68-69 Commando S

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NPeteN

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Hey everyone. New to the forum but not to motorcycles. I'm looking at a late 60s Commmando S tomorrow and was wondering if there exists a Norton specific checklist as to what to look out for (particularly expensive missing parts, unavailable parts etc...)

I have experience restoring early 70's Hondas. Will post with more info when I've got it. Thanks in advance to anyone able to help.
 
Good place to start ---
Frame/engine/transmission serial numbers match?
Serial numbers in the correct range to make it an "S"?
Fiberglass fuel tank?
 
Good place to start ---
Frame/engine/transmission serial numbers match?
Serial numbers in the correct range to make it an "S"?
Fiberglass fuel tank?
It's a single owner bike, I believe the tank is fiberglass. Pipes are correct. I'll check engine numbers and take plenty of photos. I know how valuable photos can be.
 
The tank is going to need to be replaced if the bike is going to be used.
 
The tank is going to need to be replaced if the bike is going to be used.

Curious, Why's that? The guy who owns it now just had the tank and side covers painted, I'm sure something would have been said, but perhaps not, yikes. This is good feedback. Thank you
 
Makes sense. Any effective coating or is replacement the end all be all? No ethanol free stations in my area, been there, done that. Thanks for the tip.
Update :Matching numbers
 
Great. Thanks. I've got a photo of the bike but I'm not sure how to add it. What is the protocol as far as adding photos here? I'm using my phone currently.
 
Great. Thanks. I've got a photo of the bike but I'm not sure how to add it. What is the protocol as far as adding photos here? I'm using my phone currently.

You can't upload directly unless you are a VIP member so you'd need to use an image hosting website such as: https://postimages.org/ and then copy and paste the image 'hotlink for forums' (for postimage) code into your forum message.
 
Ok thanks. I spend most of my time over on the hondatwins forum. I'll sort out this photo in a sec
 
Look carefully at the brochures here http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/Brochures.htm
The hardest parts to find are the lever sets if they're not original. Most of the other stuff can be had somewhere but a lot of the special parts to the 69/70 are hard to find. Make sure it's all there. If you need send me the pic and I'll post it. PM me if necessary.
 
68-69 Commando S


Sorry it's a garbage photo. I posted on here a long time ago when I first had the opportunity to buy the bike and have since changed phones. Im basically grabbing that photo from a screenshot from years back, hence the terrible quality. Thanks to everyone that has responded, I know from helping other people with their bikes how difficult it can be without proper photography and info. Much appreciated all.
 
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Look carefully at the brochures here http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/Brochures.htm
The hardest parts to find are the lever sets if they're not original. Most of the other stuff can be had somewhere but a lot of the special parts to the 69/70 are hard to find. Make sure it's all there. If you need send me the pic and I'll post it. PM me if necessary.
Looks like a 1970 commando S. Thanks for the reference
 
I see it. I think it needs a new seat. Hard to tell the details, but doesn't look like a wreck. It probably needs a lot of work. Get ready to open your wallet. Chromed parts look serviceable. Missing the front exhaust shields. As before, if you're going to use ethanol, you should change the tank, I wouldn't chance getting resin in the carbs/intake. Needs new fork tubes too. There's probably a lot of rebuilding to it, like nearly everything. But having it all there makes it possible.
 
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