Too much of a good thing...

How could I resist, it was languishing in a cold damp garage with a peace-sign sissy bar held on with duct tape and hose clamps.
Something was nesting in the air filter.
I had to step up and do the right thing. I know you'll understand.

I understand completely, having done the same thing earlier this year. You've done a good deed, saving another Norton from the slow descent into oblivion.

And now you can have twice as much *fun* Double the Nortons, double the *fun* :lol:

congrats,
Debby

Fastback-
Hi-I'm Mike and I'm a Nortoholic.

What else COULD you do?!

I've gone as far as to rescue a BSA that was rotting next to a Harley guy's garage! A noble act to be sure but it ain't a Commando! You've done a GOOD DEED. Revel in it and sleep well at night.
Peace-sign sissy bar and a nest in the air cleaner! Classic! My best one was a 70 Roadster in a goat barn. Literally. Had to dismount the front tire to get the goat hair out from between it and the rim where it had been used as a scratching post.
Debby-
A gal who rides and rescues Nortons. Worship from afar isn't too strong, I would guess.

Good on both of you.

Mike
Kansas, America
Looking at Norton #9- yeah, I'm ate up with it.

Good job Fastback. It is a Noble thing you have done. :wink:

Update- Too much of a good thing?

#9

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/kanlimey/000_0160.jpg

E-bay find, after a few evenings of work and a good bath. It has been sitting in a shed in Oklahoma since '86. Same owner since '70. Need to acquire a few bits to put it right but a good start. Couldn't let it go to the folks who would part it down to the washers, could I?!?

Mike
Kansas, America

kanlimey,

Your picture didn't show, so here it is:

Non-badge, cone primary, rear distributor, Atlas mufflers. Looks like a '69 with Atlas-style headlight ears and gaiters missing. It even has the correct side stand. Nice catch!! That one should be a pretty easy restoration.

Does it have the correct switchgear? (Wipac Triconsul) The broken barrel fin looks to be at the top where it is easiest to repair. These old gals are rarely found in this shape! Congratulations!

Thanks, L.A.B.- Some days i get the computer right-some not!

Yes, it is a 69. Most of the right stuff is there--metal accessory cover and it's fastener, chainguard, center stand, original seat (minus strap), chain oiler and all attendant hardware is there, original 3.00-19 front tire even! Some time in the 70's the fellow tried to "update' the looks but didn't get too carried away. Light/horn switch is a "Triumph-looking" unit, screwed to the handlebar- dip lever/horn push. My "R" is in bad shape so I can't look to it for an originality check and my parts book shows a number-06.0785- but no photograph of it. There is no number change in the 69 supplement so I assume it's the same switch as 68? Yep, broken fin is at the top-not a big deal there. This is the kind of bike I was finding 15-20 years ago, only for 1/4 the $$$$ of today! Big bonus- #'s match! Yippee! This is my 12th Commando, and #9 in the current "Herd".

Thanks-
Mike
Kansas, America

Great find.
Wow - a stable of 9! Here I was wondering what I was going to do with two?! :wink:

fastback said:

Great find.
Wow - a stable of 9! Here I was wondering what I was going to do with two?! :wink:

Click to expand...

Me too. I was thinking I'd gone off the deep end for buying a second Commando, but I guess not. :lol:

That does look like a nice find, Mike. Congrats! Looks like you won't run out of things to keep busy with for some time, huh?

Debby

Hey Fastback-
What will you do with 2? Spend a heck of a lot less on parts! :lol: You could use me as an example- it's like driving your kids through crack alley and pointing out the addicts --"You don't want to grow up like THAT, do you?" Or for the wife--"See! It could be THAT bad!" Seriously, anyone with a Norton is aces in my book, though 2's better, 3's even better--oh, geez, make it stop!
Can't wait to see photo of your latest save when it's done.

Best
Mike
Kansas, America
"Hi, I'm Mike, and I'm a Nortoholic."

I have a friend with over 40 Atlas, P11, N15, and Commandos in his lair. Walking in there is like sensory overload. Tanks and fenders on one wall, a complete wall of engines, frames hanging from the rafters, and complete bikes and rolling chassis packed in so tight you can only walk around two outside paths. If it's a 750/850 twin, he probably has at least one.

Thanks Debby. This one will be top o' the project list for just a short time--have to finish up a truck, keep the yard mowed, still need to paint the house, etc. Look forward to more photos of your latest as well, if it comes out as well as the last you'll surely be the proud owner of twins!

"I was thinking I'd gone off the deep end for buying a second Commando, but I guess not. "

When you hit 5-start wondering, then dismiss it quickly as sensible rubbish!


Ron-----over------40-----?!!!!? I'm torn on how to react. Envy? Relief that it ain't me? (not hardly!) Warmth in the knowledge that there's someone who has it worse than me? What a glorious building it must be!

"Tanks and fenders on one wall, a complete wall of engines, frames hanging from the rafters, and complete bikes and rolling chassis packed in so tight you can only walk around two outside paths. If it's a 750/850 twin, he probably has at least one."

Makes me feel all warm and woozy thinking about it!

Mike
Kansas, America
"He (or She) who dies with the most toys has a legendary estate sale"