I have been reading up and searching on this site for a while. I have gotten a lot on information but I now need some specific answers.
As the title says I am trying to rebuild/restore a 1975 850 commando MKIII that has sat for about 18 years. There was no prep to letting it sit, so it was ran and then just parked. It looks to be in great condition actually because it sat in a garage under a cover, so cosmetically it looks good. I have been working on it a bit over the last week. Here is what I have done so far:
I have drained all of the fluid out of it except the brake fluid and the front fork oil. I have boiled the carbs and re-assembled them. I have also gave the bike a general wash to get some of the cob webs ect. off.
I have not drained the brake fluid yet because I am looking into getting a new master cylinder and new rotors. Does anyone have recommendations for a new master cylinder and rotors?
About the oil: There is a lot left over from the bike, that has also been sitting for 18 years, is it still usable? (this includes fork oil and everything else)
I also have lead additives (again, 18 years sitting) but are they needed? I heard if they are not used then new rockers, springs, valves and seats, and even a new camshaft (rumor that 850 cams are soft?) would be needed.
I understand that the fiber washers everywhere would need to be replaced, but how about the gaskets on the manifold and bottom of the Amal carbs?
Where does everyone buy their supplies? I have not been able to locate a local place that knows anything about Nortons, so I need to know of a reputable online supplier.
I know I will need new tires, hopefully not isolastics, hopefully not an engine rebuild and master cylinder. I know this list isn't bullet proof, but do you think I am missing anything major?
Thank you for reading and responding
As the title says I am trying to rebuild/restore a 1975 850 commando MKIII that has sat for about 18 years. There was no prep to letting it sit, so it was ran and then just parked. It looks to be in great condition actually because it sat in a garage under a cover, so cosmetically it looks good. I have been working on it a bit over the last week. Here is what I have done so far:
I have drained all of the fluid out of it except the brake fluid and the front fork oil. I have boiled the carbs and re-assembled them. I have also gave the bike a general wash to get some of the cob webs ect. off.
I have not drained the brake fluid yet because I am looking into getting a new master cylinder and new rotors. Does anyone have recommendations for a new master cylinder and rotors?
About the oil: There is a lot left over from the bike, that has also been sitting for 18 years, is it still usable? (this includes fork oil and everything else)
I also have lead additives (again, 18 years sitting) but are they needed? I heard if they are not used then new rockers, springs, valves and seats, and even a new camshaft (rumor that 850 cams are soft?) would be needed.
I understand that the fiber washers everywhere would need to be replaced, but how about the gaskets on the manifold and bottom of the Amal carbs?
Where does everyone buy their supplies? I have not been able to locate a local place that knows anything about Nortons, so I need to know of a reputable online supplier.
I know I will need new tires, hopefully not isolastics, hopefully not an engine rebuild and master cylinder. I know this list isn't bullet proof, but do you think I am missing anything major?
Thank you for reading and responding