First post for new Commando owner

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Ulyranger

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Oct 27, 2025
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This is my first post and first time owning a Norton. A friend turned be on to this bike that has been sitting in a basement since 2009. I don’t know much about it other than it’s a 1970 Commando with some aftermarket bits on it and has matching numbers of 138471. It came with Norton factory and Chiltons shop manuals (with marked pages and finger smudges) so I know this bike was well loved by the previous owner. I did not try to start it yet because I want to replace the old oil and go through it first. I plan to post my progress and of course seek guidance as I go.


https://www.mediafire.com/view/tnxckqbn50f4dkq/IMG_0370.jpeg/file
https://www.mediafire.com/view/jjormo0saw09knf/IMG_0372.jpeg/file
https://www.mediafire.com/view/dnouyit4ysstsf5/IMG_0367.jpeg/file
 
Welcome! Help is available here for the asking! Some stuff you need to know is that, aside from sheetmetal, just about everything is available, new, good quality, for Norton Commandos. No need to sort through parts bins. Also, the positive side of the electrical system goes to ground, the bike shifts on the right, and riding a well sorted Norton is an absolute blast.
 
Welcome aboard! Good advice on the fuel tank which appears to be a Dunstal or a copy, also do reroute the rear brake cable to prevent unintentional application of the rear brake via hitting a pothole.
 
It looks like an S or R model with Dunstall mufflers. It has the S headlight ring, and I suppose the gastank and tail/seat section are Dunstall items? The oil tank has no drain plug, so it is messy to get oil out of. ( If I remember correctly)
Clean up the electrical wire ends, Clean the ignition point surfaces. Drain the oil tank and the engine base, it has a big 1-1/2 " hex plug. And squirt oil into the top end by removing the valve adjuster covers. IT is Positive earth( ground) so be sure to hook up the 12 v battery correctly. Red harness wires go to the + battery terminal ( If it has a OEM system still in it. ) Most likely it does.
IT shifts One up and 3 down or GP pattern
 
Ulyranger said:
This is my first post and first time owning a Norton. A friend turned be on to this bike that has been sitting in a basement since 2009. I don’t know much about it other than it’s a 1970 Commando with some aftermarket bits on it and has matching numbers of 138471. It came with Norton factory and Chiltons shop manuals (with marked pages and finger smudges) so I know this bike was well loved by the previous owner. I did not try to start it yet because I want to replace the old oil and go through it first. I plan to post my progress and of course seek guidance as I go.
Click to expand...
Welcome! Thanx for adding photos, they go a long way.

Starting out on the right foot. Looks like Dunstall bodywork and mufflers, typical period bits.

Go right thru the maintenance section of the shop manual, in the exact order that it is presented.
Each task depends on the PREVIOUS task being done beforehand, for BEST RESULTS.
 
Thank you all for the replies! To the first two tips; I noted several references to the routing of the rear brake cable in other threads too in my limited survey of the site so far and here noted by LAB (TY!!). In regards to the tank and gas (petrol), yes the tank is fiberglass and I always use non-ethanol (aka “Rec fuel”) in all of my motorcycles and OPE. I have other hobbies that include rebuilding/rehabilitating two stroke power heads to include chainsaws and outboards so I am well aware of the evil nature of ethanol to pre-“E” motors and related components.

My plan is to read the shop manual(s) and threads here then go through the bike this winter here in upstate NY. Winters can be long here and I have other things to ride if the need arises till I get this bike sorted out. I grew up riding and wrenching on UJMs and two stroke enduros. I currently ride a Buell Ulysses, KTM 450 EXC and a Honda TLR200 so I think this Commando will fit right into my little menagerie.

Looking forward to the ride, both here and on my “new” Norton.
 
Welcome aboard!
Beware the dreaded layshaft bearing...aka The Portuguese Piece of Shite. Search and you will find answers on this engineering failure and how to put it right.
 
Ulyranger said:
Thank you all for the replies! To the first two tips; I noted several references to the routing of the rear brake cable in other threads too in my limited survey of the site so far and here noted by LAB (TY!!). In regards to the tank and gas (petrol), yes the tank is fiberglass and I always use non-ethanol (aka “Rec fuel”) in all of my motorcycles and OPE. I have other hobbies that include rebuilding/rehabilitating two stroke power heads to include chainsaws and outboards so I am well aware of the evil nature of ethanol to pre-“E” motors and related components.

My plan is to read the shop manual(s) and threads here then go through the bike this winter here in upstate NY. Winters can be long here and I have other things to ride if the need arises till I get this bike sorted out. I grew up riding and wrenching on UJMs and two stroke enduros. I currently ride a Buell Ulysses, KTM 450 EXC and a Honda TLR200 so I think this Commando will fit right into my little menagerie.

Looking forward to the ride, both here and on my “new” Norton.
Click to expand...
Your winter weather will give you plenty of time to sort out your new project 😎This is a great site with a lot of good information from some very experienced people.
Mike
 
L.A.B. said:
'S' type or '70 Roadster as both had the central oil tank and headlamp halo. The 'R' type had neither.
Click to expand...
I never did see a Roadster type until this article. I did own an S and had the square oil tank. I do see how the "R" model was using the earlier 1st year Commando, I call a 20M3 Commando, It's oil tank and side cover as well as the "sausage" mufflers. One thing I do know that the early bikes had engine cams that were designed and had cams that were accurately machined for speed and a head that had what it takes to deliver it.

cdnbkr.ca

Norton Commando "R" and "S" - two of the most successful British bikes

The Norton Commando: one of the most successful motorcycles produced in Britain. The Roadster and Interstate built from 1971/2 to 1975 .
cdnbkr.ca cdnbkr.ca
 
I think the title of that article is somewhat misleading as the 'R' wasn't that successful only lasting barely a year before the model was discontinued.
 
L.A.B. said:
I suggest one of the first jobs would be to re-route the rear brake cable correctly over the Z-plate (as below) before you ride it or you will likely have a suspension operated rear brake.

First post for new Commando owner
Click to expand...
Welcome @Ulyranger!
If one isn’t already fitted I would also suggest fitting a brake pedal return spring, which in the event of a cable failure will prevent the lever dropping and contacting the road ( i.e. not good for your health😲).

andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - REAR BRAKE SAFETY SPRING FOR 1968 to 1974 Commando. Prevents brake lever dropping if rear brake cable breaks. - 06.4172

REAR BRAKE SAFETY SPRING FOR 1968 to 1974 Commando. Prevents brake lever dropping if rear brake cable breaks.
andover-norton.co.uk
 
Ulyranger,
You mentioned you live in Upstate NY. You might want to check out New York Owners Association, on facebook. I don't think their website is active anymore. Or check here with the INOA https://inoanorton.net/ for chapters.
nortonrally.com

INOA 2025 Rally - Norton Rally

Come to Quincy, CA, for the INOA 2025 Rally. Be sure to bring your sense of fun and love for British, classic, and vintage motorcycles!
nortonrally.com
Maybe if you work at it you can get to the rally on your bike: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sNZWu58HAD55uxE66
Cheers,
Tom
 
Congrats, you have a classic that looks whole, just needs TLC. Your manuals are good, ISO lastic motor mounts are probably new to you. Out of adjustment will make it handle sloppy. If it runs OK when you start it, go through the gears in the upper RPM range and you'll appreciate why they are so much fun to ride.
 

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