It started first kick! Some small issues though...

That's a good sign! Sure it's an indication of good things to come.
Now on to the (small) issues-

1) It won't hold an idle unless I give it a bit of gas, so I'll crank up the idle speed. *edit* fixed that. Idles fine.

2) Riding it, it lacks power. If i give it full throttle it spits, burps and does not want to accelerate!
So I guess I need to tune the carbs... I dropped them off at a Brit bike shop in town and said "fix 'em up!" so they did. But I suppose the settings must be wrong. Any advise to get them in correct tune, quickly?

3) When I put my hand right at the ends of the mufflers, and compare the exhaust flow, the left one has much more flow, and a nice even rhythm.
The right side, however, stumbles and misses (can even hear it distinctively) and it's exhaust comes out with much less force...So that side's carb must be out of tune?

3) I changed the oil, 2.9 quarts of 20W-50, and it read on the dipstick right at the "F" mark. After starting and running/riding for a few mins, I shut off and checked the oil. It's now just slightly above the "L" mark...Ideas why?
Normal? Should I top it off?

Other than that she's great. I love this bike. Amazing.
Cheers,
Aydin

Nidyanazo,
If the bike doesn't go well at full throttle I doubt that it's a carburettor adjustment, it would normally run adequately with quite a large range of main jet sizes. Based on your observation about uneven running on one cylinder try pulling the spark plugs and see whether they are the same colour, put new ones in even if these are already new, sometimes a new plug can be faulty.
Check the oil level with the bike running and at operating temperature. Set the oil level half way between min and max. DO NOT fill it to the maximum mark on the dipstick, it will leak oil everywhere.

Ok, I'll check the plugs, and even get some new ones to be sure...
Thanks for he oil level tip, I'll add a small amount...

Ok, checked the plugs, both are totaly black, covered in soot.
Not oily, just black carbon. I only had the engine running for less than 1/2 hour...The plugs are Autolite platnum AP63's. Are they the wrong heat range?
What do you think is wrong?

Do you have the standard Amal carbs on it and what main jet size are you running? Do you have an air filter fitted and if so which type?

Hi dave,
yes, 2 amal 930's, don't know the main jet size, the carb shop just rebuilt them....K&N air filter, just one for the both carbs togather


*edit* I took the air filter off, and looks like I had the chokes on partly!
So that would explain it. :roll: Will test ride tomorrow....

Choke on will definitely kill power. Choke lever seems counterintuitive until you see what it does. Pulling the cable actually retracts the choke.

Half the Story...

You didn't say if you have points or electronic ignition and you didn't mention anything about checking your valve clearance, either could produce the symtoms you have described.

If your auto advance unit (points ignition) is stuck the condition could suck tons of power away from the upper RPM range.

Your discovery of the partial choke is also a very viable explination of your symptoms, do check your valve clearances and your points/ignition timing, so you have a history.

Miles of Smiles!

RS

First thing I was going to say was that new BritBikers often turn the choke "on" instead of "off". The cable system is counter-intuitive.

Jetting with K&N filter will be far from stock, and you need to concentrate and go step-by-step or you'lll just keep doing it the wrong way multiple times.

I suggest buying inexpensive Champion N5 or NGK B7ES plugs and swapping them every time you get them sooty, until you get it right.

Unequal exhaust flow is likely valve adjustment related.

Maybe your carb slides are not synchronized? Check out the link below.

I would also check your timing and make sure that is correct on both cylinders before you pull all your hair out thinking it's purely carb-related. If the engine doesn't want to rev, ignition could be retarded.

http://www.jba.bc.ca/Bushmans Carb Tuning.html

So, what was the most significant issue keeping it from running right?

Have you done a plug check after your ride to see what it's burning like? YOU DO NOT WANT IT TOO LEAN!!!

The big issue for it not running right was the choke was on, and the carbs were slightly out of tune...
See my thread here, I am very happy with her!
http://www.accessnorton.com/norton_commando3263.html

Will keep an eye on the plugs...Burned up a piston on my 86 5.0 fox mustang with a 100shot. Ran too lean. Darn. :roll:
Thanks grandpaul, and everyone who helped/gave me advise!

I agree totally with Dave on the Oil level .. learnt the hard way myself. ~

I think you have carb problems with your rich running .. perhaps that is now stating the obvious ~

Bottom line I reckon, NEVER trust anyone else when it comes to 'farming' out jobs to others~ Another hard lesson on my part over the years ~