Norton Commando Build
A lot of the Commando allure is it's performance. Everything about the bike was built 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 Commandos 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 successes followed.
In the late 1960's and early 1970's, a Norton race bike wasn't that far removed from a road bike. Many will argue that Commandos were responsible for the term "Super Bike".
Restoring a Norton Commando has a nice advantage over other classic motorcycles. Not only are parts still available, they are available as factory pieces, due in large part to the existence of Andover Norton.
And there's plenty of sensible upgrades as well.
Commando owners in general don't seem to be obsessed with originality as are most other marque's. Examples with sensible modifications often sell as much as 100% original machines.
**********************
1974 Commando Project
After sitting non-running and partially disassembled for 20 years, this 1974 Roadster is getting a complete overhaul front to back.
I have learned from experience that restoring a Norton Commando properly isn't cheap. But, if you can do most of the work yourself, you can (hopefully) stay even with the completed bike's value.
Engine Teardown and Inspection
Although this was a low mileage bike (most of them are), it's still half-a-century old and sat unused for a long time. So, engine teardown and inspection was in order.
Cylinder Head Removal
Timing Cover Removal and Installation
Clutch Removal
Primary Chain Removal
Engine Removal
Pinion Gear Removal
Remove Commando Gearbox
**********************
Front End
Both fork tubes were badly pitted, and the only solution was to remove and replace.
Front Fork Disassembly
Front Forks Overhaul/Replace Seals
**********************
Brake Caliper Overhaul
Fifty-year-old brake calipers that sit unused do not come apart without a struggle! Since this bike had sat for so long, there was concern about the caliper pistons being stuck and corroded.
Before and After Caliper Overhaul
Brake Caliper Overhaul
**********************
What Are Whitworth Tools?
How To Polish Aluminum Engine Parts
**********************
Norton Commando Articles:
Cylinder Head Removal
Clutch Removal
Primary Chain Removal
Timing Cover Removal and Installation
Pinion Gear Removal
Engine Removal
Crankshaft Journal Polishing
Gearbox Removal
Brake Caliper Overhaul
Remove Fork Tubes
Front Fork Disassembly
How To Polish Motorcycle Forks
Front Fork Assembly
Norton Commando Upgrades
