Ok, so last night after finally getting the Mikuni sorted on the '70 (went from 35 primary to a 30), re-adjusted valves to factory specs, reset timing to 28 degrees (was at 19 for whatever reason), adjusted the clutch, checked oil flow, tightened exhaust nuts to within an inch of their lives, etc and took her for a good ride after a satisfying 1 kick start. Wow does she run great now other than being obnoxiously loud because of the open pipes.
I am new to Norton's (but not to bikes after 40 years of owning/riding/breaking/fixing them) and this is the first good ride I have taken on her, so this may sound silly... Maybe not.
First, for whatever reason, the handlebars are not square when riding straight. It does not appear that the bars are bent, but I will take them off and put on a pair of Euro bars that I have as I want them on there anyway. If they're not bent, I guess I will need to check to see that something in the front end isn't tweaked. It has a '73 front end on it with the disk brake, but that shouldn't affect anything. Can you guys think of anything in particular I should check if the bars are not bent?
Second, and more concerning... The bike feels really "loose" above 30 mph or so. There is a distinct wobble in the front and rear ends above 30. It doesn't feel like full-on head shake, but it does feel like it could become that. It is just a very unsettled feeling. Other Commando's that I have ridden did not feel like this. When I got home from the ride, I checked both axles for tightness, checked that the wheels weren't loose in terms of bad wheel bearings, and checked tire pressure again. All good. I guess I could've re-torqued the steering head, and I will when I take the bars off for problem #1 above. Any ideas on anything else to check?
These 2 issues may be related, but I honestly don't know. Again, I am new to Norton's and am just looking for some good advice as to what to check next. I love this bike and really just want to get it right and not make mistake after mistake getting it there.
Thanks again for helping out a nOOb.
Cheers!
Mark
I am new to Norton's (but not to bikes after 40 years of owning/riding/breaking/fixing them) and this is the first good ride I have taken on her, so this may sound silly... Maybe not.
First, for whatever reason, the handlebars are not square when riding straight. It does not appear that the bars are bent, but I will take them off and put on a pair of Euro bars that I have as I want them on there anyway. If they're not bent, I guess I will need to check to see that something in the front end isn't tweaked. It has a '73 front end on it with the disk brake, but that shouldn't affect anything. Can you guys think of anything in particular I should check if the bars are not bent?
Second, and more concerning... The bike feels really "loose" above 30 mph or so. There is a distinct wobble in the front and rear ends above 30. It doesn't feel like full-on head shake, but it does feel like it could become that. It is just a very unsettled feeling. Other Commando's that I have ridden did not feel like this. When I got home from the ride, I checked both axles for tightness, checked that the wheels weren't loose in terms of bad wheel bearings, and checked tire pressure again. All good. I guess I could've re-torqued the steering head, and I will when I take the bars off for problem #1 above. Any ideas on anything else to check?
These 2 issues may be related, but I honestly don't know. Again, I am new to Norton's and am just looking for some good advice as to what to check next. I love this bike and really just want to get it right and not make mistake after mistake getting it there.
Thanks again for helping out a nOOb.
Cheers!
Mark