Barnfind Newbie

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picked up this bike on wed..I feel that 8/6/08 was my lucky day, not 8/8/08.

I found this this site last night and want to thank Jerry an everyone that participates. Although I still have plenty of posts to read, many of my questions have been answered. Maybe finding this forum was my 8/8/08 good luck!

1971 with what seems to be 1673 original miles!

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Barnfind Newbie
 
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Great find! If this is your first Commando, you found a very good one to start with. Looks very complete.

One word of caution on a '71. If the side stand is still mounted, check the pin very carefully. These are notorius for breaking or loosing the retaining clip, with disastrous results. If the stand is already gone, (most are) then consider welding a plate such as the one Old Britts sells and mount a late model side stand. Make this decision before you paint the frame.
 
ftw808, welcome! Looks like you've got your work cut out for you there, but a very worthwhile project!
 
Just wondering, is it a '71 ? It looks like a '72 to me. Nice, whatever :)
 
I bet most of the corrosion would wipe right off. With a battery , a carb swamp out,a cleaning of the gas tank and setting of the points it would run.

Resist the temptation to do this. The oil tank and the sludge trap in the crank need a good cleaning and that requires a break down with no damage to the good parts as you go in.
For a first timer with no Norton service tools this could be a little tough. That bike is a good start, worth finding some qualified help.
 
It looks like a '72 to me.
:?: :?:
O.K. 79X100, you've got me curious. What about that picture makes you suspect it is a '72?

The seat pattern looks typical '71-early '72.

I can't see the breather from the picture.

What am I missing?
 
Ron L said:
It looks like a '72 to me.
:?: :?:
O.K. 79X100, you've got me curious. What about that picture makes you suspect it is a '72?

What am I missing?

:) Just trying to unsettle a newby Ron, that's all !

erm, no actually, I had it in my head that the cush drive came for '72. In my defence, I'd just sat down with a beer and engaged typing fingers without bump-starting the brain first :shock:
 
You have a nice find there. I think 71 is the best year myself. Before all the new fangled gadgetry that one doesn't need. I think she will shine up and go like stink. Resist the temptation to take the thing apart. Clean, set, lube, polish, and then ride like the wind.
 
Resist the temptation to take the thing apart. Clean, set, lube, polish, and then ride like the wind.

I agree with Greg (Norbsa48503) and taking this advice could get expensive quickly. Depending on how it has been stored for what appears to be quite a few years, there could be enough sludge in the crankcase to prevent sufficient oil flow on startup or moisture could have pitted the crank roller bearings.

If the numbers match, it would be a shame to have a rod let go and ruin those cases. Take it down and learn how it works and carefully re-assemble and you will have a sweet running ride for many years!
 
So, what all was involved in the "resurrection"?

I am new to this thread, I would have thought the '71 had the "halo" headlight mount.

NICE "old" bike.
 
From the first picture it looks like a combat head with the small gap between fins. Could have been skimmed as too early for "real" combat I think.
ftw808, what is the engine number? I bet it's prety close to mine.

Bob.
 
The owner I purchased the bike from owns a bike shop and bought this bike from its original owner back in '83. That is when the title was signed, and never re-issued. The last time the bike was registered was 1973. The sticker was with the original title. Dont think it is a combat but this is my first Norton. engine serial # 20m3s143211. you guys can tell me?

cleaned /rebuild carbs, they still had original plastic float needles. Opted for k&n air cleaner. new points. flushed fluids. Lots of cleaning with steel wool. I plan on eventually powder coating much of the chrome. Very hard to keep chrome nice in Hawaii. new steel tank off ebay and a friend striped it similar to Ron Wood's flat tracker. Was at Davenport swap end of August and purchased most parts from Morries. Quite a bit of online reading. Still need new tires and isolastics...the list will go on as needed but since I live on an Island I do not have the same worries as if I were doing a cross country tour. Still getting used to the shift pattern and controls.

Thanks again to all the help on this board.

Barnfind Newbie
 
All Nortons wet sump, so the bottom end should be protected in a bath of oil. I would clean the bike, change fluids, replace tires, lube wheel bearings, set points, etc. and run it!

Then, if the engine makes any funny knocking noises, tear it down for a rebuild. But I'd be willing to bet that you can get some serious enjoyment out of that Norton without a major rebuild.

Congratulations on a fantastic find!

Jason
 
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