'74

So...I recently got this '74 Commando, dropped her off with an old school tuner to get her basically up to ridable. She appears to be all original & we are keeping points, carbs, brakes etc. Then I thought I would begin to tweak her a bit. I suppose I could begin my tweaks where issues begin to pop up, but if I want to head off demons, where is the best place to start. Electronics? Killer carbs? Motor mount rubber? Get my head examined?

Hi platinumsmith,
I would say before you do any upgrades make sure all the stock parts you have are in good condition. So start with the ISOs, have they been upgraded to the vernier type? This would make your life a lot easier, remember the bike is 37 years old so any original rubber parts will need replacing by now. Next, your suspension, again if it's on the original shocks they could probably do with reconditioning or replacing (IKON or Hagon?), the same goes for the front forks, you may need seals, bushes and possibly new springs. Also, what tires are you running? If the bike is still on the old hard rubber, again replace those.
Once you have the bike in a good ridable condition you can then decide and make an informed choice of what needs improving or upgrading, there's a thousand ways to "invest" your money in these old tarts, some upgrades make a difference, some less so.
Of course, if you want a 100 BHP fire breathing monster you're better off looking for a modern bike.

I hope this helps

Webby

Great advice. That makes perfect sense. Thank you.

Welcome to the forum, platinum.

Webby03 said:

Next, your suspension, again if it's on the original shocks they could probably do with reconditioning or replacing (IKON or Hagon?)

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My 2c on shocks...even though I regularly replace shocks on a rebuild, it's always for cosmetic reasons and it makes buyers feel good. I have yet to work on a Norton or Triumph where the rear shocks were not working correctly. The performance of new ones (Hagon) is marginal at best relative to the cost.

Stock units are easy to clean up and make look nice...if your bike is all original, think about this before dropping the cash on new units.

I would put a good set of tires as a high priority. Old hard tires may look OK, but can put you on the ground in a hurry (DAMHIK). If it has the stock 19 inch wheels, original style Dunlop K81 in new rubber keeps originality, but I like the Avon RoadRider modern design better.

Next I would very carefully check over the wiring. Clean all connections and replace any cracked or internally broken bullet connectors. Pay special attention to the big gang connector under the tank. It rarely is in usable condition. Replace it with individual bullets. If the wiring has been patched and spliced buy a new harness, or better yet, make your own with original color code and eliminating all the extra wires and connections.

Work on reliability, then when you are confident with that , move to handling, Isos, etc. Lastly go for cosmetics. Paint, polish, chrome or stainless.

Your wallet will thank you.

Ron L has put out the best all round advice. I would only add that the brakes are not really up to todays traffic density and speed and idiots. Definetly check out the upgrades you can do. They range from re-sleeving the master cylinder bore and steel braided hose to twin disc set ups. The back brake is pretty feeble, but can be improved with quality shoes. The best I have found is Ferodo, made in Italy. A lot of other stuff just doesn't bite. Try Old Britts, Colorado Norton Works and RGM for brake recommendations.

Mick