So so refreshing to flash back on identical manhood maturing forced by desire to ride a Commando. You even express similar regards to the manuals aid.
You need good spark at the right time, fuel mix to burn and compression for joy noise.
Electrics are the prime boogaboo on most bikes not just Nortons.
Mixture next in line, too much or not enough air or gas or leaks.
Compression loss is more serious and rare as white buffalo.
Of course more than one at once is common enough can never put out of mine.
Always keep some fresh plugs around - rare as they fail I've had new ones beat me down kicking for nothing till put old plugs back for 1 kick joy - sheeze.
Pull plugs and lay of clamp to head or ground to relieve kicking and to see-hear spark. Key on and jiggle wigger wires and pound on kill button headlamp to tail lens. If it pops there's first place to focus on.
There are plenty of Boyer ignition check lists, scan though here or google.
Same with carbs, if was good just prior likely not them but still could be.
Start with the lazy checks then if no joy face up to dig way deeper.
I've found most Commando will start 1st kick. I got so used to that if 1st didn't light her off I didn't waste effort on another till turned key on, put plug leads back, turn on gas, found coil connection broken, bad fuse ends loose, etc.
Solving relationship issues will a breeze or simply let to fester to an end to get attention back on better troubles.
hobot