where to start

Where to start...As i posted before I have recently picked up a 74 norton commando that I intend to rebuild and ride. the previous owner passed away (which is indirectly how I came to own it) but before he did he started to take it apart. I have no idea why if there was engine trouble, electrical trouble or if he simply wanted to rebuild it and just started randomly removing parts. the head was removed from the bike along with the carbs, the primary cover was removed along with the clutch plates, a lot of electrical components were removed the seat, tank oil tank side covers, fenders etc were removed. Most (i believe) of these parts came in boxes with the bike so for the most part I believe I have an entire motorcycle. I guess the smartest thing to do would be finish stripping parts down to the frame, get the frame painted and then deal with the engine and work up from there. Cash is a definite factor and what I'd like to do is fix/replace the most important components, get it running and later replace any questionable parts. For sure I'll paint the frame and I'd really like to get the engine done right. it's been suggested that I do the bottom end and since I'd rather not have to pull the engine again for a while I'll do that. one question I have is this, if the valves etc in the head are acceptable could I leave them for later, is it just as easy to pull the head later ?. I guess what I'm looking for are shortcuts I can take to get the bike together, then go back a bit at a time and take care of.

Thanks again,

Chris

I would do the frame first then the crankcase. Tranny next. New rear isolastic. New front iso if possible that way your through with the bottom end . Then go from there as you get the cash. The big deal is to get that crank dead nuts. Bearings,inserts seals all correct. Same with the tranny. Get the new style kick and shift shaft seals done. All the rest can come in time. If she's a keeper then you know what you got.

The frame, engine crankcases, and isolastic engine mounts are parts that really suck to have to fix later on. While the cases are apart check the cam lobes and rod bearings for wear. The main bearings last forever; unless they're purple or scored I'd leave them alone. Cam chain and tensioner are cheap. Lap the oil pump per factory manual, it doesn't cost you anything. Cylinders and piston condition will be obvious, but a Commando will still run with reasonable wear there.

The gearbox is next, although 95% of the time it can be worked on without removing it. Consider replacing the mainshaft oil seal and the metal spacer on the gearbox output shaft. It's about the only thing that'll make you remove the inner primary case later.

The head is a PITA to deal with, but they come off without major disassembly. Primary drive and clutch are easy.

Bottom line is that the bottom end is the one thing you don't want trouble with later.

I would strongly suggest to assembly the bike as is, fix what needs fixing, get it running proper and road test it.

THEN, strip it down and make things pretty. Nothing worse than trying to fix stuff and having to worry about buggering your paint etc. Plus, you don't even know if you have all the parts, let alone the correct parts.

This is how I do all my projects and it works well.

Bottom end, gearbox with a new roller or Mick Hemmings layshaft bearing, check rear isolastics ok.
If you do this lot, then anything ain't so bad to strip off later.
Main wear on valves is either the guides, or the hammering from the tappets on the top of thr stem.
Best of luck & enjoy doing it while it is taking you away from the daily grind.

lrutt said:

I would strongly suggest to assembly the bike as is, fix what needs fixing, get it running proper and road test it.

THEN, strip it down and make things pretty. Nothing worse than trying to fix stuff and having to worry about buggering your paint etc. Plus, you don't even know if you have all the parts, let alone the correct parts.

This is how I do all my projects and it works well.

Click to expand...

Makes sense

I still make the kits to do this repair. If you haven't done it yet. They are on my site. These leads are made with the braided shielding found in coaxial cable it is not breakable.