750 mods and upgrades

So, I fell for the marque again! I thought I could stay away, but she's got me again.



This is a 1972 Roadster and possibly a Combat motor. It has a Boyer ign running stock coils, and aside from that I can see no other mods.

I would like to understand what today's Norton owners consider the "have to" do mods when preparing one of these girls to be a daily rider with some touring potential.

I would also like to know which other mods would be considered the "nice to have", but not necessary things that are available today's BritBike world.

And while we are talking about mods, is there anyone out there that makes a set of "S" head pipes that actually fit, yet???

Must haves that come to mind right away:
Replacement layshaft bearing
Steel gas tank
Reduced diameter front brake master cylinder bore/piston
Stainless front brake hose
Halogen headlamp
Carbs which are not worn out
Modern decent tires

Nice to have: This list is very long; here are a few:
CNW head steady
Solid rear axle
Modern rear shocks
Lansdowne dampers
Fullauto cylinder head
LED lighting
Reed-style crankcase breather

New wiring harness

NIce looking bike! Congratulations!

Yep I agree with all the above,also keep in mind with Boyer ignition you will always want a decent/fully charged battery and keep an eye out for the wires fracturing near the pick up plate, Boyer's are prone to this,it's a nice bike enjoy it

I'd put the reed valve breather in the 'must have' list. So easy to do, and such an obviously 'right' thing to do.

Fast Eddie said:

I'd put the reed valve breather in the 'must have' list. So easy to do, and such an obviously 'right' thing to do.

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+1

All good advice
One addition (sort of already covered):
I believe the Jim Comstock/CNW breather overcomes the '72 scavenging issue in addition to adding a reed valve, but I did the traditional case mods (relocate scavenge hole to back of cases, relocate breather etc.), and used a cheapie Mike's XS breather. Not essential for just 'riding' but for hard riding it's pretty important: have a look at the Andover Norton and OldBritts websites for more detailed info on 'Combat breather'.

Personally, if it was mine and it wasn't a Combat I'd make it one as a high priority. huge grin factor and with the above advice (especially carbs/ignition) still a pleasant ride.

Don't forget the Kegler clamps or similar swingarm fix. I would move to the Mk3 style welch plugs and felt seals on the swingarm while I was at it.

Whether you want a new wiring harness or to improve the original, I would make it high priority to go through it. The wiring harness on my 750 was really beautiful once I got the old brittle tape off it but the connectors where all splitting from age. Going through and working out all of the faults from poor connections and cleaning up switches made the biggest impact on riding pleasure.

Reed valve - definetly
Modern shocks - yes!
Head steady - yes!
Belt drive - Maybe

Nice looking bike.

BrianG said:

And while we are talking about mods, is there anyone out there that makes a set of "S" head pipes that actually fit, yet???

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I gave up on trying to find "S" pipes that fit. My first pair fit so/so and when one sheared at the head after 10K miles, the next set I bought weren't even close so I returned them. I had an old rusty flea market pair that fit like a glove so I had them re-chromed but I'm not completely satisfied with the finish and they will probably have to be re-done again.

I have a list of all the things I did to my commando. It's pretty long. Ocassionally, somone mentions a modification here in the forum and I realize I've done that too, but forgot to add it to my list. Each commando owner can cop any attitude the wish. You can prefer "bone stock" as more of a time capsule bike, or embrace every modificaton to produce a more ridable bike...

-I've done nearly every one of the previously mentioned mods, plus...
-the teflon lined venhill clutch cable is a good modification. It helps lessen the grip pressure needed to pull the clutch lever, as is adding a dynadave clutch rod seal to keep gear oil from migrating down the hollow mainshaft into the primary case
-Adjusting the height of the clutch plates with different thickness steel plates is also a worthy modification.
-I added an ammeter to my wiring harness and mounted it in the headlight shell. I can see how my electrical components are reacting.
-I have a dual lead dyna coil.
-I changed out my stock norton spoke wheels for cast yamaha wheels which was a radical modification, but a lot of people change out the steel stock rims for light weight wider aluminum rims to mount modern tires rather than the traditional antiquated triangular shaped tires.
-I got an interstate tank to replace my roadster tank, so I can more easily avoid "ethanol laced fuel"
-I replaced my headlight bulb with and LED bulb. It's way brighter, and draws less amperage.

... there's lots more

I have the exact bike, likely only a couple of numbers away from yours, the mods as suggested are on my list, thanks so much.

750 tuning guide, very helpful along with tips you can find by searching this forum (timing case drain relocating, anyting made by Madass etc...)

Fast Eddie said:

I'd put the reed valve breather in the 'must have' list. So easy to do, and such an obviously 'right' thing to do.

Click to expand...

I second that! The Comstock reed breather was the single most noticeable performance changing mod I made, second was an OldBritts PowerArc ignition.

Hello BrianG

All well covered by earlier posts.
Just a further one from me - rear brake pedal safety spring (part no. 06.4172) just in case any part of the rear brake cable system fails. This mod stops the pedal potentially sticking into the ground!

Andy

"Just one more thing"
I don't think anyone has mentioned an oil filter kit, e.g. 06.4283P (Andover Norton).
An optional extra but probably a good idea to fit one.
Andy

If you have the bucks and really want an "S" style exhaust get in touch with Paul Bryant at Viking Exhaust. It will fit! www.vikingexhaust.com
Great guy and awesome products. IMO Viking is the Colorado Norton Works of exhausts.