Phil's Performance Commando

olChris said:

phil yates said:

Fullauto said:

[quote="phil yates"
Phil

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Thanks Fullauto.
Smoking not good for your heads?
How many heads have you got? I thought you were in Perth, not Tasmania!
Jenny says the same. She is very blunt about it. Give up the fags or no riding the Norton and no going to the pub.
The first one really hurt, the second….well it really hurt too.
So it's bye bye fags and bye bye ash tray, you're going to Colorado.
Price doesn't concern me Fullauto. I appreciate how much work must go into its production. I wanted the best and I bought the best.
I'm going to x-ray the box for a peekaboo. Then send it to Jim.
I'll ask Jim to send it back in the same box, then return the box to you free of charge.
The very least I can do for the privilege of owning the best Commando head in the world.
I'll be buying a second one. Then another for the next Dominator outfit.

Phil
ps I'll pay the pizza and piss bills. Send me an invoice.

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olChris said:

Locked threads !! been there

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... 5247,d.dGI

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olChris said:

Howbout this one. Not too many "mates" ere 4 me, but the members are mostly too polite to to say what they think... .. Crusty old baby boomers i know and understand!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYS6-IjCj3k

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phil yates said:

Mark said:

You just can't help yourself from posting a response, can you phil?

Seriously,
what I have been able to derive from your carpetbombing of this forum is that all of this REALLY is a honeymoon phase for you.

With the amount of time devoted to posting on the internet and hanging out at the pub, you haven't even had time to break in your motorcycle.
800 miles isn't very much, especially for a person who claims to love riding his norton so much.

I think that it's cool that you have found a motorcycle that you like, having fun with it is what it's all about.
However, annoying people on the internet who have the same interests as you is a strange way to go about having fun. ( I.M.H.O. of course)

As in everything, I guess it takes all kinds,
.Those that like working on their nortons
.Those that like riding their nortons
.Those that like talking about their nortons


Let me respectfully suggest that you let your keyboard rest for a few days, get out on your bike and return when you have some reports of your rides and adventures to share. (w/pics).

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Mark
You can't go writing smarts ass comments and expect no response. In fact you provoke a response.
Is this a kangaroo court where you can say what you like but I'm not allowed to defend myself?

I ride my Commando seven days a week. I've already said that, perhaps you didn't pick up on this. But my riding is local. I might be on and off my Commando several times a day on various errands. I work from home and the Commando is a welcome relief to blast off down the road and get out of the place. I frankly don't like sitting on the highway for long hours on any motorcycle. But if I had to I'd go Japanese or any modo. But I don't have to. I've got a car for that. The Commando is no where near as reliable as a Jap. A lot more fun to ride but fragile. So don't tell me how often or how to ride my bike. There are folk who never or rarely ride their Commando, I'm not one of them. Tell them to get out and ride more often, not me.

Phil

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phil yates said:

The second MkIII project moves forward with what looks like a definite purchase of the candy apple red MkIII Roadster muscle bike next weekend. This will be a "from ground up" restoration with very hot motor (like real hot) with the performance work done by Jim Comstock in Colorado. The bike is already restored but will be stripped to zero and done again. In case no one has noticed, seriously restored MkIII's price wise are rapidly climbing. All restoration work will be done in Oz. I believe in supporting local industry where possible, but Jim is the man for performance upgrades as far as I am concerned. Corbin seat will be fitted, not much else appearance wise except a powerful front brake upgrade, haven't decided which but I have all the information on the matter. I've done a lot of research and discussion via PM. Have made some good friends and will attempt to see them all when in the USA later this year. This is more a project for interest sake as much as anything. It will be a very fast machine. The MkIII bottom end strengthening lends itself to strong performance improvement. I have now got it all in my head where I am going with the project and how to get there. Jim's input will be invaluable.

Phil

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Fast Eddie said:

phil yates said:

The second MkIII project moves forward with what looks like a definite purchase of the candy apple red MkIII Roadster muscle bike next weekend. This will be a "from ground up" restoration with very hot motor (like real hot) with the performance work done by Jim Comstock in Colorado. The bike is already restored but will be stripped to zero and done again. In case no one has noticed, seriously restored MkIII's price wise are rapidly climbing. All restoration work will be done in Oz. I believe in supporting local industry where possible, but Jim is the man for performance upgrades as far as I am concerned. Corbin seat will be fitted, not much else appearance wise except a powerful front brake upgrade, haven't decided which but I have all the information on the matter. I've done a lot of research and discussion via PM. Have made some good friends and will attempt to see them all when in the USA later this year. This is more a project for interest sake as much as anything. It will be a very fast machine. The MkIII bottom end strengthening lends itself to strong performance improvement. I have now got it all in my head where I am going with the project and how to get there. Jim's input will be invaluable.

Phil

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What are your ideas for the engine Phil, big bore? Billet crank? Longer stroke? Which cam? What carbs? Spill the beans man...

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Fullauto said:

Good to see you"ve got the good sense and, dare I say it, good taste, to purchase the finest aftermarket product for a Norton Commando that you can possibly find anywhere. Now, just a bit of advice regarding your performance rebuild.

Firstly, your choice of mechanic. Personally, I wouldn't use anybody who wasn't totally familiar with the Norton product. The youngster will probably find all the weaknesses and foibles of the Commando motor. Unfortunately, not in the way you will want. I doubt that he would even be aware of how much a Norton crank flexes when revved hard. Not an issue with a Japanese bike. These are not modern machines built to rev their nuts off to achieve power gains. Because I am damned confident that will be the route he will go down to achieve your "performance upgrade". The philosophy I live by with Norton motors is to enhance the power characteristics that are already there and not simply to move the power band further up the rev scale. That is, and Jim Comstock will tell you this, to bulk up the area under the curve by enhancing the torque characteristics. If you have a revvy Commando motor with more up top but a loss in the low end and mid range, then I can assure you that you will have a less satisfying motorcycle to ride. An 850 makes maximum power at about 5800 rpm. Jim will tell you that and explain why looking beyond that is a waste of time, money and enjoyment.

By all means, put a cam in it, although really, the standard cam provides very satisfying performance, just don't go overboard. A bit of compression can't hurt, provided that, again, you don't go overboard.

If Jim is putting your head together, get him to do the performance enhancements that he has developed for the Fullauto Technologies head. A good set of carbs, or carb, and away you go. A deeply satisfying, power from idle motor that is just a dream to ride. Now, with the Fullauto Technologies head, you will notice a few things. Firstly, how beautiful it is. Secondly, the power comes on strong right off idle and continues right through the mid range. Personally, I only have a single Mikuni 34mm carb so I don't have the top end, but a change to twin carbs will make a big difference in this regard. I love the simplicity and reliability of the Mikuni, ease of tuning and the fuel economy. Thirdly, it doesn't leak oil. I find that the tappet covers are sometimes (usually) porous and will weep oil. Just don't blame the head. Did I mention how beautiful it is?

I don't really believe that a Fullauto Technologies head is the best choice first up for your Commando. There are other things that should come first. After the carb/s, the ignition (I love my TriSpark!), some sort of brake modification or replacement, uprated alternator (3 Phase), belt primary drive and headlight conversion, then the head is the icing on the cake with the cherry on top. Another philosophy of mine when I bought my Commando was "reliability up, maintenance down". These things will help to achieve this.

Hell, drop your motor in a crate and send it to Jim. That's my advice.

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phil yates said:

eddie
This project has twisted and turned. First to be included in the Baxter restoration. They were getting a bit nervous but with mention of a head shave and need to check possible valve to piston contact, they decided it was not for them. And fair enough. They want to maintain their reputation as top Brit restorers, not their expertise in smashing a piston with a valve. They are not performance upgrade experts, just excellent restorers.

Jim had already become involved and I had more or less concluded my expectations. Not a race track machine, not a serious modo beater (that never was or could be) but a faster (acceleration wise, not top speed) MkIII. So I decided to hot up my Fastback and just have one Norton do all. I settled into that idea then out of the blue came an offer to buy a candy red MkIII Roadster, if I was interested. So the wheels in my head spun again and I shot off on this new tangent. All being equal, I'll be purchasing this Roadster this weekend and the project can begin in anger.

The motor will be pulled out and sent to Jim in Colorado as mentioned. My still boxed Fullauto will be going with it. Jim recommends a webcam #12 be fitted. Milder than a 2S but gives strong mid range torque. The Roadster is currently fitted with twin Amals but I'm dumping them. I'm afraid I'm a Japo Crapo Mikuni man, and a single one at that, and round not flat. If anyone can convince me that an alternative is going to give noticeable increase in low to mid range power output I'm willing to listen. I'm keeping all options open. Jim suggests 36mm over 34mm as the 36mm manifold flows and feeds the Fullauto better. Sounds good to me.

Jim doesn't see the need to use different pistons for what I'm trying to achieve so that's fine. No bottom end variations have yet been discussed but Jim may have some advice on this. Bigger valves will be fitted along with other minor head work including a shave. .040 is favoured by Jim at this stage. I've been concerned all along about upping CR whilst not ending up grinding the starter into dust trying to do it's job, but I think I'm pretty safe on that one. Some advice via PM mentioned Harley hotters using a simple pop type compression release so this may also be an option. Any one with further info on that, please tell.

So all pretty simple stuff really. Cost? No idea, haven't been game to investigate. Nor will I until I've finished and it's too late to go back. Selling my house never bothered me anyway. By comparison, fitting a simple auto pilot to my 1967 Piper 235 is more than the purchase price of the red MkIII Roadster. I've lost interest in hand flying an aircraft but Jenny wants to, so auto pilot cost simply transfers to a MkIII purchase, plus some beer money left over. And I still effectively get an auto pilot anyway. A real good looking one at that. Who said you can't have your cake and eat it too?

That's it for the moment eddie, bike restoration will all be done in Australia and a Corbin seat will be fitted. I love the look of that seat on a Roadster. No room back there for Jenny but that's what the Fastback is here for. Plus my everyday transport requirements around the Southern Highlands. Rocket Roadster Road Racer (for want of a better description) will run on club plates and be used on sunny days. Fork, brake, suspension etc I'll get into later, but I certainly expect to be making some major changes (especially braking) here, but first things first.

So it will be two red MkIII's. One Fastback, one Roadster. Next project, the side car Dominator outfit.

Phil

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Fast Eddie said:

phil yates said:

eddie
This project has twisted and turned. First to be included in the Baxter restoration. They were getting a bit nervous but with mention of a head shave and need to check possible valve to piston contact, they decided it was not for them. And fair enough. They want to maintain their reputation as top Brit restorers, not their expertise in smashing a piston with a valve. They are not performance upgrade experts, just excellent restorers.

Jim had already become involved and I had more or less concluded my expectations. Not a race track machine, not a serious modo beater (that never was or could be) but a faster (acceleration wise, not top speed) MkIII. So I decided to hot up my Fastback and just have one Norton do all. I settled into that idea then out of the blue came an offer to buy a candy red MkIII Roadster, if I was interested. So the wheels in my head spun again and I shot off on this new tangent. All being equal, I'll be purchasing this Roadster this weekend and the project can begin in anger.

The motor will be pulled out and sent to Jim in Colorado as mentioned. My still boxed Fullauto will be going with it. Jim recommends a webcam #12 be fitted. Milder than a 2S but gives strong mid range torque. The Roadster is currently fitted with twin Amals but I'm dumping them. I'm afraid I'm a Japo Crapo Mikuni man, and a single one at that, and round not flat. If anyone can convince me that an alternative is going to give noticeable increase in low to mid range power output I'm willing to listen. I'm keeping all options open. Jim suggests 36mm over 34mm as the 36mm manifold flows and feeds the Fullauto better. Sounds good to me.

Jim doesn't see the need to use different pistons for what I'm trying to achieve so that's fine. No bottom end variations have yet been discussed but Jim may have some advice on this. Bigger valves will be fitted along with other minor head work including a shave. .040 is favoured by Jim at this stage. I've been concerned all along about upping CR whilst not ending up grinding the starter into dust trying to do it's job, but I think I'm pretty safe on that one. Some advice via PM mentioned Harley hotters using a simple pop type compression release so this may also be an option. Any one with further info on that, please tell.

So all pretty simple stuff really. Cost? No idea, haven't been game to investigate. Nor will I until I've finished and it's too late to go back. Selling my house never bothered me anyway. By comparison, fitting a simple auto pilot to my 1967 Piper 235 is more than the purchase price of the red MkIII Roadster. I've lost interest in hand flying an aircraft but Jenny wants to, so auto pilot cost simply transfers to a MkIII purchase, plus some beer money left over. And I still effectively get an auto pilot anyway. A real good looking one at that. Who said you can't have your cake and eat it too?

That's it for the moment eddie, bike restoration will all be done in Australia and a Corbin seat will be fitted. I love the look of that seat on a Roadster. No room back there for Jenny but that's what the Fastback is here for. Plus my everyday transport requirements around the Southern Highlands. Rocket Roadster Road Racer (for want of a better description) will run on club plates and be used on sunny days. Fork, brake, suspension etc I'll get into later, but I certainly expect to be making some major changes (especially braking) here, but first things first.

So it will be two red MkIII's. One Fastback, one Roadster. Next project, the side car Dominator outfit.

Phil

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Sounds cool Phil. Kinda similar to what I started out doing, until I got carried away!

Yes, a lot of Harley type motors use decompressors mounted in the head, they're spark plug sized things, not sure you'd get one in a Norton though. But you shouldn't need it, there are a lot of starter motor upgrades around that will spin yours quite well I'd say.

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Fullauto said:

The Corbin seat is the best comfort related bit you can buy. Beautifully shaped and when I was living in Geraldton, a quick 420 kilometer trip to Perth was just fine. You also don't need rearsets because it positions your butt correctly and you've got a bumstop so you are not constantly gripping the tank with your knees. They are also available as a two seater, so check out that option.

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phil yates said:

Shame genuine Dunstalls are a thing of the past. Last combat of mine had stainless steel de baffled pea shooters. A beautiful bark, then snarl on change up.

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gortnipper said:

phil yates said:

Shame genuine Dunstalls are a thing of the past. Last combat of mine had stainless steel de baffled pea shooters. A beautiful bark, then snarl on change up.

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Dunstall 2 into 1 into 2 - http://www.vikingexhaust.com/getPart.asp?id=85

Black Cap Silencers (also avail. stock size) - http://www.vikingexhaust.com/getPart.asp?id=37

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