Alistair's 1970 Commando resto/mod project

I just sold a '70 Commando 'bobber' for a friend (Mark), and the buyer (Alistair) decided he wanted me to make some changes before he takes delivery. He really has forethought on this, he calculated that if he got the bike and started making the changes himself, it would possibly get stood in the corner indefinitely if there were some setback or delay, rather than being ridden and enjoyed.

It started as a standard Roadster (I believe, still waiting on photos as it was before Mark tore it down the first time). I did some of the labor and farmed out the red powdercoat, polishing and machine work. I also acquired most of the overhaul parts for it, tires, and miscellaneous stuff. Mark wanted a "beach bum bobber" look, so it had a 16" wide rear wheel with big 'ol white sidewall, L-O-N-G pullback handlebars, and L-O-N-G chrome straight pipes. Custom rear fender bolted to the swingarm, limp noodle tail light, and we cleanly bobbed the seat.

Mark had a re-think and went to an alloy rim in the back with a standard tire, and peashooter mufflers. I swapped a set of drag bars he installed on it for these Clubman stylebars.


So, here we have the bike as it sits in my garage in great running shape, as sold on e-bay:

The bike is rather dirty and dusty from sitting, it got ridden, not cleaned (much). I did a flush and make-run, the bike WILL do the ton (as well it should).

Boyer ignition and Sparx regulator/rectifier (and alternator)



Good thing I talked Mark into saving the rear hoop after bobbing the frame. We plugged and drilled it to replace it, but it'll be welded back in place for Alistair.



Meters were overhauled by Joel Levine some years ago



I'll be swapping out the rough aftermarket headlight for a Lucas unit.

Alistair's punchlist (preliminary)

Weld rear hoop & powdercoat frame & (red) parts to black
Rear Excel rim, re-lace, and new front tire
Apply tank sealer & black 'Norton' decals
Swap seat for café racer/manx style
Lucas shell and ears for headlight
Re-chrome or replace rusted fittings
Side covers
Return shocks to original
Replace rear fender w/ original
Install original style tail light
Replace all fluids in the bike

Alarm clock goes off at 6:50 AM...

Thank God! That rear guard treatment is hideous. No other word for it. Ugly doesn't cut it.

Fullauto said:

Thank God! That rear guard treatment is hideous. No other word for it. Ugly doesn't cut it.

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+1 :shock:




He'd of been way ahead buying a bike closer to his idea of "done". He'll be in deep ($$$) when done. JMWO

concours said:

He'd of been way ahead buying a bike closer to his idea of "done". He'll be in deep ($$$) when done.

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Not so much. The powdercoat is the biggest deal, and it's VERY reasonable for a tear-down and rebuild. The engine runs great and all the running gear is already restored. Almost strictly cosmetics.

Alastair here.... based on what Paul and I discussed I will end up with exactly what I want with the added confidence its a solid bike. The fact I know person who built it is also a bonus. There might be a few $ difference but I believe its worth it!

I would be interested in the solo seat, if it's for sale. I have no use for passenger accomodations (pegs are gone) but I didn't want to butcher the stock '71 Roadster seat which is in nice condition.

alastairw said:

I will end up with exactly what I want with the added confidence its a solid bike

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Having rebuilt my own commando many years ago all the way down to the crank, I would much rather have the known mechanically sound bike to start with and go from there, rather then buy the "perfect paint" and "polished up", mechanically unknown bike who's seller claims is 100% perfect... and wants big dollars for...

I don't even care if I don't replace tarnished original fasteners,... They're unrestored stock parts. I thought collectors liked that stuff.... :lol: I'm glad I have my ratty bike with it's patina. ($hitty paint job) It's like me. It's ugly, but it gets the job done.

Danno said:

I would be interested in the solo seat, if it's for sale. I have no use for passenger accomodations (pegs are gone) but I didn't want to butcher the stock '71 Roadster seat which is in nice condition.

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The seat will be available once the replacement arrives and is confirmed and approved. PM or e-mail as a reminder.

grandpaul said:

Danno said:

I would be interested in the solo seat, if it's for sale. I have no use for passenger accomodations (pegs are gone) but I didn't want to butcher the stock '71 Roadster seat which is in nice condition.

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The seat will be available once the replacement arrives and is confirmed and approved. PM or e-mail as a reminder.

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OK will do

Bodywork & forks removed as first step to get to the bare chassis parts for powdercoat.



Rear wheel, fender, mufflers & elecrtical removed



Oil tank, carbs, battery tray, ignition coil, cables, head steady & headers out of the way

Primary gone to the "clean-up" pile



Power unit extracted



Tranny removed from the cradle, then cradle & swingarm extracted



Rear isolastic through bolt was hesitant, but a rubber mallet persuaded it out. It was dry and chalky (that's what makes them stick, should have been greased lightly)

Drew off the swingarm spindle and pushed out the isolastics; all done with disassembly. I need to weld the rear loop back on, grind down the weld, and this stack will be ready for the sandblaster.



Bucket 'o parts



Power unit & tranny ready for flushing and inspection once I pull all the covers.

I have not yet tempted Alistair with all the wonderful aftermarket improvements available for the Commando. I suppose sooner is better than later...

The bike does have a type of the Heinz Kegler swingarm spindle fix (2 holes drilled with nuts welded over them, for dual set bolts)

It will also be getting one of my reed valve crankcase breathers at no charge.

are these reed valve breathers in place of other breather, will they work on other bikes ie T140, I have the sump plug breather fitted on commando but couldn't fit it to the P11 as it poked out underneath, would the reed valve work instead, how are they fitted please or direct me to the forum page. cheers Neil

we could do with a page listing all the bits available to improve the Norton as I keep reading different sections, get interested for later date then forget where and how, also not knowing or understanding the whats, and hows. Can a page be done.

mudplugger said:

are these reed valve breathers in place of other breather, will they work on other bikes ie T140, I have the sump plug breather fitted on commando but couldn't fit it to the P11 as it poked out underneath, would the reed valve work instead, how are they fitted please or direct me to the forum page.

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These typically fit on the backside of the timing chest, where the distributor or magneto used to be on early Norton big twins.

P11 can have a similar type reed valve plumbed in-line with the timed breather hose if the timed breather isn't working properly (or if omitted previously). I don't have these type of valves with both inlet and outlet necks.

Picked up the re-coated parts yesterday...



These folks do a real nice job of wrapping everything in foam sheets, then shrink-wrapping.

Unwrapped everything and ready to start going back together.

THIS was how it originally looked when Mark & I first finished building it to his original taste... "Beach Bum"



Definitely an "acquired taste"...

Lots of stuff happening at the same time, but slowly rounding up bits and pieces to start back together with this project.

One man's trash...



..is another man's treasure!



These original Lucas "beehive" lenses are fetching ridiculous money these days.

Hotwing Glass' Cafe Racer 3 seat on order, should fit the styling well.