I'm new here

Hi, First of all congratulations on creating a really great asset for any Commando owner that this forum is. I found this forum a few days ago and have been lurking here since, I have already found heaps of helpful links to diagrams, suppliers, etc. not to mention being pretty impressed with the level of knowledge here and the willingness to share it.

I have just bought a bike that I lusted after when I first started riding, but could never afford, it is a yellow 1971 Roadster. I didn't know much about bikes back then, but the look and sound of the Commando had me hooked, and they had the coolest adds in all the bike magazines. I started off with small capacity machines, toward the end of 1972 I bought a new 1971 BSA Thunderbolt for a run out price of around $1000.00 (I still couldn't afford the Commando at $1400.00+). I still have the Thunderbolt. I have had about 40 bikes since then, BMW, Buell, Harley, a couple of Ducatis, many big Jap bikes, my current daily ride is a 1200 Suzuki Bandit.

The Norton as I said is a 1971 or at least it has 71 numbers, a few bits aren't correct for a 71, it has a central oil tank without a drain plug and bolt on rear brake drum/sprocket not cush drive, actually the whole rear axle and spacer set up seems to be a collection of original parts, old washers and home made bits. There are no electrics except for a battery, coils, condensors, points, fuse a H4 Headlamp and a broken MkIII tail lamp , but a least the engine starts and runs.

The good points a far as I can see are a fresh motor, new head steady, freshly painted frame, fresh yellow paintwork & decals, new brake shoes and cables, restored instruments, freshly chromed footrest brackets, gear change lever, kick start lever, rear brake pedal new handle bars, front rim & tyre and hand controls.

And the bad points that I can see so far are severe oil leaks from the primary case, gear box, the electrics apart from the ignition system are virtually non existent, the seat I think ( although the cover is in great condition) must be off an Interstate as there is a big gap between the front of the seat and the tank? Left hand Z bracket has been welded at some stage, the chrome on the headlamp, headlamp brackets and exhaust is showing it's age. The engine breather has been relocated to the rear of the timing cover but I believe this will need a one way valve to work properly. There will be lots and lots more faults show up as I get into the project, I'm sure. The bike is not matching numbers but that in a way kinda suits me, as I wont feel I'm desecrating anything if I want to upgrade something eg. the electrical system or brakes.

Graeme

Welcome Graeme!

There are a significant number of different parts between the '70 and '71 model years and the central mount oil tank indicates a '70 model version. If so, you may have an early style frame.

In any event, as you progress with your re-build if you have any question it will help to post a picture or give a detailed description as there could be a difference between the '70 or '71 part.

The primary chaincase leaks are typical of all Commandos, but easy to fix.

First, remove the outer primary cover. Observe where the inner cover central fixing stud protrudes. Gently push the cover towards the subframe at this point. It should not move. If it does, it should be shimmed on the stud. Lay a straight edge on the lipped surface of the inner cover. It should be straight and not bowed. If bowed, the inner cover should be replaced or somehow straightened. Luckily this is not often the case.

Second lay the outer cover on a flat surface such as a piece of glass. If it is not perfecly flat this can be dressed down with files and valve grinding compound on the glass plate.

Now that we a certain the covers are straight and the inner cover is properly shimmed and aligned, we can fit a new rubber gasket. If one is not readily available, proper size rubber vacuum tubing can be used making the joint at the top with a proper sized wood dowel and superglue. Lay a small bead of RTV silicone in the groove and allow it to begin to set up before placing the gasket in the groove. Next put a thin smear of the RTV on the flat face of the outer cover. Install the outer cover and cinch up the central fixing bolt. Wipe off any excess RTV (if done properly you will have none), and allow to cure prior to adding ATF or your favorite primary lube.

The gearbox leaks are a little more difficult. The first step is to determine where they originate. A cracked case? This is usually behind the drive sprocket between the mainshaft and layshaft. A leaking sleeve gear seal? Inner or outer cover gaskets? Kickstart and gearshift shafts?

It is not difficult to build your own wiring harness from scratch. Just plan ahead on what you want. Electronic ignition? 3-phase alternator? Electronic regulator/rectifier? Relay operated lights, horn, and ignition? Separate fused circuits?


Enough for now.

First I'll say welcome to Graeme.

Ron L said:

It is not difficult to build your own wiring harness from scratch. Just plan ahead on what you want. Electronic ignition? 3-phase alternator? Electronic regulator/rectifier? Relay operated lights, horn, and ignition? Separate fused circuits?

Click to expand...

Secondly, Ron, your flight is booked, I have the spare room set up for you and I'm thinking you should be able to bang out a harness for me by Sunday. I'm a good cook too, so you won't go hungry and there's lots of beer in the fridge.

Coco said:

First I'll say welcome to Graeme.

Secondly, Ron, your flight is booked, I have the spare room set up for you and I'm thinking you should be able to bang out a harness for me by Sunday. I'm a good cook too, so you won't go hungry and there's lots of beer in the fridge.

Click to expand...

And be sure to schedule a side trip to Colorado on your return, so you can stop by and whip up a harness for me! I have to make one up from scratch for the 850 and I'm not looking forward to the job. :lol:

Welcome to the site, Graeme! Good luck with your bike

Debby

I'm thinking you should be able to bang out a harness for me by Sunday

Click to expand...

Not a bad estimate if you have the schematic drawn as to how you want it and the wire, relays, fuse panel, and connectors on hand! :lol:

Unfortunately, you'll need to reschedule that flight. I leave for Daytona on Saturday morning.

Welcome Graeme and good luck with your restoration. I will forever regret not taking advantage of the Norton-Villiers emloyees discount before I emigrated to the US in 1968.

I could have bought a new Commando for less than £500, which at that time (government controlled exchange rate) would've been $1200 US. Boeing would even have shipped the darned thing for me as part of my "household goods" shipment.

I think, though, that I wouldn't have survived long driving in the US. When you're in a car, you have the continual stimulus of sitting on the "wrong" side. On a bike, you don't. I think I would have had a major wreck in the first few months. Back then, bikes were a miniscule part of the traffic, and little old ladies in Oldsmobile 88s didn't see them.

Best of luck.

Hi Graeme
Welcome to the forum. There are a few of us in Oz. I'm in Brisbane, But i was working in Canberra last week. You've got much better weather for riding bikes in Canberra. I've been sweating inside a leather jacket here in Qld today. Too hot here.

Thanks

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, thanks Ron L for the info, I think I have a few 1969 bits in there as well, like the gearbox. Keep well and thanks again.
Graeme