New Member - advice on upgrades

Hi, have just brought my first Norton.

It's a late 1969 750cc done as a cafe racer, some parts extremely crude but came with very trick - Ceriani GP forks the double brake stop type and a pair of new Dunstall alloy tanks that are probably worth more than I payed for bike.

At the moment it is a non runner so it will require total nut and bolt strip down and rebuild. Not sure what spec.

The reason for this topic - are there any well known upgrades that overcome any weaknesses in the original design.

I have read the topics on Isolatic upgrade which seem a bit inconclusive and also read some where about anti wet sumping drain valves.

Thanks ..... Richard

Welcome! Yes, lot's of them. Many are a minor inconvienence, others are a show stopper. "rebuild"? Going THROUGH the engine? The trans has a known weakness in the layshaft bearing, (potential head banger), swing arm pivot shaft flops around like a fish in the bottom of a boat (clever fix available!), electrical connectors (the female bullets) are all cracked, poor connection, clutch rod seal (DynoDave to the rescue!) , exhaust port threads are a common failure, clutch stack height, type of plates, (read this: http://atlanticgreen.com/ndnsclutch.htm and this: http://atlanticgreen.com/clutchpak.htm ) etc. Isolastic engine mounts that are worn/aged/out of adjustment. You're doing a good thing, by researching. Many feel that certain upgrades are a "MUST!", while to others they are overpriced fluff. You'll use your own bullshit screen (and wallet caliper) for that choice. BY FAR, the most trouble you'll have with the bike will be the things that have been MIS-understood, MIS-diagnosed, MIS-repaired either lately or in years gone by at the hands of shadetree or blacksmith type mechanics. Unravelling those twisted webs can be challenging. The SEARCH function is your strongest tool. Lot's of great information here. Like any forum, steer clear of oil threads, Mikuni vs Amal carb threads are also filled with lot's of subjective material. When L.A.B. speaks, you listen, the knowledge is vast. Enjoy the ride!

tribonnie said:

Hi, have just brought my first Norton.

It's a late 1969 750cc done as a cafe racer, some parts extremely crude but came with very trick - Ceriani GP forks the double brake stop type and a pair of new Dunstall alloy tanks that are probably worth more than I payed for bike.

At the moment it is a non runner so it will require total nut and bolt strip down and rebuild. Not sure what spec.

The reason for this topic - are there any well known upgrades that overcome any weaknesses in the original design.

I have read the topics on Isolatic upgrade which seem a bit inconclusive and also read some where about anti wet sumping drain valves.

Thanks ..... Richard

Click to expand...

How about some pictures of what you've got Richard. It'll be fun to look back at when you've got her all rebuilt.

"Many feel that certain upgrades are a "MUST!", while to others they are overpriced fluff. "

Totally agree; as the old saying goes, "Opinions are like a$$h0les, everybody has one!" "Upgrade" is a term tossed around rather freely and many times, IMO, the only thing that is "upgraded" is the maker's pocketbook!

Might as well read up on reed valve crankcase breathers. Seems as though every time a consensus is reached that the debate will start again like a wild fire that keeps finding new wind. If you are going to have the cases apart, you might as well spend some time reading up on bearings, whether to shim on the crank or in the cases, C3 Superblends, etc.

Here are some things that are happening on my current build. I am willing to offer reasons for all of them, but they may be subjective.
Comnoz Crankcase Breather
Electronic Ignition
Modern voltage regulator, high output alternator, wiring to suit
Bosch H4 Headlamp
Single Coil
Belt Drive Primary
Dual tranny adjuster
Sleeved master cylinder/stainless brake line
Clutch Rod Seal
Heli-coiled and lengthened head studs
Swing arm clamps (Kegler style)
sealed wheel bearings
Any headsteady besides the original!
Adjustable isolastics
I had my head done by Comnoz and his bronze exhaust inserts are both a repair and an upgrade (bronze valve guides too)

Probably some stuff I have forgotten, or haven't thought of yet. And of course there are things I have elected not to change. Like switch gear, I decided to keep the originals. LED lights are a possibility. And I am keeping my dual Amals because I am just that kind of guy.

This doesn't even take into consideration the possibilities of custom cams, pistons, or gearbox ratios (just to name a few). But above all else, replace the lay shaft bearing!

And post some pics.

Russ

Good luck and enjoy the process ,open up the gearbox to replace the cheapo layshaft bearing ,replacing the sleeve gear and 1 st gear bushes whilst in there. Safety 1 st above all other good upgrades in my book.

concours said:

Welcome! Yes, lot's of them. Many are a minor inconvienence, others are a show stopper. "rebuild"? Going THROUGH the engine? The trans has a known weakness in the layshaft bearing, (potential head banger), swing arm pivot shaft flops around like a fish in the bottom of a boat (clever fix available!), electrical connectors (the female bullets) are all cracked, poor connection, clutch rod seal (DynoDave to the rescue!) , exhaust port threads are a common failure, clutch stack height, type of plates, (read this: http://atlanticgreen.com/ndnsclutch.htm and this: http://atlanticgreen.com/clutchpak.htm ) etc. Isolastic engine mounts that are worn/aged/out of adjustment. You're doing a good thing, by researching. Many feel that certain upgrades are a "MUST!", while to others they are overpriced fluff. You'll use your own bullshit screen (and wallet caliper) for that choice. BY FAR, the most trouble you'll have with the bike will be the things that have been MIS-understood, MIS-diagnosed, MIS-repaired either lately or in years gone by at the hands of shadetree or blacksmith type mechanics. Unravelling those twisted webs can be challenging. The SEARCH function is your strongest tool. Lot's of great information here. Like any forum, steer clear of oil threads, Mikuni vs Amal carb threads are also filled with lot's of subjective material. When L.A.B. speaks, you listen, the knowledge is vast. Enjoy the ride!

Click to expand...

GREAT FORUM! So I am restoring a '74 Commando for a winter project, the oil tank mod found here is a great example of upgrades/retrofits.... Any more tips?

AM I putting too much concern into the oil tank issues? I would think not since "Colorado Norton Works" does such a detailed modification

mooskie said:

AM I putting too much concern into the oil tank issues? I would think not since "Colorado Norton Works" does such a detailed modification

Click to expand...

Exactly.

Agreed... that this forum provides a wealth of useful insight into Commando lore, but does anyone else think it would be valuable to have a sticky thread " best of " proven/recommended approaches/vendors for salient Norton functionality matters?

J.A.W. said:

Agreed... that this forum provides a wealth of useful insight into Commando lore, but does anyone else think it would be valuable to have a sticky thread " best of " proven/recommended approaches/vendors for salient Norton functionality matters?

Click to expand...

Just search the posts from Ludwig or Comnoz and you will pretty well have it covered.

Are they sticky? -`cause that would be straightforwardly logical/helpful/useful/direct/hasslefree...

Thanks everyone for replies. Will keep you posted on progress and when I can figure it out, post a picture of my starting point.

Richard

I would recommend joining the Norton Owners Club and going to the nearest branch meeting. For you that would either be the Birmingham or Oxford branches. With regards to spares, I would prefer to deal with Andover Norton, Mick Hemmings for speed of service then RGM. in that order.
Adjust the Isolastics, clean and synch the carbs, fit electronic ign, ride it. then work out what your next plan of action is.

TRy one for getting a photo of bike in thread



If it wirks .... you can see I am starting from a long way off, even worse as I wont be using the tank or forks

Richard

Ok, Ok, sorry about try one but here is try 2 (seems to have worked in the preview)



Quite a long way to go as wont be using tank or forks.

Richard