Norton Commando Build
Article by Mark Trotta
A lot of the Commando's allure is it's performance. Everything about the bike was engineered for the sole purpose of going fast.
And no-one can deny it's a fine looking machine.
Unlike most 70's bikes, very few saw major customization. Other than performance upgrades, most have been left original.
How many Norton choppers have you ever seen?
Another part of it's appeal is the company's historic racing history. During the 1930's alone, Norton accrued dozens of Isle Of Man TT wins, and many more followed.
The 1973, 1974, and 1975 seasons saw success with the John Player Norton, which wasn't that far removed from a Commando road bike.
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Norton Commando Restoration
Purchased in 2024, this 1974 Roadster sat non-running and partially disassembled for 20 years.
On any 50+ year-old motorcycle whose history is unknown, every component should be removed and inspected for re-use. Not just engine components, but drivetrain, front and rear brakes, and front and rear suspension.
NOTE: With the additional complexity of a rubber-mounted engine, gearbox, and swingarm, the Commando is one of the more difficult classic British bikes to restore.
Engine Overhaul
Full strip-down and engine rebuild, 850 Norton Commando MK2
Cylinder Head Removal
Timing Cover Removal and Installation
Clutch Removal
Primary Chain Removal
Engine Removal
Pinion Gear Removal
Engine Assembly
After many hours of disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and the ensuing decisions and judgment calls that vintage engine builders mull over, it's finally time for re-assembly.
Sludge Trap Cleaning and Crankshaft Reassembly
Bottom End Assembly
Timing Chain Installation
Install Cylinder Barrel
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Gearbox
Remove Commando Gearbox
Gearbox gone over. New layshaft bearing, new seals and gaskets installed.
And of course, the cover was polished!
Frame and Suspension
Both fork tubes were badly pitted and needed replacement. Reassembly included new upper and lower neck bearings.
Remove Front End
Front Fork Disassembly
Front Forks Overhaul/Replace Seals
Swing Arm Removal
Swing Arm Overhaul
Later-style Mk3 style Isolatics were installed front and rear.
Read: Remove and Install Isolastics
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Brakes
When purchased, the front brake was inoperable, and since the bike sat for so long, there was concern that the pistons were stuck inside the caliper and wouldn't come out. A combination of patience and luck resulted in success!
Before and After Brake Caliper Overhaul
Brake Caliper Overhaul
Rear brake drum overhaul consisted of removal, disassembly, cleaning and inspection, sanding the brake plate to bare metal, priming, painting, and reassembly.
Left-side 'dummy' axle removed.
Brake plate stripped and ready for primer/paint.
Note: The upper and lower inspection holes on brake plate are unique to 1974 Commando Mk2 models.
Before reinstalling, Z-plates were wet-sanded, buffed, and polished. The battery tray was sanded and painted gloss black.
I could have bought brand new fenders for about $200 each and been done with it. But by taking the time and effort to renew the originals, I saved $400 on the overall restoration budget.
Renew Stainless Steel Motorcycle Fender
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Notes and Misc
Not only are Commando parts still available, they are available as factory pieces, due in large part to the existence of Andover Norton and Norvil.
But, do not assume just because parts are available that they're also easy to get.
U.K. to U.S. Shipping Cost
The package pictured below was my last order from Andover Norton. It weighs three pounds and contains $150 worth of motorcycle parts. Included in that price was a $35 shipping fee.
When the package arrived in North Carolina, I received an email saying I owe an additional $190. This was in January of 2026.
On all previous packages from Great Britain, shipping was under $50. So it wasn't always so expensive, but policies keep changing on both sides, and now it's difficult to know for sure what fees you'll be paying until the package is already on the way.
There are Norton parts suppliers here in the US--I've had experiences with five of them--but they're generally one-man operations with neither the time nor resources for proper customer service and inventory.
So, getting motorcycle parts from one continent to another will likely continue to be expensive and time consuming. Patience here is not a virtue, it's a necessity!
I have learned from experience that restoring a Norton Commando properly isn't cheap or easy. But by doing most of the work yourself, you can (hopefully) stay even with the completed bike's value.
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Related Articles:
Crankshaft Journal Polishing
What Are Whitworth Tools?
How To Polish Motorcycle Forks
Norton Commando Upgrades
