New Project

This is the new project - picked it up yesterday. It's a 1974 Commando 850, with 17K miles, one owner (really!). It hasn't been registered since 1983. The engine is stuck, lots of surface corrosion, but basically complete. There is also a box with the seat, tank, brake caliper, and a few other parts. It was in a chicken coop, hence lots of chicken s--t to remove. I'll need lots of advice on this one. A total tear down, engine and trans overhaul, etc. The frame appears straight except for where someone installed crash bars with u-clamps and squeezed the down tubes. I'll need to send the frame someplace to be repaired when it is stripped. This will be a long term (2 to 3 years) restoration. My source of disposable cash dried up when Buell Motorcycles went out of business - I was one of their demo coordinators. I am now totally retired. I'll post pictures and comments throughout the restoration, and lots of questions for the experts on this forum. Wish me luck!
Tim

Looks nice, not too coated with chicken soup.

Seeing as how this one flew the coup are you going to paint it yellow?

RennieK said:

Looks nice, not too coated with chicken soup.
Seeing as how this one flew the coup are you going to paint it yellow?

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Good idea! I might just do that. By the way, this stuff sure isn't soup.
Today, I put it on the lift and gave it a good soaking in Aerokroil, a really good penetrating oil used in the aviation business. I'll let it soak for a few, then start taking it apart.
Tim

The good thing is, it appears to be "all there".

Too bad those Dunstall Decibell muffs are shot...

I'm so jealous,

you guys do barn finds every day!

Good luck,
Andy

Andy said:

I'm so jealous,

you guys do barn finds every day!
Good luck,
Andy

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We have a lot of barns.

Looks a little worse off then mine... I'd be interested in your VIN # to see how close our two bikes are... mine is: 319385 Manufactured in 08/74.

I too would enjoy lot's of pictures of your progress... and your stumbling points.

Best of Luck to you!

Nice find Tim. Enjoy hearing a Norton coming out of hibernation. Good luck with your retirement project. Jerry

PhiloMcGiffin said:

Looks a little worse off then mine... I'd be interested in your VIN # to see how close our two bikes are... mine is: 319385 Manufactured in 08/74.

I too would enjoy lot's of pictures of your progress... and your stumbling points.

Best of Luck to you!

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The VIN is 314741. I'll check the build date next time at the shop.
Tim