. I get the part of keeping them original as they left the factory. It is nice the 2% do try to keep them original for interest in comparing.
I too like that there are people who keep it original, but I couldn't be in that 2%. It means, when you need a part, you could choose something that has been improved to overcome problems in the original, or you could go for something that was adequate and cheap enough to help profits in the 1970s.

Brakes are the obvious area for improvement, I'm staying with my drum brake, because that was what was on the bike when I rode it all over Europe in the 1970s/80s, but I've replaced the rusty parts on the outside with stainless steel copies, and on the inside, its modern friction pads, the brake stiffening kit from later models, modern ceramic lube and a nylon lined brake cable. So it looks original, but will perform much better.
 
The Norton Commando learning curve I’m slowly getting it 👍🏼. Very glad to have not blown out a crank seal . I might get the anti sump valve or just pull the plug next Spring and refill the tank, going to think on it.
As you have the AN sump plug with the little screw on it, draining the sump should be a breeze.
BTW, your bike probably has no external filter? Adding one is a very sensible upgrade. Note hose size difference.

- Knut

 
The filter kit will be added at some point for sure 👍🏼.

I replaced the sump plug with a Jim Schmidt crankcase vent (no drain plug) which is supposed to pump the oil back to the tank the amount of oil it pumped back is what surprised me , next year I’ll pull the vent hose and drain the sump.

I’ve seen the anti sump valve but I’m not sure I want to add that one still thinking about it.
 
The filter kit will be added at some point for sure 👍🏼.

I replaced the sump plug with a Jim Schmidt crankcase vent (no drain plug) which is supposed to pump the oil back to the tank the amount of oil it pumped back is what surprised me , next year I’ll pull the vent hose and drain the sump.

I’ve seen the anti sump valve but I’m not sure I want to add that one still thinking about it.
With the Jim Schmidt crankcase breather you shouldn't have a problem with wet sumping. The bike will still wet sump, but it won't be a problem because surplus oil will be pumped back to the tank through the breather.

For my '70 I've bought exactly the same breather as you, expecting it to fix multiple problems at once.
 
Yes the Jim Schmidt breather does pump the oil back but a lot of oil pooled in the crank in 4 months time so I just might add the anti sump valve. I really like the Jim Schmidt breather it got rid of the ugly breather hose on the left side of the engine 👍🏼.

About to order 19 inch Avon Roadriders so I can ride this season holding off on the 18 inch wheels for a season or two.
 
Bought new Amal’s took old carbs off found the Allen head bolts are worn out so going to order new bolts for the install. Those Allen bolts are tough to fit a wrench too I cut down a wrench (Allen key) it’s still a pia .
 

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Anyone want to id the old carbs?

Right side is a R 930. 11
Left is a LB 930. 31

Neither is threaded for velocity stacks my new carbs are threaded.
 

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Anyone want to id the old carbs?

Right side is a R 930. 11

Already identified as a BSA Victor carb in December 2021.

Left is a LB 930. 31
Early LH Commando 750.

Neither is threaded for velocity stacks my new carbs are threaded.

If you unscrew the adaptor sleeves then you should find they are.
 
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Sorry about asking twice about the carbs , brain drain or something 😳.

Those sleeves hard to see , thanks .
 
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