1975 Commando MK III starter parts

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MLW9110

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I recently bought a 1975 MKIII 850 commando. The starter was missing and a blanking plate was installed. I was hoping the rest of the starter drive train was still there. I took the primary cover off and was disappointed. All the parts are gone.

I need pretty much everything from Group 12 of the parts catalog.

Andover Norton has the parts but the cost is high especially with tariffs and shipping added.

Any ideas on how to find the parts?

The bike is rough but it runs. I'm rebuilding the brakes because both master cylinders were seized. I got the bike really cheap. I should be able to test ride soon and decide if I want to keep it. Having a working start system would be ideal.
 
You will need to $pend . You got it cheap .
Fit stainless brake pistons . Lots of help here on the forum on how to get the seized ones out . New braided lines ,fluids ,seals , sky's the limit . Safety first .
E-Start issue . My 75 has at least 3k into the primary drive to date . Andover Norton provides the new missing parts .
Sky's the limit . Jason the Chain man double row . CNW . To do it right .
I love $pending your money .
Good luck .
 
Torontonian said:
You will need to $pend . You got it cheap .
Fit stainless brake pistons . Lots of help here on the forum on how to get the seized ones out . New braided lines ,fluids ,seals , sky's the limit . Safety first .
E-Start issue . My 75 has at least 3k into the primary drive to date . Andover Norton provides the new missing parts .
Sky's the limit . Jason the Chain man double row . CNW . To do it right .
I love $pending your money .
Good luck .
Click to expand...
I got the pistons out. Wasn't easy. New pistons but not stainless. New rear master cylinder. New rubber brake lines. Rear brake is done. Waiting on parts to finish the front.

I've got to get the bike rideable before I put a lot of money into it. I can't get the clutch free with the kicker so that's the next project.
 
MLW9110 said:
I got the pistons out. Wasn't easy. New pistons but not stainless. New rear master cylinder. New rubber brake lines. Rear brake is done. Waiting on parts to finish the front.

I've got to get the bike rideable before I put a lot of money into it. I can't get the clutch free with the kicker so that's the next project.
Click to expand...
Pull the primary cover . You have the clutch tool , correct ? Pull and solvent wash all plates using plastic disposable gloves , outside .
 
I have a 1973 Commando 750 I was selling and seller offered me the 850 at a price I couldn't refuse.
 
MLW9110 said:
I recently bought a 1975 MKIII 850 commando. The starter was missing and a blanking plate was installed. I was hoping the rest of the starter drive train was still there. I took the primary cover off and was disappointed. All the parts are gone.

I need pretty much everything from Group 12 of the parts catalog.

Andover Norton has the parts but the cost is high especially with tariffs and shipping added.

Any ideas on how to find the parts?

The bike is rough but it runs. I'm rebuilding the brakes because both master cylinders were seized. I got the bike really cheap. I should be able to test ride soon and decide if I want to keep it. Having a working start system would be ideal.
Click to expand...
Keep looking on Ebay and put wanted ads in Roadholder and your local classic bike Magazines.
Don't moan about the cost of new bits. Be thankful you can still get them off the shelf. Try getting stuff for 20 yr old bikes and cars!
 
If the bike runs and rides well it might be worth restoring the starter system. The cost of the new parts is less than what it would cost to put a start kit on my 1973 750.
 
MLW9110 said:
Waiting on parts to finish the front. I've got to get the bike rideable before I put a lot of money into it.
Click to expand...
Very sensible approach. You may need to replace fork tubes, oil seals, pour in new fork oil, and fit new rear shocks.

- Knut
 
Brakes are done. Bike is running and I rode it a few miles today. It starts easily and shifts well. Brakes work good. Probably 25 years since it's been on the road. I'll probably sell it rather than invest in the starter parts. I'll ride it for a while though.
 
I would encourage you to search for the parts by P/N and buy what you can't find from Andover Norton. With a Dyno Dave starter the MK III can be made to behave like a modern bike but be traditional at the same time. All parts are available somewhere.
 
JimNH said:
I would encourage you to search for the parts by P/N and buy what you can't find from Andover Norton. With a Dyno Dave starter the MK III can be made to behave like a modern bike but be traditional at the same time. All parts are available somewhere.
Click to expand...
Indeed .
Don't give up .
 
Gave it a proper ride today. About 40 miles. Around town with stoplight and traffic and out on open road at 50mph and above. I might be bonding with it.

I need to get new tires. I'm surprised about how hard it is to find a 100/90-19 rear or front/rear tire. I got an Avon Road Rider for my other Norton but that was before tariffs. None to be found in the US.
 
Avon moved production from the UK over 18 months ago and I've heard, haven't started producing the Roadriders, yet...

I find the Dunlop TT100 is fine.
 

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