Essential mods for your Norton Commando

"Upgrade your alternator. Best to upgrade the Zener diode to modern regulator in the process."

FWIW, removing the OEM rectifier/Zener from my '73 and replacing it with a modern Podtronics system REDUCED charging voltage by .2 volts through the rev range. :rolleyes:

IOW, if the Podtronics had been OEM, a Lucas rectifier/zener would have been considered an upgrade. ;)

Totally agree re the Kegler clamps; I installed them back in '08 or thereabouts and they made a very noticeable improvement in handling.
 
o0norton0o said:
You can make your own. (I did) or you can buy them from NYC norton already made and just install them. The clamps look like this installed.

Essential mods for your Norton Commando
Click to expand...
No the NYC clamps don’t look like these as the clamps in your picture are Kegler clamps offered by Holland Norton Works (pair EUR 38,00) However I certainly agree it is the best option to secure the swing-arm spindle in the cradle tube.
Safe riding!
Constant HNW
 
Holland Norton Works said:
No the NYC clamps don’t look like these as the clamps in your picture are Kegler clamps offered by Holland Norton Works (pair EUR 38,00) However I certainly agree it is the best option to secure the swing-arm spindle in the cradle tube.
Safe riding!
Constant HNW
Click to expand...

Sorry for stealing your picture off the internet. Sometimes a picture explains what something is better than writing 1000 words describing it. I get tired of writing long explanations that never seem to describe things clearly no matter how many times I edit them.... so I resort to posting a picture with the explanation for clarity. 😏
 
batrider said:
I never did modify my Combat cases. So far it has 40K miles and 50-some years on it. So not strictly needed. There are some differences of opinion on how it is done: Old Britts vs DynoDave method vs adding a small screen to the pickup.
Click to expand...
The possible Combat oil starvation issue only arises at SIGNIFICANTLY SUSTAINED HIGH SPEEDS. So, correct, not "strictly" needed unless sustained high speeds are your anticipated mode of operation.
 
Deckard said:
My mind is wandering again.
Upgrade your alternator. Best to upgrade the Zener diode to modern regulator in the process.
What I really would like ideas on is a good battery retention mechanism. Another poorly designed contraption that didn't last very long on my first Commando like the '71 sidestand. 😒
Simple and easily implemented is desired. I'll admit I'm lazy about that particular project.
Click to expand...
The battery thing is ALWAYS a problem
 
If had a road-going Commando, I would keep it looking as near standard as possible, However I would fiddle the gearbox - it is the only thing which makes the standard motor slow. Gold Star BSAs have RRT2 gearboxes which makes the bike fast but useless under about 40MPH, due to the high racing first gear. A Commando gearbox with the top 3 gears as Manx Norton ratios, and the Commando first gear, would require a change in riding style, however it might be a lot more fun. The gears in most Norton gearboxes fit other Norton boxes. A Manx cluster cost me $730 Australian, and helped the bike to be much faster in every gear except first. I tried to race with a normal Commando gearbox - the bike was far too slow. The Manx cluster is perfect everywhere, except in first gear. To get the bike going in traffic would be horrendous. It would be like riding a DBD34 BSA but more dangerous.
 
Al a standard commando GB is all good for a road going bike as long as the layshaft bearing has been replaced, with the work done to my Norton it runs very freely and have been clocked over 120 mph, how fast do you want to go on the road, maybe in my younger days I use to ride flat out in top but these days taking it over the ton is good enough for me, I have nothing to prove and it gets over the ton pretty good.
As for first well that is just for taking off, second and third are the open it up gears and my bike will rev to the ton + in 3rd gear if I let it as my motor with the work done to it does rev very freely, its knowing how far you can rev it before it goes bang and like I say my hoon days are over and of course the fun police will catch you one day if you do keep hooning around.
Like I say the Commando GB will be ok if you look after it in 49+ years I am still running all my original gears, shafts, except for the first kickstart gear as where the KS pawl sat in the gear the slot had worn and the kicker use to slip and wore out the pawl and the pawl after replacing the pawl 4x so I replaced that and had to replace the kickstart shaft where it broke where the pawl connected, other than the layshaft bearing everything else is original and for the first 3 years of its life my Norton coped a hiding, burn outs every Friday/Saturday night, yes young and silly at 17 years old but never blew the box up till the layshaft bearing blew, but that blew when putting it into gear when I was about to leave my house.
Al you have stated many times you have never rode a road going Commando and you stop riding on the road at age 29 I think so really you are no expert on riding a road going Commando, but you seem to know all, not.
A well set up Commando can be a great street bike as well a good long distant traveler and the stock GB works quiet well, they shift very smoothly without any clunks like most newer bikes do and the stock gearing is quite good, but some do gear them up, but I like the stock gearing, suite me for my needs.
So Al stop judging a Commando till you have ridden one on the road, but of course we all know that will never happen when you don't ride on the road.
As well the right shift is the right way for a Norton to be, one up 3 down for that quick shift into the other gear.
Like you say Al, if I had a road going Commando, till then you are dreaming.

Ashley (49+ years riding my Norton on the road)
 
CoolMG said:
I like the idea of a gauge, and would really like to know who sells a really good gauge kit?
Click to expand...
www.classicbritishspares.com

Oil Pressure Gauge Kit W/ Fittings & Adapters - Choose Model

Just rebuilt that precious engine of yours and now your ready to put it back into service? What if I told you that we have a new product that could give you a reading of your engine oil pressure every second? This new must have part is called an Oil Pressure Gauge. Although it sounds pretty...
www.classicbritishspares.com www.classicbritishspares.com
 
I have a few of the same one. I was fortunate to get to get them for $120 USD. No problems. Others have complained about chaffing the plastic line, or the connections coming undone. I've had no problems "knock on wood". Just protect the line or hook up with some stainless braided.
 
ashman said:
Al a standard commando GB is all good for a road going bike as long as the layshaft bearing has been replaced, with the work done to my Norton it runs very freely and have been clocked over 120 mph, how fast do you want to go on the road, maybe in my younger days I use to ride flat out in top but these days taking it over the ton is good enough for me, I have nothing to prove and it gets over the ton pretty good.
As for first well that is just for taking off, second and third are the open it up gears and my bike will rev to the ton + in 3rd gear if I let it as my motor with the work done to it does rev very freely, its knowing how far you can rev it before it goes bang and like I say my hoon days are over and of course the fun police will catch you one day if you do keep hooning around.
Like I say the Commando GB will be ok if you look after it in 49+ years I am still running all my original gears, shafts, except for the first kickstart gear as where the KS pawl sat in the gear the slot had worn and the kicker use to slip and wore out the pawl and the pawl after replacing the pawl 4x so I replaced that and had to replace the kickstart shaft where it broke where the pawl connected, other than the layshaft bearing everything else is original and for the first 3 years of its life my Norton coped a hiding, burn outs every Friday/Saturday night, yes young and silly at 17 years old but never blew the box up till the layshaft bearing blew, but that blew when putting it into gear when I was about to leave my house.
Al you have stated many times you have never rode a road going Commando and you stop riding on the road at age 29 I think so really you are no expert on riding a road going Commando, but you seem to know all, not.
A well set up Commando can be a great street bike as well a good long distant traveler and the stock GB works quiet well, they shift very smoothly without any clunks like most newer bikes do and the stock gearing is quite good, but some do gear them up, but I like the stock gearing, suite me for my needs.
So Al stop judging a Commando till you have ridden one on the road, but of course we all know that will never happen when you don't ride on the road.
As well the right shift is the right way for a Norton to be, one up 3 down for that quick shift into the other gear.
Like you say Al, if I had a road going Commando, till then you are dreaming.

Ashley (49+ years riding my Norton on the road)
Click to expand...
Ashley, you are very brave. I only rode on public roads for ten years, then I went racing. I am not joking when I say road racing on a circuit is much safer. - I was married when I was 23, and had road bikes since I was 18. By the time I was married, I had known about 20 guys who had been killed while riding motorcycles on public roads. I can only remember 4 people who have died in road races in Australia from the 1950s until now. Road racing is not what it looks like from outside the fence. Some people seem to believe reflexes are important, however being slow and systematic at high speed is better. When you watch someone crash a motorcycle during a race, it can look horrendous, however appearances can be deceiving. I would not like to race on the IOM - I would probably approach a corner on the wrong side of the road. It takes me 5 laps of a short circuit to be fast enough to race, and always has.
An old road racer once told me 'when you start road racing - force yourself to go slow' He was an idiot - why would I listen to him ? I also used to compete with my mates on public roads. The first time I went up the road on my back at about 90 MPH - my two young kids were standing there watching. I never had to watch them road race - they were having none of that.
 
ashman said:
Al a standard commando GB is all good for a road going bike as long as the layshaft bearing has been replaced, with the work done to my Norton it runs very freely and have been clocked over 120 mph, how fast do you want to go on the road, maybe in my younger days I use to ride flat out in top but these days taking it over the ton is good enough for me, I have nothing to prove and it gets over the ton pretty good.
As for first well that is just for taking off, second and third are the open it up gears and my bike will rev to the ton + in 3rd gear if I let it as my motor with the work done to it does rev very freely, its knowing how far you can rev it before it goes bang and like I say my hoon days are over and of course the fun police will catch you one day if you do keep hooning around.
Like I say the Commando GB will be ok if you look after it in 49+ years I am still running all my original gears, shafts, except for the first kickstart gear as where the KS pawl sat in the gear the slot had worn and the kicker use to slip and wore out the pawl and the pawl after replacing the pawl 4x so I replaced that and had to replace the kickstart shaft where it broke where the pawl connected, other than the layshaft bearing everything else is original and for the first 3 years of its life my Norton coped a hiding, burn outs every Friday/Saturday night, yes young and silly at 17 years old but never blew the box up till the layshaft bearing blew, but that blew when putting it into gear when I was about to leave my house.
Al you have stated many times you have never rode a road going Commando and you stop riding on the road at age 29 I think so really you are no expert on riding a road going Commando, but you seem to know all, not.
A well set up Commando can be a great street bike as well a good long distant traveler and the stock GB works quiet well, they shift very smoothly without any clunks like most newer bikes do and the stock gearing is quite good, but some do gear them up, but I like the stock gearing, suite me for my needs.
So Al stop judging a Commando till you have ridden one on the road, but of course we all know that will never happen when you don't ride on the road.
As well the right shift is the right way for a Norton to be, one up 3 down for that quick shift into the other gear.
Like you say Al, if I had a road going Commando, till then you are dreaming.

Ashley (49+ years riding my Norton on the road)
Click to expand...
Al did once say he'd ridden a commando but when I asked him what model
There was no reply
 
acotrel said:
Ashley, you are very brave. I only rode on public roads for ten years, then I went racing. I am not joking when I say road racing on a circuit is much safer. - I was married when I was 23, and had road bikes since I was 18. By the time I was married, I had known about 20 guys who had been killed while riding motorcycles on public roads. I can only remember 4 people who have died in road races in Australia from the 1950s until now. Road racing is not what it looks like from outside the fence. Some people seem to believe reflexes are important, however being slow and systematic at high speed is better. When you watch someone crash a motorcycle during a race, it can look horrendous, however appearances can be deceiving. I would not like to race on the IOM - I would probably approach a corner on the wrong side of the road. It takes me 5 laps of a short circuit to be fast enough to race, and always has.
An old road racer once told me 'when you start road racing - force yourself to go slow' He was an idiot - why would I listen to him ? I also used to compete with my mates on public roads. The first time I went up the road on my back at about 90 MPH - my two young kids were standing there watching. I never had to watch them road race - they were having none of that.
Click to expand...
Al in 49+ years of riding on the road I have only lost two friends in bike accidents one was 17 years old on a RD350 with expansion chambers lost it in a corner and hit a mango tree riding it flat out, the other mate was my best friend who owned and rode a 1947 AJS 500 but he was riding another person bike that he didn't know the bike and lost it on a corner just down the road from my place, a road he knew well but the full face helmet he was wearing hit a lamp post and pushed his head forward and the chin part of the full face helmet hit his chest and snapped his neck with force, not a mark on him just a broken neck, but that was 35 years ago, I still ride with mates I grew up with, had mates who have had bad leg injuries with bad breaks but they are still riding.
We all left school at the same time at 15 years old and we all got into dirt bikes then road bikes, most got into Honda 4s but I got into the Norton at 17 with my new 74 850 Commando, still the same bike just converted it into the Featherbed in 1980, I been lucky no serous accidents in my 50+ years of riding, most mates accidents happened when we were young and silly doing stupid things.
My local area of Sandgate on the northside of Brisbane has always been a biker area from way back in the early years of motorcycles till today, I lost more mates from bad lifestyle, drink and drugs to cancer, we only live once and motorcycles are my life as well all my mates, we all ride hard but as we get older we become more aware in what is happening around us, but being able to ride when I want too and where I want to go without any restrictions is what motorcycling is all about, I don't get scared about riding on the road or in the bush on my dirt bike, I just enjoy the time I am on 2 wheels, I am taking the old Norton out for a good run tomorrow up in the range and tight twisties.
Al how long has it been since you been on a bike, I can't handle being off my bike more than 2 weeks little lone years, I don't talk about it, I just do it whenever I feel like it.
No Al I am not brave, I just enjoy my time on 2 wheels and best of all I still ride with my mates I grew up with and sometimes I take the wife out on the bike, but she is a good woman she lets me have my freedom on 2 wheels.

Ashley
 
Deckard said:
My mind is wandering again.
Upgrade your alternator. Best to upgrade the Zener diode to modern regulator in the process.
What I really would like ideas on is a good battery retention mechanism. Another poorly designed contraption that didn't last very long on my first Commando like the '71 sidestand. 😒
Simple and easily implemented is desired. I'll admit I'm lazy about that particular project.
Click to expand...
I use Velcro on 4 sides to secure my battery.
 
I'd say, starting with a PROPERLY TUNED Commando with NO worn out OEM parts, good AGM or Lithium battery, and good tires for your chosen riding style, I'd recommend:

MkIII Sprung Head steady - Under $100
Vernier adjustable stainless steel isolastics front & rear with rubber booties - $250 (might be less)
Heim Joint head steady limiter (used to be $150)
Swingarm spindle clamps - around $50?
Reed valve crankcase breather - I still have a couple for $25, require simple mods after removing the timing cover
Electronic ignition w/ modern coils per EI Mfr's recommendation, or as included in the kit Used to be under $200
Drill the front brake disc (or both), and install Ferrodo pads - $250 or so
Modify to 13 mm, or replace the front master cylinder - $100?
I forget the name of the front fork mod kit, but it's worthwhile - used to be $50?

So, maybe under a grand for the D-I-Y crowd, to make your ride nice & tight.

On a tight budget? Do one or two mods a month. EZ
 
The wiring & switches on all the bikes I have owned have been useless at carrying high currents for headlights. Earth return was generally an afterthought by the manufacturers. I use 12v automotive relays wired between battery and headlights (& optional spotlights) with the original switches used only for switching the relays.
My Model 50 and Ducati 250 single with 6V lighting were transformed from poor to brilliant and the ‘68 Commando with twin spotlights was superb, even before fitting a Kokusan alternator.
 


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