New here-Rebuilding a 1974 Commando 850

Hi there

I've been using this board to get some great information about my build, and finally decided to post something. I acquired a 1974 850 from a friend of mine. The story behind this bike is that it has about 3,400 original miles on it and at some point someone decided to start taking it apart but it ended up sitting under a tarp for over 10 years. Then my buddy bought it and it sat under a different tarp for at least 10 more years. I finally convinced him to part ways with it and now I am rebuilding it along with my father-in-law and a couple of good friends. We aren't sure exactly what the finished product will look like, but we have it completely dismantled and are starting to refinish things and reassemble it.

The engine just went to the machine shop today to see what needs to be done to it, but the initial impression is that things look really good. It's amazing, as bad as things looked on the outside, as we opened up the engine covers and tore into the engine itself... things were almost pristine. Everything moves freely and the oil in the engine was still pretty much clean. I'll try to post pics as we go, and I look forward to any advice or tips. Thanks!!

What a great project, its a shame it sat for 20 years under a tarp, but your luck to be able to get it, it might look a mess but you will be surprised how it will come up when finished and with so little milage on the motor it might just need new bearings with out to much machining done.

Ashley

Hi and welcome to the site. I love projects like yours, starting with a rusty pile of bits and end up with a great looking working bike. Have you decided on the colour yet?

Keep posting the piccies

CB

That is an EXCELLENT "before" picture.

Looks like it's coming right along...

Here's some incentive for you... my '74 850 that I bought new. Welcome and keep us updated.

I have most of the original parts from my 74, let me know if you need anything. Good luck.

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum. Use the search function and if you cannot find what you are looking for ask away! Can't wait to see how this project comes along,

Regards-Jerry

Looking good Dave
Welcome to the forum.
Have fun with your build.
Cheers,
CNN

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I'm going to hear back from my engine guy today to see what all needs to be done. This weekend I am going to start looking at rebuilding the carbs. I'd like to stick with the original Amals for now, but may do something different down the road.

I have a 6-pack bet with a buddy of mine, and to win I need to have the bike running by June 21. The rules are that the engine has to run and it needs to move forward under its own power. So, without compromising the build, I'm focusing on the engine, gearbox, drivetrain, etc.

I'm going to try to clean up and reuse as many original parts as possible, but some things are pretty corroded and will need to be replaced. So far it has been a ton of fun!!

As for colors... I am a huge fan of the yellow that you see the Combats and production racers in. Anyone see a problem in doing an 850 in yellow?

davecox2 said:

As for colors... I am a huge fan of the yellow that you see the Combats and production racers in. Anyone see a problem in doing an 850 in yellow?

Click to expand...

Not me. :mrgreen:

davecox2 said:

As for colors... I am a huge fan of the yellow that you see the Combats and production racers in. Anyone see a problem in doing an 850 in yellow?

Click to expand...

http://www.andover-norton.co.uk/NCRoadster.htm

Commando in Yellow with white stripes and black transfers? I do not know if this was ever produced- again from the Negus files.

Click to expand...

Good morning folks!

I got the top end of my engine back from the shop this weekend. Here is a quick before-and-after shot of it. I hope to get it built up this week! First I want to polish up the rocker covers a bit more, and I have some new stainless nuts and bolts for all of the covers on the head.

That is remarkable upsetting before and after to views this early in the day. What a neat presence you have spent on for us all. Bet ya can look at and listen to it and enjoy it a lot longer than a playboy fold out : )