Another '73 project

dragonfly · Mar 30, 2014

I'm sort of new to this forum but been lurking for a while trying to soak up some inspiration and tips from you guys. Bought in '75, enjoyed till '87, then got married, kids, work..you know the drill. My wife (now my ex) didn't like motorcycles so my Norton got neglected. 24 years later it's time to try to get it running again. So far so good. Engine turns over with good compression and the gearbox shifts nicely. Gonna start with cleaning out the tank and Amals. Here's what it looked like in November.

I did not have a garage at the time and had to store it in a friends garage. The front wheel got uncovered and took the brunt of rust damage.

God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be able to ride this summer.

850cmndo · Mar 30, 2014

And the fun begins..

SquareHead · Mar 30, 2014

Keep us posted with the ongoing project, and plenty of pictures!!

concours · Mar 30, 2014

LOTS of pics please... Good choice!

Hobot · Mar 30, 2014

Liked the life endurance tale up to finally getting a-round-to-it. Pretty long in tooth looking, wonder how much of it will remain once fully fettered. Pretty much the model I consider as most potential cream of the crop.

Matt Spencer · Mar 30, 2014

hobot said:
Liked the life endurance tale up to finally getting a-round-to-it. Pretty long in tooth looking, wonder how much of it will remain once fully fettered. Pretty much the model I consider as most potential cream of the crop.

FETTER !

" wonder how much of it will remain once fully fettered. " :mrgreen: As Its Not Australian . Its being Unfettered . Though may be FETTELED .

Grood Ruck , Set of Alloy Rims & clean the sludge trap :evil: should do it , along with clean lube & gaskets. The Layshaft Brg. Gaskets . :x etc.

A couple of weekends should do it .

:lol: :wink: .

Overinflateing inner tubes should see if they P O P .

73 creme of the crop .

Matt Spencer · Mar 30, 2014

Cleaning out the oil tank , and it should be safe to fire up - briefly . Id drop a ounce in the cylinders first , overnight / over week .
Same - Prime Oiling . Gravity should do it . Given Time . Dropping the nut at the rear of the timing cover to O H Vs , should bleed pump . :?

Bazz · Mar 30, 2014

A '73 Mark V- a great bike.
Interesting crossover exhaust headers! Are they after market?

Hobot · Mar 30, 2014

I picked up the term form the UK guys off NOC and Brit Iron lists, who often enough wished each other "quality" fettering time.

SquareHead · Mar 31, 2014

Interesting statement about 73 being cream of the crop. Why not the '74? (which is what I have!)

Matt Spencer · Mar 31, 2014

Well . . . Actually . . .

:lol: Though If Theres NO Bumps , this is likely lighter .

More the process of Eveloution , though we might just let a 74 slip in there , if it was built in 73

or was a Mk II . As theyre 73 Spec . Bit of the 186 Vs 202 debate , 750 Vs 850 .
though a obsolte argument . Also Intent / Purpose defines specs .

NOT TO WORRY , a set of Megaphones will make it acceptable . :wink: :!:

.

Matt Spencer · Mar 31, 2014

hobot said:
I picked up the term form the UK guys off NOC and Brit Iron lists, who often enough wished each other "quality" fettering time.

Id be very carefull of these blokes . Theyre likely leading you astray .

:mrgreen:

dragonfly · Mar 31, 2014

The pipes are AM Hooker headers. Gonna return to peashooters if the budget allows.

From looking at the discoloration of the barrels, I suspected a leaking head gasket. With some help from the bullpen, we pulled the head for inspection. Cylinder walls look good. Gonna bead blast the exterior and re-paint siver to tidy it up a bit.

grandpaul · Mar 31, 2014

You really want to aqua / hydro blast rather than glass bead.

No need to paint, you'll see!

850cmndo · Mar 31, 2014

It's a '73. Whatever you do...don't go to black barrels.

gtsun · Mar 31, 2014

"Wife didn't like Motorcycles" ??? Should have been a X before the marriage! Bead blasting & a bit of paint can bring that front disk back, glad you had such a good friend who would keep it stored for you. It looks nice and complete from what I know.. Oh and welcome to the party. Glenn.

xbacksideslider · Mar 31, 2014

Thanks for posting up.

My '73 came with black barrels; very similar bike to yours.

As for "cream of the crop" - that's my biased and prejudiced opinion, last of the 750s; except for the short strokes, the most highly developed of the 750's. In stock form, compared to 750's, the 850s are cruisers; 850's are desirable - they ARE Nortons after all - but they run out of breath. Ported/cammed 850's - that's another thing.

Ron L · Mar 31, 2014

xbacksideslider said:
Thanks for posting up.

My '73 came with black barrels; very similar bike to yours.

As for "cream of the crop" - that's my biased and prejudiced opinion, last of the 750s; except for the short strokes, the most highly developed of the 750's. In stock form, compared to 750's, the 850s are cruisers; 850's are desirable - they ARE Nortons after all - but they run out of breath. Ported/cammed 850's - that's another thing.

Well, then most came with silver barrels. But I agree with your assessment.

And the cruiser 850.

And the ported/cammed/carbed 850 hot rod.

They are all different and each a blast.

staticmoves · Mar 31, 2014

I might replace those fuel lines as well, before going to far.
Don't want to crack those while going in for a tickle. Makes for a bad day.

Bazz · Apr 1, 2014

xbacksideslider said:
Thanks for posting up.

My '73 came with black barrels; very similar bike to yours.

As for "cream of the crop" - that's my biased and prejudiced opinion, last of the 750s; except for the short strokes, the most highly developed of the 750's. In stock form, compared to 750's, the 850s are cruisers; 850's are desirable - they ARE Nortons after all - but they run out of breath. Ported/cammed 850's - that's another thing.

I have heard said that "a good 750 will always beat an 850". Not sure my good pal Stockie would agree with that. His 850 is a real road burner.

Another '73 project

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