Newish member, finally found me a Commando.

[kn0ck4times]

Been on here for a little while quietly in the background. Finally picked up a ‘74 Commando in Pennsylvania about four hours from my home in Virginia. The bike has many new parts but needs that final bit of work to finish it off. Always owned fuel injected new bikes but am looking forward to meeting everyone and learning as much as I can. Thanks for everyones help in advance.

 

[Dan1950]

Been on here for a little while quietly in the background. Finally picked up a ‘74 Commando in Pennsylvania about four hours from my home in Virginia. The bike has many new parts but needs that final bit of work to finish it off. Always owned fuel injected new bikes but am looking forward to meeting everyone and learning as much as I can. Thanks for everyones help in advance.

Pictures?

 

[kn0ck4times]

Pictures?

Sorry would love to but struggling to find my photos gallery in forum.

 

[L.A.B.]

Sorry would love to but struggling to find my photos gallery in forum.

You need to be a VIP member to have a gallery or directly upload images from your computer/device.

Non-VIPs need to use a photo hosting website.

 

[Dan1950]

Sorry would love to but struggling to find my photos gallery in forum.

You need to be a VIP member to have a gallery or directly upload images from your computer/device.

Non-VIPs need to use a photo hosting website.

https://imgur.com/ works well with a PC but it's horrible as a mobile ap.

 

[kn0ck4times]

 

[Craig]

Go for VIP membership , to help keep things going , I’m Nortonless at moment but can’t stay away so I pay my support … and that is a great looking first Norton , you going to really like it !

 

[kn0ck4times]

 

[Dan1950]

NICE, a Fireflake Blue MK II! It Looks a lot like mine.

I picked mine up last September and have spent the winter working on it.

Copy the "BB code" and you can post larger images like this.

 

[L.A.B.]

A common error but I seriously recommend you re-route the rear brake cable correctly over the Z-plate...

...not below, as it is, or you will very likely have a suspension activated rear brake!

 

[kn0ck4times]

A common error but I seriously recommend you re-route the rear brake cable correctly over the Z-plate...

...not below, as it is, or you will very likely have a suspension activated rear brake!

Awesome observation. Will do. Appreciate any advice and concerns.

 

[Dan1950]

Awesome observation. Will do. Appreciate any advice and concerns.

If there's no record of the gearbox layshaft ball bearing being updated, I would strongly suggest that you do so. Here'a what mine looked like after it locked up about 200 miles after I bought mine.

 

[alan hodge]

great looking bike riding weather is here get on it and go

 

[lcrken]

Very nice. You should be able to get a lot of fun out of that one.

Ken

 

[grandpaul]

Sharp-looking bike. Welcome!

 

[Alan L]

Congratulations
ride safely
Al

 

[L.A.B.]

Awesome observation. Will do. Appreciate any advice and concerns.

Ok, some further observations:
One odd thing is the rear wheel has been rebuilt with all 40 spokes on the inside of the hub flanges as there would normally be 20 inners and 20 outers!

The front wheel has 20 inners and outers but not in the normal spoke pattern (RH inners and outers reversed) although nothing to be overly concerned about.

The clutch lever bracket is an earlier type as it would normally be the one in the link below and black.

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.

andover-norton.co.uk

The chainguard is an earlier type without the extension holes (and thus no extension) and no brake lining check slot if built January 1974 or later but again, that's nothing to be concerned about just an observation.

It has a manual valve on the oil feed to the engine and I think it has an ignition cut-out switch, if not, then do not forget to turn that valve on or you will end up with a blown engine!

A small section of fin missing from the cylinder head behind the LH exhaust port?

 

[kn0ck4times]

Ok, some further observations:
One odd thing is the rear wheel has been rebuilt with all 40 spokes on the inside of the hub flanges as there would normally be 20 inners and 20 outers!

The front wheel has 20 inners and outers but not in the normal spoke pattern (RH inners and outers reversed) although nothing to be overly concerned about.

The clutch lever bracket is an earlier type as it would normally be the one in the link below and black.

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.

andover-norton.co.uk

The chainguard is an earlier type without the extension holes (and thus no extension) and no brake lining check slot if built January 1974 or later but again, that's nothing to be concerned about just an observation.

It has a manual valve on the oil feed to the engine and I think it has an ignition cut-out switch, if not, then do not forget to turn that valve on or you will end up with a blown engine!

A small section of fin missing from the cylinder head behind the LH exhaust port?

Damn, your good. A few of those I was aware of including the oil valve which I plan on removing. Also has a reed valve under seat so not sure on location and whether to keep. Bike was built 11/73. Any recommendations on oil line replacements to remove valve? Thinking transmission cooler line? Any thoughts on cylinder fin repair? Thanks.

 

[L.A.B.]

Also has a reed valve under seat so not sure on location and whether to keep.

Yes, keep that.

Bike was built 11/73.

Should be an early 850 Mk2 then (engine/frame plate/gearbox serial 307311+) with an RH10 (stamped above the RH exhaust rocker inspection cover?) cylinder head.

Any recommendations on oil line replacements to remove valve? Thinking transmission cooler line?

The original style Herringbone oil line is no longer available and the copy version doesn't look exactly the same.
Any good 3/8" I/D oil line should be suitable but I will perhaps leave it to US forum members to recommend a specific type.

Any thoughts on cylinder fin repair?

It can be done but I wouldn't worry too much about that at the moment as it only looks like a reasonably small piece.

 

[concours]

The fireflake blue is beautiful. Oil pressure gage. Well done.
O.P., are you knowledgeable about carburetor operation, maintenance & repair? I read your fuel injection comment.
If it MAY sit idle for a month or more, use Sta-Bil.