1969 Commando revitalization.

the left side falls onto the ground gravel when pulling the battery for winter or whatever.

The right-hand panel is battery access on the S(?)/'70 Roadster(?). Left-hand is prevented from falling by the ignition switch plus it is bolted in position. ;)
 
Last edited:
Looks like I’m missing the chokes
You're not "missing" the chokes. Someone has removed them for you. IMO They serve little purpose and can cause problems.. Just tickle the carbs and let the bike warm up momentarily before you set off.
 
Last edited:
Is there a choke issue with Commandos? I was wondering why the previous owner would eliminate the chokes :confused:.
It was common practice way back in the '70s to eliminate the chokes on British bikes with Amal carburetors. Even on the Monoblocs that preceded the Concentrics. It's not a "Norton" thing.
 
Usually removed chokes means they couldn't figure out how to put the carbs back together.
YAHTZEE!

The only enricher slides I ever removed were on customer request/demand.

All of my bikes retained them, and i used them once in a while.

When Amal carbs aren't totally clapped out, and if they are set up right as to float level and slide needle adjustment, they are quite nice indeed.
 
I have never removed them - frankly I don’t know what the fuss is all about - they are an elementary simple device and at least for me they help cold start. If Amal didn’t think they were needed they certainly would eliminate them and cut their costs .
 
Last edited:
I think that chrome choke lever is beautiful. It's one of the things that hooked me on british bikes. My bike needs the chokes. Holding the ticklers down dumping fuel is no way to go thru life son.
 
If you run without chokes you will want the bike set up just a bit rich at idle, otherwise the warm up period is a pain on a cool day.
The 650ss arrived without chokes. It works fine during summer, but not as well on early spring or fall startoffs.
It's a minor thing so I haven't bothered to put the chokes back. After half a mile of riding it is warm enough to run properly.
The MK3 still has its chokes and I use them.

Glen
 
If you run without chokes you will want the bike set up just a bit rich at idle, otherwise the warm up period is a pain on a cool day.
The 650ss arrived without chokes. It works fine during summer, but not as well on early spring or fall startoffs.
It's a minor thing so I haven't bothered to put the chokes back. After half a mile of riding it is warm enough to run properly.
The MK3 still has its chokes and I use them.

Glen
When I bought my '67 A65T in 1970 it had the choke removed. I never felt the need to replace the choke. Since it didn't seem necessary why add complication?

When I bought my '74 MK II it also had the chokes removed. I have not felt it necessary to replace them on the Norton either.

My philosophy is simpler is better. YMMV
 
I think that chrome choke lever is beautiful. It's one of the things that hooked me on british bikes. My bike needs the chokes. Holding the ticklers down dumping fuel is no way to go thru life son.
The choke lever IS beautiful . Early levers were plain chrome and later levers had the word CHOKE cast in. My MK 111 has the later type for those Canadian cold morning starts with both tickler enricheners held down for half a second. I don't like them overflowing and dripping fuel onto the starter motor.
 
Welcome to the best Norton site anywhere! Lots of useful information. You don't have to rush out and spend a lot of money, try riding the bike ,carbs are simple design and easily cleaned. Ride it sort out problems as they arrive, you may be surprised! There is nothing that breaks that can't be replaced or repaired. They do like to be "stroked" on occasion but that's half the fun of owning an old bike. Nice looking bike! Above all enjoy riding and retirement!
 
You don't have to rush out and spend a lot of money, try riding the bike ,carbs are simple design and easily cleaned. Ride it sort out problems as they arrive, you may be surprised! There is nothing that breaks that can't be replaced or repaired. They do like to be "stroked" on occasion but that's half the fun of owning an old bike. Nice looking bike! Above all enjoy riding and retirement!

Excellent advice thank you ! One step at a time :)
 
The choke lever IS beautiful . Early levers were plain chrome and later levers had the word CHOKE cast in. My MK 111 has the later type for those Canadian cold morning starts with both tickler enricheners held down for half a second. I don't like them overflowing and dripping fuel onto the starter motor.
Maybe I should just install my old.choke lever that has not been on in the 30.years I have had the bike...

Maybe not. ;)
 
Back
Top