Who's the oldest bloke still able to kick start his Commando? I'm 54, weigh 155, and I'm guessing that with the proper timing and technique, I may still be able to kick 'er over when I'm 65. Anybody in their mid to late sixties still able to mash the kick starter all the way down?
How old until you find you can't kick start her anymore?
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I have a mate who is 69 and still going strong, but he is pretty fit.
Technique is important, to get the pistons right at the top before the big lunge.
I am a bit of lightweight (135lb) so I am afraid I have to have the bike on one of the stands to start it.
Stu
Technique is important, to get the pistons right at the top before the big lunge.
I am a bit of lightweight (135lb) so I am afraid I have to have the bike on one of the stands to start it.
Stu
maylar
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I'm 57 and 200 lb and have no issues (yet). My buddy at 62 has bad knees but still manages to start his 72 Combat, though he bump starts down hill whenever possible.
When I bought my 850 new I was 23 and the only bike I had ridden was a 350 Kawasaki which I could start while sitting on it. I'll never forget the first time I tried starting the Norton in the dealer's lot the day I bought it. The shop owner, Fred Marsh, was in his 70's and weighed maybe 125 lb. "No, no, no! This isn't a 350! Kick it like this... ".
It's not about age, or even weight, it's about technique.
When I bought my 850 new I was 23 and the only bike I had ridden was a 350 Kawasaki which I could start while sitting on it. I'll never forget the first time I tried starting the Norton in the dealer's lot the day I bought it. The shop owner, Fred Marsh, was in his 70's and weighed maybe 125 lb. "No, no, no! This isn't a 350! Kick it like this... ".
It's not about age, or even weight, it's about technique.
DogT
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I'm 65 and 180lb and the last time I started my 69S was back in maybe 79 or 80. When I get it back together hopefully this next spring I'll let you know, but I have a nice hill from the house. I think I will be ok, my legs are pretty strong and don't have any joint issues yet. I remember it was always a technique issue like others have said, although I did see one guy start it just sitting on the seat, he must have had really strong legs, I could never push it over sitting on the seat.
Dave
Dave
I think condition matters more than age. I was in rough shape a couple years back and could not have started it then.
I'm 59 and with a few mods she starts pretty easy. I know a few folks in thier seventies that would have little trouble starting my bike.
I'm 59 and with a few mods she starts pretty easy. I know a few folks in thier seventies that would have little trouble starting my bike.
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I'm 62 (around 155-160 lbs) and I have never had a problem kick-starting either my 73 or 75 Norton. I have a brother who is 65 and regularly starts his 74 Roadster. But we are mere pups compared to a gent I ran into at the INOA rally at Mancos last week - he had no problem kick-starting his 1968 Atlas 750 and he was 82. I guess it's all in the technique!
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Interesting, I've thought about how much longer I will be able to kick start the Norton and what will I do with it after I can no longer start it. No retirement from the ablity, so I'm not going to worry about it. Besides just looking at the Commando in the garage could be enough to hang onto it.
I agree, age is going to have something to do with it sooner or later, but condition and some wily planning go a long way. Ten years ago I was in a bad motorcycle accident. I broke my neck and my lower back. I went over to the darkside and got a VFR because I love to ride. But going someplace on that bike is just that, it's only a ride, it isn't the same. Two months ago I got the Commando ready again and the first time I kicked it over was the best thing ever.Cookie said:
I have wondered about this as well. I am 62 at 214 and in fair shape although I have only owned one small honda 125 that was a kicker. My Sporty was an evo so elect only. It was a 1200 and that starter really struggled to crank it. Maybe I should get a pogo stick and start building up the drumsticks for when I get this thing ready to run. :wink:
Just kiddin' ya about the Combat...Honda really did fix it but they do screw up just like humans. My bike has a number of things that make it easier to start, some I'd be happy to recommend and some I wouldn't.
First, the Tri Spark. Most cost effective.
Second, two 50,000 volt coils, arc city.
Third, PWK carbs.
Fourth, extended kick start lever.
and number five, anti wet sumping valve.
The coils I used are huge and would only be suitable on a hot rod like my bike, I'd go for Tri Spark's kit as the would be matched to the Tri Spark on a Commando, no messing about like I did.
PWK carbs, too fiddly for most people, far from ready to run well right out of the box. At this point half of the internals are Kehin in mine and I'm still not sure I trust them yet.
Extended Mark 3 kick start works quite well, if you get down this way I'll let you boot it. Bring your bedroom slippers. I hear certain belt primary drives can do the same at more cost.
Anti wet sumping valve, only been there a few months. If Matt at Colorado Norton knows what he is about it should work well.
First, the Tri Spark. Most cost effective.
Second, two 50,000 volt coils, arc city.
Third, PWK carbs.
Fourth, extended kick start lever.
and number five, anti wet sumping valve.
The coils I used are huge and would only be suitable on a hot rod like my bike, I'd go for Tri Spark's kit as the would be matched to the Tri Spark on a Commando, no messing about like I did.
PWK carbs, too fiddly for most people, far from ready to run well right out of the box. At this point half of the internals are Kehin in mine and I'm still not sure I trust them yet.
Extended Mark 3 kick start works quite well, if you get down this way I'll let you boot it. Bring your bedroom slippers. I hear certain belt primary drives can do the same at more cost.
Anti wet sumping valve, only been there a few months. If Matt at Colorado Norton knows what he is about it should work well.
ntst8
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Not a Commando but at the NOC International rally in Australia last year there was an 80 yr old riding his CS1 like a young thing, and he had a name for getting to any and every rally he could.
On at least one occasion the nearest volunteer had the honour of coaxing the CS1 into life if he hadn't succeeded with the first half dozen prods, but at 80 i think he can be forgiven. And if i get anywhere near that effort i'll be more than happy.
On at least one occasion the nearest volunteer had the honour of coaxing the CS1 into life if he hadn't succeeded with the first half dozen prods, but at 80 i think he can be forgiven. And if i get anywhere near that effort i'll be more than happy.
Thanks for all the great replies. It's encouraging to know that I can look forward to many more years of owning this gorgeous machine. I've been in good shape all my life, intend to stay that way, and dislike the thought of selling the Norton because I'm simply no longer able to start and ride it. Let's just hope she never kicks back at me badly enough to injure me, thus ending our relationship prematurely, but that's a topic for another post.
There was a poll taken awhile ago as to the age of us Norton riders. Seems most of us were a bit long in the tooth. Looks like the price of MK IIIs will be going up. I'm sixty-four and am definitely looking for one. Maybe that's logic behind Fred Eaton's developing and soon to market the electric start conversion.
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