Hi, new to Commandos but now have two!

Shackkat

Joined
Dec 24, 2023
Messages
15
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Hi,
Dan here from Joshua Tree, CA.
I’ve been working on BSA’s for a bit but got the Norton bug. A few months ago I picked up a 73’ 850 in pieces. The motor was dropped off at a friend who inspected it, changes the rings, and declared it healthy. The gearbox had been rebuilt by a shop and never used. It should be pretty fun to put back together.
And then last week.. I found this 76 850 and had to pick it up! It’s been sitting for a while but looks like it was well taken care of at one point. The motor turns freely but has had a tank of old gas sitting it in for maybe ten years? It has a single manifold and a Mikuni carb, a HUGE front rotor with what appears to be a Brembo caliper, an interested head steady, stainless oil lines, and a Corbin seat. It has a few problems (front forks have no life, tires, battery, etc) that I’m sorting it all out now.
I’d love to get your thoughts!
Dan

 
Hi, Welcome. 🍻

If you explain, in detail what your skillset is, it'll help us respond accurately.
 
Here is the front brake. Can anyone help me identify it? Whoever made the caliper conversion kit did it well. Unfortunately, the master cylinder (unmarked) has corroded badly and is developing no pressure. I have a couple of choices here. I could either source a used stock front master cylinder (I do have the original front disc and the original Lockheed caliper) or I will keep the current set-up and need to replace the master cylinder.
I want a daily rider and am thinking the larger brake was placed on the bike for a reason.
Dan
 
concours said:
Hi, Welcome. 🍻

If you explain, in detail what your skillset is, it'll help us respond accurately.
Click to expand...
My skillsets? I would describe as capable of a full engine tear down and rebuild using a manual. But I wouldn’t have the knowledge of anyone who knows Commando motors intricacies and the part that the manual doesn’t mention. The previous motor was sent to a friend more for “not enough time” to look at it myself. I have a 441 Victor Special on the stand currently that I’m finishing up the electrical on and the little finishing bits. I’ve been racing dirt bikes for 20-years and do all my own work.
The carb will be removed and fully dissembled and cleaned without a problem. The front forks look simple enough looking through the manual (I have Clymer’s and original Norton workshop manual and parts book).
 
The bike has rearsets installed. I’m mixed, keep them or go back to original? They look a little funky but very cool at the same time.
 
Rearsets are also Don’s. Looks like the headsteady might be Comstock/CNW’s
 
Awesome. If the rearsets work well I’ll clean that up and consider sending them to be re-plated.
Here a picture of the head steady. It is well made but missing the top bolt. I’m guessing the bolt will be metric? Maybe an M8 coarse with a button head. Could be standard though depending on who made it.
 
Shackkat said:
The bike has rearsets installed. I’m mixed, keep them or go back to original? They look a little funky but very cool at the same time.
Click to expand...

I have no opinion on rearsets other than my own preference. I choose the ergonomics that hurt the least.

Using the search function, you can enjoys many hours of reading relative to the topic.
 
Shackkat said:
My skillsets? I would describe as capable of a full engine tear down and rebuild using a manual. But I wouldn’t have the knowledge of anyone who knows Commando motors intricacies and the part that the manual doesn’t mention. The previous motor was sent to a friend more for “not enough time” to look at it myself. I have a 441 Victor Special on the stand currently that I’m finishing up the electrical on and the little finishing bits. I’ve been racing dirt bikes for 20-years and do all my own work.
The carb will be removed and fully dissembled and cleaned without a problem. The front forks look simple enough looking through the manual (I have Clymer’s and original Norton workshop manual and parts book).
Click to expand...
That was easy. 😎
 
Yorkie said:
That front brake is a Donald Pender kit. He’s on here as Madass140.
Click to expand...
I would get in touch with Don Pender. He has rebuilding kit for his m/c if that is what is on your bike. I have his brake kit on mine and it works great.There are a lot of nice items on that motorcycle.Enjoy it!
 
Yes, Rearsets are subjective. I find they work well with the Corbin seat as the Corbin sets you back further on the bike.
Not sure how the right peg, brake pedal arrangement is working with those.
It can get a little 'pricey' finding the correct pieces for stock.
Nice looking bike.
Welcome and enjoy.
 
You are showing some nice upgrades on the pictured motorcycle. If your "picked it up" expenditure was reasonable you have the makings of a really nice new old bike. You will find the factory manual "interesting". Many describe the original front Lockheed braking system without a lot of enthusiasm, stopping power of wood, useless, etc. while others say a properly restored one will suffice. Depends on your riding plans (or lack of) I guess.
For a daily rider I would say that at some point you will be thankful for that big rotor and caliper...for that day when the teenager on the phone runs the light.
20 years worth of eating dirt and turning the wrench goes a long way in working on Nortons. There are some interesting quirks but its still another motorcycle with nut and bolts.
Have you gotten a look at the isolastics on either bike yet?
Cross reference what your manual reads with insight/feedback/recommendations from this forum...you can find the answer to almost any question and the intricacies involved in here with a search or by just asking. Watch out for your kick start knee on that BSA, those big singles can put you airborne in a hurry, ask me how I know.
Any pics of your other Norton acquisition?
 
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The front brake caliper is a Tokico, common to Hayabusa, etc. That kit was offered beginning of 2016.
Fork legs have probably been swapped left to right to mount it on right side I guess. I'm not sharp enough to detect if that's a MK3 lower leg it's mounted on. Otherwise, 72 to 74 fork legs.
Since your front forks are probably in need of rebuild, while you're conversing with Don Pender, consider the Lansdowne front fork units he sells.
 
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Lineslinger said:
You are showing some nice upgrades on the pictured motorcycle. If your "picked it up" expenditure was reasonable you have the makings of a really nice new old bike. You will find the factory manual "interesting". Many describe the original front Lockheed braking system without a lot of enthusiasm, stopping power of wood, useless, etc. while others say a properly restored one will suffice. Depends on your riding plans (or lack of) I guess.
For a daily rider I would say that at some point you will be thankful for that big rotor and caliper...for that day when the teenager on the phone runs the light.
20 years worth of eating dirt and turning the wrench goes a long way in working on Nortons. There are some interesting quirks but its still another motorcycle with nut and bolts.
Have you gotten a look at the isolastics on either bike yet?
Cross reference what your manual reads with insight/feedback/recommendations from this forum...you can find the answer to almost any question and the intricacies involved in here with a search or by just asking. Watch out for your kick start knee on that BSA, those big singles can put you airborne in a hurry, ask me how I know.
Any pics of your other Norton acquisition?
Click to expand...
 
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