Fettling a Norton Commando 750

[WEM]

I recently upgraded to VIP membership to help support the site. The advice I’ve gotten from members and the general knowledge freely given here is great value for the price.

 

[solbero]

Fitted the lid to the roadster tank today. Steady hands, small hammer and a drift did the trick.

 

[Saber]

And the wisdom to use protective tape.

 

[solbero]

Changed the fork oil today. The old oil was nasty. According to my dad it was at least 20 years old

 

[mdt-son]

Fitted the lid to the roadster tank today. Steady hands, small hammer and a drift did the trick.

Why is hinge at front of the filler neck? All standard tanks I have seen have the hinge at the rear. Custom tank?

- Knut

 

[L.A.B.]

Why is hinge at front of the filler neck? All standard tanks I have seen have the hinge at the rear.

Fibreglass tanks have the hinge at the front.

Andover Norton Parts Drawings - Andover Norton Factory Parts - Commando Parts

Andover Norton Parts are the only Norton spare parts in the market manufactured to original drawings, within the factory-approved tolerances, from the correct materials, and with the correct finish.

andover-norton.co.uk

 

[mdt-son]

Fibreglass tanks have the hinge at the front.

Under current legislation, these tanks are not allowed on road going bikes without proof of resistance to ethanol. This applies to the EU as well.

- Knut

 

[solbero]

Under current legislation, these tanks are not allowed on road going bikes without proof of resistance to ethanol. This applies to the EU as well.

- Knut

In Norway you are still able to buy 98 octane petrol without any ethanol. There was some public discussion last year about introducing ethanol into 98, but it was abandoned after a large public outcry from vintage vehicle and boat owners. Some petrol station chains have even pledged that they will continue to sell ethanol-free 98 even if it becomes allowed to add ethanol nationally.

I also did some quick searches and I could not find any information suggesting that fiberglass tanks are regulated in Norway.

Also, I have two fiberglass tanks: one roadster and one Dunstall. They are in great condition and I see no need to change them if I don't have to.

Edit: I noticed after I wrote the reply that you're from Norway as well, mdt-son. I found in Chapter 22, §22-1 second paragraph of Kjøretøyforskriften that the fuel system has to be suitable for the fuel you intend to use in it.

As long as there is no ethanol in the fuel I use, and considering that vintage bikes have been using fiberglass tanks for quite a while without problem with the correct fuel, I would consider the fuel system as suitable for the fuel I intend to use in it.

But I would consider changing the tanks if they pose a major risk or there is some regulation I am not aware of. But I see no need to do so unless I have to.

 

[mdt-son]

Please check ChatGPT for guidance on likelihood of approval of a polyester-based composite tank on a vintage motorcycle, fuel selection notwithstanding. You will find it unlikely our "DMV" will approve it, for several reasons. The question is about what the tank endures, not the petrol type you chose to use.

- Knut