From 22 to mid 30s Norton Passion and Restoration Norton 1927 16H Flat Tanker, Norton RAF 1944 WD16H, Norton Commando 1968, Norton 650ss 1967
- Thread starter savingclassicmotorcycles
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,003
Thanks Glen really glad you've enjoyed it an get it done 
absolutely cannot wait to ride mine again.
Gonna give the kickstarting a go next week an see how well this injuries healed on the higher comp bikes.
Bit of an update.
I'm hoping to get stuck in on the 750 tomorrow, figure out the last remaining things I need to get for her an time the electronic ignition tomorrow had some good news today,
My dads prostate cancer which is stage 3b/4 with a gleason score of 9 had a psa of 15.9 a month ago has dropped down to a psa of 1.5 with his hormone an other treatment truly amazing, he's got a surgery so he can pass fluid next week an in 8 weeks or so Radiotherapy, All being well in 4 months we should be moving down to Devon in an around Honiton an we got the ok with his specialist for that today so I can take another year out an bring him back for treatment. All about maximising the memories together.
Just gotta get the 1150gsa away now for bills but next year I keep thinking with my injury which is long term after the move when we know how much space we have about bringing some sort of electric start commando in for the bad days whether to convert a Mk2a or buy a Mk3 some reading required kinda fancying an interstate for the fuel range. That way I can still ride a Norton more regularly an it's funny I've tried a few modern bikes but keep preferring the Norton's shows how well they got it back then it really does.
Always fancied building something with a new crank, JS bits etc could be a nice experience. Plus everything is on the verge of being done so need a new project ^_^
Always learning an love that
absolutely cannot wait to ride mine again.Gonna give the kickstarting a go next week an see how well this injuries healed on the higher comp bikes.
Bit of an update.
I'm hoping to get stuck in on the 750 tomorrow, figure out the last remaining things I need to get for her an time the electronic ignition tomorrow had some good news today,
My dads prostate cancer which is stage 3b/4 with a gleason score of 9 had a psa of 15.9 a month ago has dropped down to a psa of 1.5 with his hormone an other treatment truly amazing, he's got a surgery so he can pass fluid next week an in 8 weeks or so Radiotherapy, All being well in 4 months we should be moving down to Devon in an around Honiton an we got the ok with his specialist for that today so I can take another year out an bring him back for treatment. All about maximising the memories together.
Just gotta get the 1150gsa away now for bills but next year I keep thinking with my injury which is long term after the move when we know how much space we have about bringing some sort of electric start commando in for the bad days whether to convert a Mk2a or buy a Mk3 some reading required kinda fancying an interstate for the fuel range. That way I can still ride a Norton more regularly an it's funny I've tried a few modern bikes but keep preferring the Norton's shows how well they got it back then it really does.
Always fancied building something with a new crank, JS bits etc could be a nice experience. Plus everything is on the verge of being done so need a new project ^_^
Always learning an love that
Fast Eddie
VIP MEMBER
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Messages
- 20,835
IMHO, if you are actively looking for an e start Commando then you should look for a mk3. Converting only makes sense if you already have an existing bike that you don’t wanna part with. The mk3 has a host of other improvements anyway, and there’s plenty of them around, so not really any reason not to.Thanks Glen really glad you've enjoyed it an get it done
Gonna give the kickstarting a go next week an see how well this injuries healed on the higher comp bikes.
Bit of an update.
I'm hoping to get stuck in on the 750 tomorrow, figure out the last remaining things I need to get for her an time the electronic ignition tomorrow had some good news today,
My dads prostate cancer which is stage 3b/4 with a gleason score of 9 had a psa of 15.9 a month ago has dropped down to a psa of 1.5 with his hormone an other treatment truly amazing, he's got a surgery so he can pass fluid next week an in 8 weeks or so Radiotherapy, All being well in 4 months we should be moving down to Devon in an around Honiton an we got the ok with his specialist for that today so I can take another year out an bring him back for treatment. All about maximising the memories together.
Just gotta get the 1150gsa away now for bills but next year I keep thinking with my injury which is long term after the move when we know how much space we have about bringing some sort of electric start commando in for the bad days whether to convert a Mk2a or buy a Mk3 some reading required kinda fancying an interstate for the fuel range. That way I can still ride a Norton more regularly an it's funny I've tried a few modern bikes but keep preferring the Norton's shows how well they got it back then it really does.
Always fancied building something with a new crank, JS bits etc could be a nice experience. Plus everything is on the verge of being done so need a new project ^_^
Always learning an love that
As an alternative idea, you could convert your FB.
Regarding building fancy motors, I’ve built 850, 920 and 1007 motors with JS and other fancy parts, but the one motor I’d like to do it with is a 650SS. JS does super light rods and pistons for these and I think it would make for a super sweet motor.
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,003
Thanks Eddie really appreciate the insightful information I’m gonna dig some of my books out later an have more of a read up on the mk3’s it could be the perfect fit for my daily usage.
For those with the 850s is there anything inherent to watch out for on them?
Although I’d prefer a rh shift which got me thinking about the mkiia, the lh one could be an opportunity for dad to have a go on a Norton while he’s still able to ride motorbikes which is something that’s been running through my mind as well. An he can’t kickstart as well so the es would be a big thing.
That’s a good point on a 650ss that could be very very interesting I find mine quite smooth cruising but think I’ve just rode it that much I’ve got used to it, always the opportunity to improve though once I’ve got more time after the move I wanna pull the head an give her a decoke an also get the rear mudguard chromed I got from the owners club. It could be a really good place to spend some money on it though anything that increases longevity I’m a huge fan off.
The big teller will be riding the 68 Commando over the next few months if it flares up my nerve injury kickstarting I’ll look at fitting an es to the 68’ as well, all pipe dreams till after the move funds wise as things are tight at the mo as I’m supporting all of us me an my parents until the house is sold while dad has his cancer treatment
Speaking of which we had some good news the other day it’s stage IIIB/4 prostate cancer an he had a psa of 15.8 on his first psa test since starting the hrt treatments that’s come right down to 1.5! Which is brilliant he’s got an op this week then radiotherapy in 8 weeks so hopefully that can get it a bit more under control.
That’s life though no point in having savings if you don’t use them when the times require it an anything to take the stress off dad. Hence letting the 1150 an other things go recently. The Nortons are safe though as I think by October at the latest we will be living in Devon if everything goes to plan hard but exciting times.
So the 850 plan is something for next year hopefully we have enough workshop space on the next house.
Once my 1150gsa sells though the Nortons are back to being my main bikes again an transport so the 850 could be a good fit.
I’ve not ridden the 850 v the 750 though
So last night I was a bit bored an started reading up on a few things, so I found myself in the workshop one thing lead to another an I’d re stripped the top end on the Commando engine lol.
It had been a few years since I put the engine together an I wanted to double check everything before the first start next weekend as it’s cost me so much to do, so for the price of the gaskets I decided to take the top end apart.
Removed the head last night all ok n the bores look great still, gonna pull the cylinder later on as I wanna measure the piston to bore clearance as somethings nagging me as I’d seen the other day that Norton went down to 0.0037” up to 0.0047”
An the AN pistons require 0.0040” to 0.045” I know on my notes I’d checked everything else but I can’t find reference to that so decided I’ll just check it out this weekend for what it takes.
I know when Pete Honed it for me about 5 years ago he said to just use standard piston sizes as there was pretty much 0 bore wear, I actually found reference to my bike back in the 2000s on one of the other bike forums when someone had found the 68 Commando an it had 19k on the clocks which I thought was interesting when googling the frame number.
Having to do everything with one set of hands as dad can’t lift anything at the moment so decided to check it all out in the bike, it really hammers home how quick an easy it is I got all the carbs n stuff removed an the head off quicker than it’d take me to get to the spark plugs on the Tenere lol.
Used the valve trick to pop the head off its gasket one thing that did surprise me was very slight surface rust on the gasket face around where the fibre gasket part of the gasket sits I’ll get a picture of that before I clean it up.
Found this old picture from the day I’d bought her learnt a lot since then thanks to everyone’s help
An that cable sets off my ocd haha!
I’m gonna dig some of my books out later an have more of a read up on the mk3’s it could be the perfect fit for my daily usage.For those with the 850s is there anything inherent to watch out for on them?
Although I’d prefer a rh shift which got me thinking about the mkiia, the lh one could be an opportunity for dad to have a go on a Norton while he’s still able to ride motorbikes which is something that’s been running through my mind as well. An he can’t kickstart as well so the es would be a big thing.
That’s a good point on a 650ss that could be very very interesting I find mine quite smooth cruising but think I’ve just rode it that much I’ve got used to it, always the opportunity to improve though once I’ve got more time after the move I wanna pull the head an give her a decoke an also get the rear mudguard chromed I got from the owners club. It could be a really good place to spend some money on it though anything that increases longevity I’m a huge fan off.
The big teller will be riding the 68 Commando over the next few months if it flares up my nerve injury kickstarting I’ll look at fitting an es to the 68’ as well, all pipe dreams till after the move funds wise as things are tight at the mo as I’m supporting all of us me an my parents until the house is sold while dad has his cancer treatment
Speaking of which we had some good news the other day it’s stage IIIB/4 prostate cancer an he had a psa of 15.8 on his first psa test since starting the hrt treatments that’s come right down to 1.5! Which is brilliant he’s got an op this week then radiotherapy in 8 weeks so hopefully that can get it a bit more under control.
That’s life though no point in having savings if you don’t use them when the times require it an anything to take the stress off dad. Hence letting the 1150 an other things go recently. The Nortons are safe though as I think by October at the latest we will be living in Devon if everything goes to plan
hard but exciting times.So the 850 plan is something for next year hopefully we have enough workshop space on the next house.
Once my 1150gsa sells though the Nortons are back to being my main bikes again
an transport so the 850 could be a good fit.I’ve not ridden the 850 v the 750 though
So last night I was a bit bored an started reading up on a few things, so I found myself in the workshop one thing lead to another an I’d re stripped the top end on the Commando engine lol.
It had been a few years since I put the engine together an I wanted to double check everything before the first start next weekend as it’s cost me so much to do, so for the price of the gaskets I decided to take the top end apart.
Removed the head last night all ok n the bores look great still, gonna pull the cylinder later on as I wanna measure the piston to bore clearance as somethings nagging me as I’d seen the other day that Norton went down to 0.0037” up to 0.0047”
An the AN pistons require 0.0040” to 0.045” I know on my notes I’d checked everything else but I can’t find reference to that so decided I’ll just check it out this weekend for what it takes.
I know when Pete Honed it for me about 5 years ago he said to just use standard piston sizes as there was pretty much 0 bore wear, I actually found reference to my bike back in the 2000s on one of the other bike forums when someone had found the 68 Commando an it had 19k on the clocks which I thought was interesting when googling the frame number.
Having to do everything with one set of hands as dad can’t lift anything at the moment so decided to check it all out in the bike, it really hammers home how quick an easy it is I got all the carbs n stuff removed an the head off quicker than it’d take me to get to the spark plugs on the Tenere lol.
Used the valve trick to pop the head off its gasket one thing that did surprise me was very slight surface rust on the gasket face around where the fibre gasket part of the gasket sits I’ll get a picture of that before I clean it up.
Found this old picture from the day I’d bought her learnt a lot since then thanks to everyone’s help
An that cable sets off my ocd haha!
Last edited:
Fast Eddie
VIP MEMBER
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2013
- Messages
- 20,835
Yes not only is the mk3 a left hand shift, it’s also ‘the normal’ way around of ‘up for up’ shift pattern, so MUCH easier for those who ride modern bikes to jump on and ride.Thanks Eddie really appreciate the insightful information
For those with the 850s is there anything inherent to watch out for on them?
Although I’d prefer a rh shift which got me thinking about the mkiia, the lh one could be an opportunity for dad to have a go on a Norton while he’s still able to ride motorbikes which is something that’s been running through my mind as well. An he can’t kickstart as well so the es would be a big thing.
That’s a good point on a 650ss that could be very very interesting I find mine quite smooth cruising but think I’ve just rode it that much I’ve got used to it, always the opportunity to improve though once I’ve got more time after the move I wanna pull the head an give her a decoke an also get the rear mudguard chromed I got from the owners club. It could be a really good place to spend some money on it though anything that increases longevity I’m a huge fan off.
The big teller will be riding the 68 Commando over the next few months if it flares up my nerve injury kickstarting I’ll look at fitting an es to the 68’ as well, all pipe dreams till after the move funds wise as things are tight at the mo as I’m supporting all of us me an my parents until the house is sold while dad has his cancer treatment
Speaking of which we had some good news the other day it’s stage IIIB/4 prostate cancer an he had a psa of 15.8 on his first psa test since starting the hrt treatments that’s come right down to 1.5! Which is brilliant he’s got an op this week then radiotherapy in 8 weeks so hopefully that can get it a bit more under control.
That’s life though no point in having savings if you don’t use them when the times require it an anything to take the stress off dad. Hence letting the 1150 an other things go recently. The Nortons are safe though as I think by October at the latest we will be living in Devon if everything goes to plan
So the 850 plan is something for next year hopefully we have enough workshop space on the next house.
Once my 1150gsa sells though the Nortons are back to being my main bikes again
I’ve not ridden the 850 v the 750 though
So last night I was a bit bored an started reading up on a few things, so I found myself in the workshop one thing lead to another an I’d re stripped the top end on the Commando engine lol.
It had been a few years since I put the engine together an I wanted to double check everything before the first start next weekend as it’s cost me so much to do, so for the price of the gaskets I decided to take the top end apart.
Removed the head last night all ok n the bores look great still, gonna pull the cylinder later on as I wanna measure the piston to bore clearance as somethings nagging me as I’d seen the other day that Norton went down to 0.0037” up to 0.0047”
An the AN pistons require 0.0040” to 0.045” I know on my notes I’d checked everything else but I can’t find reference to that so decided I’ll just check it out this weekend for what it takes.
I know when Pete Honed it for me about 5 years ago he said to just use standard piston sizes as there was pretty much 0 bore wear, I actually found reference to my bike back in the 2000s on one of the other bike forums when someone had found the 68 Commando an it had 19k on the clocks which I thought was interesting when googling the frame number.
Having to do everything with one set of hands as dad can’t lift anything at the moment so decided to check it all out in the bike, it really hammers home how quick an easy it is I got all the carbs n stuff removed an the head off quicker than it’d take me to get to the spark plugs on the Tenere lol.
Used the valve trick to pop the head off its gasket one thing that did surprise me was very slight surface rust on the gasket face around where the fibre gasket part of the gasket sits I’ll get a picture of that before I clean it up.
Found this old picture from the day I’d bought her learnt a lot since then thanks to everyone’s help
An that cable sets off my ocd haha!
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,168
Some (all?) starter kits won't fit the twin chain models this early Fastback happens to be.
"This kit is not designed for the early 750 Fastbacks fitted with a distributor"
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,003
That’s a very good point lab I think the Norvil one fits the earlier bikes but I’m gonna see how I get on kickstarting over the next few months then with the house move to Devon between September n October hopefully should have enough space in the next workshop to look at a mk3. I’ve got permission to put bikes in each house room if it comes to it haha! So shouldn’t be a problem advantage of both the parents being as obsessed about motorcycles as I am thought I was pushing it with the rs125 next to the bed lol.
had a very productive day today my new bore measuring tool came a the good news is after measuring my cylinder is at 47 thou 0.0047” which is in spec for the piston to bore clearances so that’s good not bad for a standard cylinder with 19k on it that’s had a hone.
Norton Specc’d 0.0037” to 0.0047” min bore clearance an my Norton pistons from Andover Norton spec. Min 0.0040” to 0.0045”
I’m glad I checked it an also prepared 5 years ago me had another set of Gaskets from Andover spare in the box when I built the engine haha!
Glad I checked it over re oiled the bores an she’s all ready to rock for her first start once I get the engine cylinder head back on tomorrow my neck was a lil sore after setting the piston ring position after this pic an refitting the cylinder very excited to get her running again as it’s been a long long time coming.
Plan is to refit the cylinder head tomorrow and do the timing on Tuesday.
Should be exciting few weeks the two 16hs are nearly done as well
Gotta decide on tyres for the commando next usually run the speed master an safety mileage on the 650ss speaking of which gave that an oil change.
advantage of both the parents being as obsessed about motorcycles as I am thought I was pushing it with the rs125 next to the bed lol.had a very productive day today my new bore measuring tool came a the good news is after measuring my cylinder is at 47 thou 0.0047” which is in spec for the piston to bore clearances so that’s good not bad for a standard cylinder with 19k on it that’s had a hone.
Norton Specc’d 0.0037” to 0.0047” min bore clearance an my Norton pistons from Andover Norton spec. Min 0.0040” to 0.0045”
I’m glad I checked it an also prepared 5 years ago me had another set of Gaskets from Andover spare in the box when I built the engine haha!
Glad I checked it over re oiled the bores an she’s all ready to rock for her first start once I get the engine cylinder head back on tomorrow my neck was a lil sore after setting the piston ring position after this pic an refitting the cylinder very excited to get her running again as it’s been a long long time coming.
Plan is to refit the cylinder head tomorrow and do the timing on Tuesday.
Should be exciting few weeks the two 16hs are nearly done as well
Gotta decide on tyres for the commando next usually run the speed master an safety mileage on the 650ss speaking of which gave that an oil change.
In case you are not obsessed with keeping the FB as a period model, you could simply convert your engine into an M3S, either by modifying the timing cover (ask Schwany how he made it), or swap the bottom end into one off a M3S. This enables all 3 starter kits to be fitted. Or you could take it one step further and install an 850 Mk1/2 powerplant. The extra cc provides some compensation for the increased weight of starter and battery.
- Knut
- Knut
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,003
Thanks Knut could be a viable option going forward if space an funds become tight
I do like her as she is at the moment though a lot will depend on how I get on kickstarting again.
Just waiting on some new shocks a fork springs + head gasket arriving then she’s not far of her first start after the rebuild which should be exciting. Gave the 650SS an oil change as well ready for some riding in a few weeks
I do like her as she is at the moment though a lot will depend on how I get on kickstarting again.
Just waiting on some new shocks a fork springs + head gasket arriving then she’s not far of her first start after the rebuild which should be exciting. Gave the 650SS an oil change as well ready for some riding in a few weeks
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,003
Bit of progress today some new bits arrived from AN.l for the 68 Commando she’s really coming together now.
Two new shocks Shocks springs and some bolts a stuff new fork springs. Ordered a new head gasket yesterday so hopefully tomorrow can get the cylinder head on.
some new bits arrived from AN.l for the 68 Commando she’s really coming together now.Two new shocks Shocks springs and some bolts a stuff new fork springs. Ordered a new head gasket yesterday so hopefully tomorrow can get the cylinder head on.
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,003
Hi team hope we are all well got some great news for those following dads stage 3b/4 prostate cancer journey his turps op went well an he just got home today!
Here’s my classic British motorcycle the Norton 650SS from 1967 this clip has no talking just the raw sound of a British classic twin on British Roads hope you all enjoy I thought I’d edit one together old no talking an just the sound of the bike
for the full story one of my 4 British Norton Motorcycles check out the much longer videos some are over an hour long.
The Norton 650 SS sure does go well I’ve used her as a daily rider in all weathers.
Here’s my classic British motorcycle the Norton 650SS from 1967 this clip has no talking just the raw sound of a British classic twin on British Roads hope you all enjoy I thought I’d edit one together old no talking an just the sound of the bike
for the full story one of my 4 British Norton Motorcycles check out the much longer videos some are over an hour long.
The Norton 650 SS sure does go well I’ve used her as a daily rider in all weathers.