1969 Commando revitalization.

I run a 4.00-18 on an Excel WM3 rear, and a 100/90-19 WM3 front now. With the Avon AM26 Roadrider they are the same rolling diameter.

Some like the 90/90 better on the front (plenty of threads on this) as it is perceived to be quicker: both narrower x-profile and smaller rolling diameter.

I used to run the 4.00-19 WM2 rear with a 3.50-19 WM2 front, but there have been so many other changes to the bike a comparison of tire sizes itself would be useless from me. I dont perceive my bike to turn in any slower now, but if I put on a 90/90, who knows?

I think a few have run a 18" front, and on plenty of race bikes too. The front mudguard would look a bit high. But then again, there is the SS.

1969 Commando revitalization.


As an interesting party trick, I super-imposed the 69 fastback mudguard on the later one, roughly aligning the arc and the notch on the front for the chainguard. Notice how much bigger the stock one is than the fastback mudguard. I kinda like the smaller one... maybe I should replace the horn. ;-)

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Thanks I prefer the shorter fender too , I'm going to try it out also going to find a couple hubs and lace up some 18 rims for the stout agile look . thanks excellent post and pics!
 
Yes, a central oil tank model mudguard/fender wouldn't have the recess and has a different mounting stay (although DogT's and ILLF8ED's 'S' models have the 'R' stay)...


"S" TYPE & 1970 "Roadster (not 'R')
Well I have the central oil tank . Does the central oil tank clearly say that my bike was originally a S model?

This is so confusing I'm getting a head ache o_O but I'm going to gather Norton Commando knowledge and figure out exactly what I have yet still make it my own not the way it came . :)
 
Well I have the central oil tank . Does the central oil tank clearly say that my bike was originally a S model?

If the central oil tank is original to that frame and if this particular "1969 model" is too early to have been a ('70) Roadster then yes, as the other models in production during that period were the Fastback and 'R' type neither of which had the central oil tank.
 
Thanks I'll see if I can determine if its a add on central oil tank tank when the sun comes up. :)
 
750 'S' type production began from serial number 131257 (March '69) and the last 'S', 135088 (June '70) although not all numbers between would have been 'S' types but also include Fastbacks and 'R's. 135140 (March '70) was a Roadster (possibly the first?) all according to Roy Bacon's information.

Andover Norton, UK NOC or VMCC should be able to tell you if it is an 'S' but normally a charge a fee.
 
Weekend Commando work is a wash wha wha .

My eagerly awaited center oil pressure gauge arrived however either I ordered wrong or it’s the wrong part bottom line it doesn’t fit . Disappointed to say the least


Also have a reed valve breather in the mail coming from Jim Schmidt at JS Motorsport’s .
 

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Yup its too narrow, I double checked my order and it seems I ordered correctly . contacting the seller Monday hope they send me a new mount or something ,
What is the spread on your bracket and handlebar mount allen heads? Mine are 3" on center.
 
My eagerly awaited center oil pressure gauge arrived however either I ordered wrong or it’s the wrong part bottom line it doesn’t fit . Disappointed to say the least


The handlebar mounts look further apart on the early yoke.
 
The handlebar mounts look further apart on the early yoke.

Yes further the spread on center of hex bolt is 3-3/4 , the new gauge mount is 3 inches on center.

I’ve got to say I am a bit concerned if the mount fitted as intended it seems keeping the bars tight could be an issue because the mount is designed to be under the bar caps it seems to me the mount should be under the bolts to maintain pressure on the the caps and the bars.

My idea for a fix and maybe an improvement longer bolts through the mount with a spacer of the correct size underneath the mount fir a solid tight bar that won’t budge. Also a mount with holes not slots imop would be good. Might be a bit over thought but I’m shopping today locally for some way to mod this set up .
 
Yes further the spread on center of hex bolt is 3-3/4 , the new gauge mount is 3 inches on center.

I’ve got to say I am a bit concerned if the mount fitted as intended it seems keeping the bars tight could be an issue because the mount is designed to be under the bar caps it seems to me the mount should be under the bolts to maintain pressure on the the caps and the bars.

My idea for a fix and maybe an improvement longer bolts through the mount with a spacer of the correct size underneath the mount fir a solid tight bar that won’t budge. Also a mount with holes not slots imop would be good. Might be a bit over thought but I’m shopping today locally for some way to mod this set up .
Can it be mounted on top of the handlebar clamps with longer bolts /washers so the clamps still grip the bars ?
 
So my Jim Schmidt reed valve breather came in looks like a nice piece just have to buy a 1-3/4 open end wrench to install.

Breather also came with a plug for the left side crankcase vent hose which gets removed , I’m thinking British standard thread on fitting cause they don’t match the factory piece. Any thoughts on the thread size? Is there such a thing as British threads?
 

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This is the Norton vent fitting that will need to be plugged
 

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Breather also came with a plug for the left side crankcase vent hose which gets removed , I’m thinking British standard thread on fitting cause they don’t match the factory piece.

I don't understand what you mean? The factory (Norton) piece is the elbow (and thin lock nut) so do you mean the plug has a different thread? "Don't match" doesn't tell us anything so how do they not match (different TPI, if so what are they?)?

Any thoughts on the thread size?

I believe the elbow thread is 1/2" - 20 (CEI?/BSC?)

Is there such a thing as British threads?

Yes, many (some of which your Commando has).
 
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The 90 degree elbow is of a different thread than that of the plug . Going to Fastenal tomorrow hopefully they have something of the same thread .
 
The 90 degree elbow is of a different thread than that of the plug . Going to Fastenal tomorrow hopefully they have something of the same thread .

1/2" UNF is also 20 TPI (if the elbow is 20 TPI).
Maybe pick up a set (or sets as there are Unified, Whitworth, Metric, BA, etc.) of pitch gauges while you are there if they have them as there are UNF, UNC, UNEF, BSW (Whitworth), BSF, CEI/BSC, BSP, BA threads on a Commando plus a few 'special' threads.
 
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I’ve got to say I am a bit concerned if the mount fitted as intended it seems keeping the bars tight could be an issue because the mount is designed to be under the bar caps it seems to me the mount should be under the bolts to maintain pressure on the the caps and the bars.
You tighten the front down first, so it snugs down on the the bracket, then snug the rears down and then tighten the fronts again. That way the front of the cap sandwichs the clamp and the rear locks in the handlebar.
 
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