Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando

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Congrats! Save the original air filter box it appears to be all there. Your a lucky soul! Pictures are great reference source for all of us given the bike is original. Please don't hesitate to post more. Best of luck with the project!

Tom
 
TJKII said:
Save the original air filter box it appears to be all there.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Unfortunately; only the "back plate" of the air filter box was on the motorcycle and it is broken from someone twisting the ignition switch mounting. I believe that it can be repaired. The bike came with a dual K&N filter set up.
 
There is no battery hold down because they replaced the battery with one much taller. The rubber straps would not reach. I like to make hold down straps from old wheel spokes using the nipples threaded on backwards. Holds tight and you don't need to worry about the rubber strap failing. A gel battery will make that vent unnecessary.

I'll throw my two cents in on starting the motor. If it has sat for ten years, I want to know what's inside. That means a complete teardown and inspection. If the rings are stuck you run the risk of breaking them which can cause further damage. As GrandPaul and others have mentioned, the sludge trap may release grit that takes out bearings. Even if it ran like a top, every time I got 10 miles from home I would hear all sorts of strange noises. For me, the peace of mind knowing what was inside would be worth the time and expense of a complete re-build.

Great find by the way. It looks to be in amazing original condition.
 
Sure looks like the fins between the head and the barrel are kinda close. Maybe PO tried to make a Combat 850 out of this. Great little project, it doesn't look like much needs to be done to bring it back.

Don
 
Before I completely tear down the bike... I thought I should apply for Antique Vehicle Tags... In order to obtain the special plates the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires four photos (of all four sides) to confirm that the vehicle is an antique. So after cleaning for a few days... this is what she looks like now...
Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando


Not perfect... but a lot better than when she was frozen in the barn :D
Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando


Disassembly begins later today... with initial emphasis on wheels and hubs... GP are you ready for me? :)
 
PhiloMcGiffin said:
Disassembly begins later today...
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Jezuz...the bike will be worth less in a restored condition. They're only original once. Don't tear this one down, find a basket case if you want to rebuild one.
 
Talking myself out of a little bit of work, but I agree that the bike looks awesome!

I don't see much beyond the airbox that isn't original, and you have one of the rare disc brakes that isn't "chrome-rust-chrome-rust" (or variations on that theme).

hee hee
 
But the brake would work a little better with a caliper, LOL LOL. Looks awesome By the way.
 
Nice clean up Philo. Good to see these bike's kept as a whole instead of being sold for parts. Chalk up another Commando back on the road again. :D
 
First of all... Thank you all for your kind comments, they are appreciated. This is really a classic case of "pictures can lie" :) Taken from just far enough away, with the "proper" lighting and most anything can be made to look good. As I said earlier, these pictures were for the DMV to obtain the "Vintage Tags"... in reality the bike is still very "rough" with lots of rust, broken chrome, deteriorated rubber bushings, and chipped paint... not to mention that the engine hasn't been started in over 9 years.

My plan for now (it changes almost daily) is to build new wheels, get new tires, upgrade the brakes, change to a 520 type chain, and upgrade the suspension... then see if I can get it running and see where I'm at. I'm hesitant to completely disassemble the bike right now... as I'm concerned I might lose interest and end up with a "basket full of parts"... If I can get it running properly, enjoy it this coming spring and summer, then I'll work on the cosmetics and additional upgrades next winter.

I'll keep the pictures coming as I make the changes.
 
Sounds like an excellent plan, Philo. Of all the "original" unmolested Nortons I've seen, there hasn't been one that I would have not done at least a cosmetic restoration to, as well as many of the common upgrades. As you explained, rubber and chrome look pretty rough after some thirty-five years. There was a Commando still in the crate on ebay a couple of years ago. It, too, probably was somewhat of a disappointment in appearance.
 
Looks as if you have a nice GB 500 to ride in the mean time. I also agree that's a great plan, Once you get it going though I think that will have you hooked.
 
My plan was to keep the bike in one piece... get it running and change out items as needed. Unfortunately;my plans have been changed by events beyond my control... Change is Good... Right? I started taking things apart and as I got "deeper" into it... I found more and more that looked just terrible... in particular the isolastic mounts were corroded and all the rubber dust covers were deteriorated to almost nothing. Almost every fitting or piece of hardware on the bike is badly corroded. Rust everywhere... with many, many scratches in the frame and the swing arm. Unacceptable :?

So...

Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando

It's coming apart.. down to the frame for a full restoration.
Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando


Now it's almost a "basket case"... worth almost nothing... unless I can follow through and create magic. I'll keep you updated with my progress.

Before anyone asks... that's a '04 BMW GS1150, a '79 Honda CBX, and a Suzuki Burgman barely visible in the background.
 
Hortons Norton said:
Looks as if you have a nice GB 500 to ride in the mean time. I also agree that's a great plan, Once you get it going though I think that will have you hooked.
Click to expand...

Actually I think the GB500 is your avatar should be replaced by this shot. Just sayin'.

Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando
 
The frame has been stripped... and will be sent out for powder-coating next week. I plan to spend the next few weeks scrubbing the engine and gearbox... getting them ready for paint.
Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando


I'll add more pictures as some of the re-finished and/or new parts come in.
 
I thought when I painted mine back in 1984, I'd never see another the same color.
Classic Barn Find - '74 Norton Commando
 
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