What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?

Question for everybody.
Started reading some paperwork that came with my '74 Mk II 850, re the Boyer ignition system. It says to time engine with a strobe light to 31 degrees advance at 4000 rpm, whereas the stock system should be timed at 28 degrees. My bike is currently timed at 28 degrees, should I reset it to 31 degrees?
TIA Steve
 
Boyer states timing advance 31° @ 5,000 rpm, so you will be retarded at 28° unless you've strobed it at 28° @ 4,000 rpm. Have a read of this as I found it helpful.
www.nocnsw.org.au

Norton Owners Club of NSW - Ignition Timing for Commando With Boyer

Ignition Timing for Norton Commandos is 31 degrees BTDC @ 5,000 engine revolutions per minute for Boyer electronic ignition systems, and 28 degrees BTDC (5/16”) fully advanced @ 3,000 engine revolutions for ordinary points-based ignition, both set with a stroboscope. NB. Use an external power
www.nocnsw.org.au www.nocnsw.org.au
 
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It is available through Wassells. It is very, very expensive though. I’m hoping that the 48.5” length it’s supplied in will be sufficient for my pipes that are allegedly 47” in total. Definitely measure three times before cutting. I’m hoping the ‘greyness’ showing in the pics can be brought back to black.
What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?
What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?
 
Flatspot said:
I’m hoping that the 48.5” length it’s supplied in will be sufficient for my pipes that are allegedly 47” in total.
Click to expand...

41.5" (17.5" + 12" + 12")
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - OIL PIPE 17.1/2

OIL PIPE 17.1/2
andover-norton.co.uk
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - OIL PIPE 12

OIL PIPE 12
andover-norton.co.uk
(x2)

Edit: A picture of your Commando shows it has the 'A'/Mk3 oil junction block...
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - OIL PIPES JUNCTION BLOCK ASSY (Commando 850 2A & MK3) - 06.4134

OIL PIPES JUNCTION BLOCK ASSY (Commando 850 2A & MK3)
andover-norton.co.uk
...reducing the total oil line required to 35.5" (13.5" + 12 + 10") unless you were also intending to use it for the engine breather but that's 1/2" bore.
 
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MichaelD said:
I went for a short (2 mile) ride, it was the first time I've ridden my Norton in 32 years, actually the first time I've ridden any motorcycle in 32 years, so I was pretty nervous. Was breathing so heavily my visor misted up, and holding on so tight my hands started to ache. But it was great to be back out there.

I've spent the last few months working on the bike to get it ready to ride, so I need to build confidence in the bike and in me, so will be doing slightly longer rides each time. Don't want to ride it further than I can push it just now, just in case ...
Click to expand...
Michael,
You might want to look into the MSF courses they might have around where you live.After riding motorcycles since my teens, I seem to always learn something new.It helps get rid of self taught mistakes that everyone has and you learn a lot from guys that know what they’re doing.Glad you are back on your motorcycle and that you held onto it for all these years.
Mike
 
Mike,
Terrific idea for Michael! I'm thinking of taking another MSF course soon as well to remind myself of the right way to ride. They allow you to use your own bike if you prefer, but they have lots of different styles to practice with. It's a very good idea Michael. By the way I'm not quite at the level of comfort that I need to be to ride with traffic yet. I'm ok on my own, and prefer that, but riding with traffic is another story altogether as you guys all know all too well.
 
YING said:
Michael,
You might want to look into the MSF courses they might have around where you live.After riding motorcycles since my teens, I seem to always learn something new.It helps get rid of self taught mistakes that everyone has and you learn a lot from guys that know what they’re doing.Glad you are back on your motorcycle and that you held onto it for all these years.
Mike
Click to expand...
I'll have a look to see what they have around here. Remembering everything from 30+ years ago is a bit optimistic
 
Mark Savage said:
Boyer states timing advance 31° @ 5,000 rpm, so you will be retarded at 28° unless you've strobed it at 28° @ 4,000 rpm. Have a read of this as I found it helpful.
www.nocnsw.org.au

Norton Owners Club of NSW - Ignition Timing for Commando With Boyer

Ignition Timing for Norton Commandos is 31 degrees BTDC @ 5,000 engine revolutions per minute for Boyer electronic ignition systems, and 28 degrees BTDC (5/16”) fully advanced @ 3,000 engine revolutions for ordinary points-based ignition, both set with a stroboscope. NB. Use an external power
www.nocnsw.org.au www.nocnsw.org.au
Click to expand...
Cheers Mark, read the link info which is helpful, rechecked and all looks correct after all.
 
Pulled 'uncle bob' out of hibernation. Drained the crankcase (400ml) and put it back in the oil tank. Fresh gas. Started in 6 kicks. 20 miles in 53 degrees F. Felt good!

Now back into hibernation. Nothing above 33 degrees F for next 10 days and foreseeable future.
 
MichaelD said:
I'll have a look to see what they have around here. Remembering everything from 30+ years ago is a bit optimistic
Click to expand...
Michael,
With all of the English gentleman on this forum, I am sure someone has an insight to find out where you can look for basic rider training. I highly recommend that you take any course that is available. I am not sure if the MSF(motorcycle safety foundation) is on your side of the pond but there must be something equivalent.Have a good time on your bike!
Mike
 
YING said:
With all of the English gentleman on this forum, I am sure someone has an insight to find out where you can look for basic rider training.
Click to expand...

Advanced Motorcycle Training - RoSPA

RoSPA's four-day advanced motorcycle training instructs riders in the theory and practice of safe systems of deliberate, responsible and admirable riding.
www.rospa.com www.rospa.com

Advanced driving and riding courses | IAM RoadSmart

Find the right advanced driving course, advanced riding course or driving for work course at IAM RoadSmart, from speed awareness seminars to refresher sessions available for both drivers and riders.
www.iamroadsmart.com
 
L.A.B. said:

Advanced Motorcycle Training - RoSPA

RoSPA's four-day advanced motorcycle training instructs riders in the theory and practice of safe systems of deliberate, responsible and admirable riding.
www.rospa.com www.rospa.com

Advanced driving and riding courses | IAM RoadSmart

Find the right advanced driving course, advanced riding course or driving for work course at IAM RoadSmart, from speed awareness seminars to refresher sessions available for both drivers and riders.
www.iamroadsmart.com
Click to expand...
Les,
Aren’t there some courses for basic m/c training? The courses over here are usually a 1 day program with class time and then on the bike for the afternoon.In my state after you take the course you get the motorcycle endorsement on your license. I am sure the ones you posted are great but for some it would be cost prohibitive.
Mike
 
I agree with Les' suggestion. Shouldn't be costly. The IAM is a voluntary organisation. You pay a small joining fee and a coach is assigned to you. You make an arrangement to pay their reasonable costs for each session and you get an observed ride, then the training begins, tailored to each rider. You can go for the advanced riding or RoSPA exams, but you don't have to.

I've looked at doing it, just not got round to it, yet.
 
YING said:
Aren’t there some courses for basic m/c training?
Click to expand...

Yes, there are, but normally for CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) that UK novice riders must do.
phoenixmotorcycletraining.co.uk

Compulsory Basic Training - Phoenix Motorcycle Training

Compulsory Basic Training, or CBT, is the first step towards a full motorcycle licence. Learn what to expect from our training.
phoenixmotorcycletraining.co.uk phoenixmotorcycletraining.co.uk
But possibly...
motodna.com

streetSKILLS 101 - motoDNA

streetSKILLS 101 Rider Training - Data Driven by motoDNA streetSKILLS 101 Rider Training - Data Driven by motoDNA Book Now streetSKILLS 101 Skill, Craft and Mind are the three main pillars for safe road riding. Too often riders are taught
motodna.com motodna.com

I would think an advanced training course would be of more benefit to older riders wanting to brush up on their riding skills.
 
I remember reading that people that rode bikes in their youth go on to become the safest riders/drivers on the road. Its a demonstration of evolution, if you're young and a poor rider there is a good chance that you won't go on to become an older rider/driver.
 
A crotchety old fart of a friend of mine that rides and gets me Norton parts keeps telling me that the best riders start out in the dirt riding motocross bikes, where they learn to fall and to control the bike in critical situations. This isn't me. I just bought a commando, took the compulsory one day training here in Michigan, and then went riding to figure it out and put it all together. I really like the idea behind that UK training where they observe you riding and tailor their training to what you need. Very good method, I think.
 
UK training - It is a very good method from basic up to the highest levels

I started off with the RAC/ACU course.
After my “ test “ when I was assesssed by a police motorcycle rider he made the remark that I was a speed merchant … I acted all innocent and said I didn’t go over the speed limit, he just smiled .. Lol

I later realised he was spot on and it was a life long affliction !
Thankfully I’d had some good training with the RAC and some subsequent Advanced driving lessons with police input has kept me alive and as an aside made me a better car driver too

I also rode the dirt before the road it did me a favour too though I always enjoyed my judo fall trading much more than falling off a motorcycle !
 
Mart UK said:
Unfortunately, the switchgear is already right at the start of the curve on the bars. I guess bars differ. Not a fault with the Halcyons. I only mention to forewarn anyone who might have no room for adjustment.
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I rotated the clutch lever down just enough to clear the mirror mount. I have largish hands so no problem.
 
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