Hi everyone, I didn't see a thread for introductions so I thought I would just post up what I have. I've been dying to have a Norton Commando ever since I was 14 (I'm 33 now), and I finally picked up a supposed "90% complete basket case". Well, not quite. It looks like various bits and pieces of many bikes, but not 90% of one bike. I have maybe 6 heads, 5 cylinders, 4 tranny cases, you get the idea. But included was a 1975 frame and 1974 engine cases, so I would like to attempt a build! Here's a pic of the pile:
No transmission gears, sheetmetal, etc. I'll put up more pics if anyone is interested in seeing them. Thanks!
Commando parts jumble build thread!
- Thread starter russhud
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Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
The lower steering head bearing bore is worth checking also for wear or being oval.
It must have been cheap or you like a challenge.
The spare heads and cylinders might be worth $1400 + to offset the needed parts.
Snorton74 said:
The lower steering head bearing bore is worth checking also for wear or being oval.
It must have been cheap or you like a challenge.
The spare heads and cylinders might be worth $1400 + to offset the needed parts.
Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
Really glad you guys are interested, I'll throw up more pictures. Apparently these came from an old timer who raced them, there is some odd stuff in there. Lots of 750 parts, two of the heads are Combat. Kinda shy on 850 stuff which is unfortunately what Im building. I paid $800 for the pile.
Really glad you guys are interested, I'll throw up more pictures. Apparently these came from an old timer who raced them, there is some odd stuff in there. Lots of 750 parts, two of the heads are Combat. Kinda shy on 850 stuff which is unfortunately what Im building. I paid $800 for the pile.
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Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
Poor Chap . .
Im sure youll get over it . :lol: :wink:
looks like a BSA 8in SLS front end , over to the right .
So youve got the beginings of a Gold Star , too . :mrgreen:
( Dont throw it out , if its GOOD its NOT Trash ) . RIGHT :
probably the best way to go about building a street / comp
( S / C ) motorsickle . Youve all the options as you wish .
A good 750 will do a good rate of knots , built right . SO
theres not a lot of point going 850 except as tourer / cruiser
for the tourque without revs . tho 750s good there too .
. The ancient alloy guards are still available
and if you can weld & have a hack saw & vice , coming up
with something like the SFC Laverda ( in concept ) would
be my approach to the subject . However if your 500 miles
from the first corner , theres a ' Commando Choppers ' thread
if cornering isnt relevant . :lol:
:x
Poor Chap . .
Im sure youll get over it . :lol: :wink: looks like a BSA 8in SLS front end , over to the right .
So youve got the beginings of a Gold Star , too . :mrgreen:
( Dont throw it out , if its GOOD its NOT Trash ) . RIGHT :
probably the best way to go about building a street / comp
( S / C ) motorsickle . Youve all the options as you wish .
A good 750 will do a good rate of knots , built right . SO
theres not a lot of point going 850 except as tourer / cruiser
for the tourque without revs . tho 750s good there too .
. The ancient alloy guards are still available
and if you can weld & have a hack saw & vice , coming up
with something like the SFC Laverda ( in concept ) would
be my approach to the subject . However if your 500 miles
from the first corner , theres a ' Commando Choppers ' thread
if cornering isnt relevant . :lol:
:xRe: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
Well the pile included no tinware unfortunately. Building an 850 because tje only frame and only cases are 850. I would have preferred a 750 but then again that would be as easy as buying one. I think Ill be a better man for it if I take the hand I was dealt and build tbe bike.
Well the pile included no tinware unfortunately. Building an 850 because tje only frame and only cases are 850. I would have preferred a 750 but then again that would be as easy as buying one. I think Ill be a better man for it if I take the hand I was dealt and build tbe bike.
DogT
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Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
You got a good start there, even if it's not complete, great deal at that price, like matt says those heads and cylinders are worth some loot if they are any good.
What's your experience with brit bikes? There's a large learning curve here if you haven't worked on them, but can be overcome with mechanical experience.
Please add your location in your profile unless you want to keep it secret.
There's plenty of build threads here to browse through.
850 is a bit heavier and the 750 a bit nimbler.
Dave
69S
You got a good start there, even if it's not complete, great deal at that price, like matt says those heads and cylinders are worth some loot if they are any good.
What's your experience with brit bikes? There's a large learning curve here if you haven't worked on them, but can be overcome with mechanical experience.
Please add your location in your profile unless you want to keep it secret.
There's plenty of build threads here to browse through.
850 is a bit heavier and the 750 a bit nimbler.
Dave
69S
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- Oct 19, 2005
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- 18,978
Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
I got dibs on a 750 cylinder please. Short of buying and decent runner you got the next best deal. Don't have to risk breaking bad parts worse apart so can spend most time studying each item till parthing major stuff together and just buy the missing stuff which is what most have to do anyway d/t so rusted, dinged etc nothing let to fix. An intact head and gizmos as a core should be work most of $500 add a few 100 more to spiff up. You can build an 850 pretty easy to mostly Combat specs and have even more of a hand full pulling your lips into a wide ass grin. Trany shells may not be worth much if brearing bore wallowed out and a crack between them. Don't toss out though as some can be repaired and a few out there actually do it so will need cores to use or experiment with. Penny in for pounds and pounds and pounds down. 5-7 grand to fully fetter is not that excessive to figure on till sparkly purring again.
If you don't know Commando's, like me back when. Just pick your part dejure and ask here how to examine for faults and what to do about em or to beef up or modify and how to spend a whole bunch more on a hi tech after market kit, like the JSM pistons/rods. Definitely browse the Tech section here for vendor help and get a parts numbers book and INOA Tech booklet as minimum hard copy. It simply a complexly simple machine to diddle on and maintain.
Check on the owners photos for lasting impressions.
I got dibs on a 750 cylinder please. Short of buying and decent runner you got the next best deal. Don't have to risk breaking bad parts worse apart so can spend most time studying each item till parthing major stuff together and just buy the missing stuff which is what most have to do anyway d/t so rusted, dinged etc nothing let to fix. An intact head and gizmos as a core should be work most of $500 add a few 100 more to spiff up. You can build an 850 pretty easy to mostly Combat specs and have even more of a hand full pulling your lips into a wide ass grin. Trany shells may not be worth much if brearing bore wallowed out and a crack between them. Don't toss out though as some can be repaired and a few out there actually do it so will need cores to use or experiment with. Penny in for pounds and pounds and pounds down. 5-7 grand to fully fetter is not that excessive to figure on till sparkly purring again.
If you don't know Commando's, like me back when. Just pick your part dejure and ask here how to examine for faults and what to do about em or to beef up or modify and how to spend a whole bunch more on a hi tech after market kit, like the JSM pistons/rods. Definitely browse the Tech section here for vendor help and get a parts numbers book and INOA Tech booklet as minimum hard copy. It simply a complexly simple machine to diddle on and maintain.
Check on the owners photos for lasting impressions.
Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
If you'd ever actually had anything to do with Commandos Matt, you'd know that the 850 guards are stainless steel.
But likewise available again through Norton suppliers - Andover Norton in particular.
Matt Spencer said:
If you'd ever actually had anything to do with Commandos Matt, you'd know that the 850 guards are stainless steel.
But likewise available again through Norton suppliers - Andover Norton in particular.
Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
As far as experience goes, Ive only seen one running Norton in real life. Once. In traffic lol. But I used to ride a 69 BSA Lightning in high school. Never worked on it because my dad was a Land Rover Series mechanic. He handled everything. I currently have a couple Ironhead Harley Sportsters and am very familiar with them. Engine and trans builds have been completed by me, and they actually work haha. I think with all of the knowledge here plus a manual and parts book, I'll be able to get it done. Once I know enough, hopefully I can be like you guys and help out newcomers!
As far as experience goes, Ive only seen one running Norton in real life. Once. In traffic lol. But I used to ride a 69 BSA Lightning in high school. Never worked on it because my dad was a Land Rover Series mechanic. He handled everything. I currently have a couple Ironhead Harley Sportsters and am very familiar with them. Engine and trans builds have been completed by me, and they actually work haha. I think with all of the knowledge here plus a manual and parts book, I'll be able to get it done. Once I know enough, hopefully I can be like you guys and help out newcomers!
Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
Welcome, you've landed at the right site, lots of good folks with tons of experience. It looks to me like you got a great deal. As others before me have said take lots of digital photos and when its done you'll be a contender for most improved. Cj
Welcome, you've landed at the right site, lots of good folks with tons of experience. It looks to me like you got a great deal. As others before me have said take lots of digital photos and when its done you'll be a contender for most improved. Cj
rvich
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Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
What area are you in? You might want to fill out the profile as it can make a difference as to what services are near by and whether any members are within striking distance, ehr, I mean helping distance. Did you get a tank, more than one, steel? Tanks are dear.
Russ
What area are you in? You might want to fill out the profile as it can make a difference as to what services are near by and whether any members are within striking distance, ehr, I mean helping distance. Did you get a tank, more than one, steel? Tanks are dear.
Russ
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Re: New here, just bought a nice pile of Commando parts!
There we go again 1 + 1 = 11 . Theres quite a few commandos im glad I DIDNT have anything to do with , OR have to ride .
But most in N. Z. seem to go quite well .
Was refering to the alloy cafe racer guards , as per Manx , Lyta etc , still being available . So the poor chap can do a Cafe' Coustom
to disturb the monotony . Mr persnickity parts no peculiar . :mrgreen:
or even a Cow Boy bike , as in , if it aint there , WHY NOT MAKE IT . theres room for improvement in places .
After All , this is the 20th Centurie . ! :wink: :lol:
Rohan said:
There we go again 1 + 1 = 11 . Theres quite a few commandos im glad I DIDNT have anything to do with , OR have to ride .
But most in N. Z. seem to go quite well .
Was refering to the alloy cafe racer guards , as per Manx , Lyta etc , still being available . So the poor chap can do a Cafe' Coustom
to disturb the monotony . Mr persnickity parts no peculiar . :mrgreen:
or even a Cow Boy bike , as in , if it aint there , WHY NOT MAKE IT . theres room for improvement in places .
After All , this is the 20th Centurie . ! :wink: :lol:
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