Norton Commando Build
After sitting in storage for 20+ years, this old neglected Commando is getting a complete overhaul front to back.
![Norton Commando build 1974 Norton Commando restoration](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/norton-commando-build-74.jpg)
1974 Norton Commando project bike
Is The Bike Worth It?
The Good Stuff - The frame is good, engine and frame numbers match, it has a clear title, and it came with boxes of original parts.
![Norton Commando build right side shift British motorcycle](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/norton-commando-motorcycle-parts-74.jpg)
Other Good Stuff - It's a low mileage bike, last registered 33 years ago. The speedometer and title show less than 10k miles.
The Bad Stuff - The front forks were badly pitted, and the only solution was to remove and replace the fork tubes.
![front fork removal remove fork tubes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-remove-fork-tubes.jpg.pagespeed.ic.LsM1UYkVNM.jpg)
Read: Front Fork Disassembly
![front fork assembly Norton Commando vintage British motorcycle restoration](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xfront-fork-assembly-norton-commando.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6Sp3pjVRGK.jpg)
Read: Front Forks Overhaul
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Cleaning Motorcycle Spokes
Both front and rear wheels had considerable rust built up on the rims and spokes. The heavy rust was removed with steel wool.
![remove rust from motorcycle rim best way to clean rust from motorcycle spokes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/remove-rust-from-motorcycle-rim-02.jpg)
During the front forks overhaul, the front wheel was propped up on the workbench and given a thorough cleaning.
![motorcycle spoke cleaning best way to clean motorcycle spokes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/motorcycle-spoke-cleaning-02.jpg)
After removing the brake rotor, each spoke and nipple was scrubbed with a scuff pad soaked in full-strength degreaser.
![motorcycle spoke cleaning best way to clean motorcycle spokes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/motorcycle-spoke-cleaning-04.jpg)
This was followed by rinsing with water, then back up on the workbench for a second cleaning, this time with a scuff pad soaked in half-strength degreaser, followed by rinsing with water.
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Brake Caliper Overhaul
Fifty-year-old brake calipers do not come apart without a struggle. Since the bike had sat for decades, there was plenty of concern for the caliper pistons being stuck and corroded.
![remove and rebuild brake caliper rebuild old motorcycle caliper](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/rebuild-old-motorcycle-caliper-74.jpg)
Before and After Caliper Overhaul
![polished Commando caliper polished aluminum brake caliper](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/polished-commando-caliper-74.jpg)
Read: Brake Caliper Overhaul
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Other Bad Stuff - The internal exhaust threads in the cylinder head were stripped, which is not uncommon on Commandos, as the screw-in exhaust nuts often vibrate loose and damage the port threads.
![stripped exhaust ports Norton Commando stripped exhaust ports](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/stripped-exhaust-threads-norton-commando-73.jpg)
So, another time-consuming repair was removing the cylinder head.
Repair or Replace Head?
I contacted Jim Comstock, a well-known Norton specialist. After looking at the pictures, he said that the fins and the exhaust threads were repairable, but he's back-logged with work for at least six months. I emailed several other places, but unfortunately, they don't have the same expertise as Jim does.
![Commando front wheel install install front wheel Norton Commando](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/norton-commando-front-wheel-install.jpg)
Plan "B" was to find a good replacement head. Either way, the old head had to be taken off.
![remove cylinder head 850 Commando Norton Commando cylinder head removal](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/norton-commando-cylinder-head-removal-73.jpg)
Read: Norton Commando Cylinder Head Removal
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After several weeks of sending inquiries to ebay sellers and classic bike specialists, I found a good used head on ebay.
![Norton Commando replace cylinder head Commando RH4 cylinder head](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/rh4-commando-cylinder-head.jpg)
Upon disassembly, I found that the valve guides and seats were in very good condition. All the head needed was a good cleaning.
![clean carbon off cylinder head motorcycle cylinder head before cleaning](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xclean-carbon-off-cylinder-head.jpg.pagespeed.ic.XjOJmq6_Tb.jpg)
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Cylinder Head Cleaning
In the Norton Workshop Manual, there's a section on how combustion chambers and exhaust ports accumulate carbon deposits, and caution must be given not to scratch the aluminum alloy material while cleaning. Do not use steel scrapers or a screwdriver blade!
"Old School" cylinder head cleaning fits my style and budget - degreaser in a spray bottle, brass cleaning brushes, a little Emery cloth, and a lot of scrubbing.
![motorcycle cylinder head cleaning how to clean aluminum motorcycle cylinder head](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xhow-to-clean-aluminum-cylinder-heads.jpg.pagespeed.ic.uZ5VLxLodX.jpg)
Read: Clean Carbon Off Cylinder Head
This method takes longer than vapor blasting, but it's less expensive and gets the same results.
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Cracked and Missing Fin Repair
Although several methods can be used, TIG welding is the most efficient way to weld cast-iron.
![TIG welding cast iron cylinder motorcycle cylinder repair](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xtig-welding-cast-iron-cylinder.jpg.pagespeed.ic.eX_R9q2vHd.jpg)
Read: Cracked Cooling Fin Repair
![repair cracked fin Norton Commando repairing broken cooling fins](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/repair-broken-cooling-fins-on-motorcycle-02.jpg)
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Norton Commando Articles:
Brake Caliper Overhaul
Remove Fork Tubes
Front Fork Disassembly
How To Polish Motorcycle Forks
![Norton Commando restoration Norton Commando build](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/norton-commando-restoration-74.jpg)