Author Topic: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?  (Read 12218 times)

Offline wirespokes

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #90 on: July 13, 2019, 06:06:45 AM »
I'm going to look at a 1972 Combat basket case today. A friend warns me the Combats are trouble. What do you say?

Even though I've known about Commandos since the mid 70s, I don't know that much about Nortons so looked them up on the web. Wiki told me a bit about them and that the Combat was a one-year-only machine.

Are they dependable with the superblends and various upgrades? Do they have to be ridden lightly to prevent grenading?

And what is a basket case worth with a nickle coated frame, and missing wiring harness, headlight,seat, front brake system, rear brake and carbs?

Offline jas67

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #91 on: July 13, 2019, 07:17:03 AM »
I'm going to look at a 1972 Combat basket case today.

 :popcorn:

Looking forward to the build thread....  :evil:
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Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #92 on: July 13, 2019, 07:23:33 AM »
I'm going to look at a 1972 Combat basket case today. A friend warns me the Combats are trouble. What do you say?

Even though I've known about Commandos since the mid 70s, I don't know that much about Nortons so looked them up on the web. Wiki told me a bit about them and that the Combat was a one-year-only machine.

Are they dependable with the superblends and various upgrades? Do they have to be ridden lightly to prevent grenading?

And what is a basket case worth with a nickle coated frame, and missing wiring harness, headlight,seat, front brake system, rear brake and carbs?

The Combat engine was a ticking bomb when new, but properly rebuilt will be as reliable as any of them. 

This very incomplete basket will end up costing at least an extra 50% over the price of a very well sorted unit by the time you are done, therefore you want to buy it on the cheap.  Does it have a title?   With title I would think $1000 would be about right.  No title - ask him to pay you to take it away and keep it for spare parts.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2019, 07:26:07 AM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
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Offline wirespokes

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #93 on: July 13, 2019, 07:31:54 AM »
Thanks, Dave. That's what a friend of mine recommended as well. As far as I know, it is titled, but we'll see. I figure it's worth a look.

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #93 on: July 13, 2019, 07:31:54 AM »

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #94 on: July 13, 2019, 07:33:27 AM »
Thanks, Dave. That's what a friend of mine recommended as well. As far as I know, it is titled, but we'll see. I figure it's worth a look.

If it was close to me I would definitely check it out.  I am a sucker for sad sacks like these.  I never learn.   :grin:
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
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Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #95 on: July 13, 2019, 08:39:03 AM »
If it was close to me I would definitely check it out.  I am a sucker for sad sacks like these.  I never learn.   :grin:

Here are the pictures for the basketcase. $1000 is mighty light as the engine alone would bring that.

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0R5YHsSjYAuHS
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1973 Norton Commando Interstate

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #96 on: July 13, 2019, 09:06:38 AM »
Here are the pictures for the basketcase. $1000 is mighty light as the engine alone would bring that.

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0R5YHsSjYAuHS

A bit better than I thought.  OK, I go 2K with title!   :laugh:
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
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Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #97 on: July 13, 2019, 09:41:32 AM »
A bit better than I thought.  OK, I go 2K with title!   :laugh:

I think you’re right.
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Offline wirespokes

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #98 on: July 13, 2019, 12:17:13 PM »
That's assuming the engine is in good shape? Hopefully no rattles or clunks when turned.

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #99 on: July 13, 2019, 12:41:13 PM »
That's assuming the engine is in good shape? Hopefully no rattles or clunks when turned.

You will never know if the engine is in "good shape" until you disassemble and inspect.  I would be most interested in the overall condition of the cases.  Look for any cracks or broken lugs. 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
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1980 T3 California
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Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #100 on: July 13, 2019, 01:47:44 PM »
You will never know if the engine is in "good shape" until you disassemble and inspect.  I would be most interested in the overall condition of the cases.  Look for any cracks or broken lugs.

Engine was clean. No broken fins or anything. I did not try to turn it over but you may not be able to unless you get the front sprocket on.
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Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #101 on: July 13, 2019, 03:18:08 PM »
Engine was clean. No broken fins or anything. I did not try to turn it over but you may not be able to unless you get the front sprocket on.

Did you drag it home?
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
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Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #102 on: July 13, 2019, 04:05:30 PM »
Did you drag it home?

No, I left it for @wirespokes. I’ve got too many already.
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1973 Norton Commando Interstate

Online nc43bsa

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #103 on: July 13, 2019, 04:52:43 PM »
I'm going to look at a 1972 Combat basket case today. A friend warns me the Combats are trouble. What do you say?

Are they dependable with the superblends and various upgrades? Do they have to be ridden lightly to prevent grenading?

IIRC, the Combat was largely responsible for the development of the Superblend bearings.  The combination of high compression and the long stroke 3-piece crank tortured the roller main bearings in ways the bearing manufacturers could not have imagined, much less recommended.

Replacing the pistons and the main bearings fixes the problem.

If you get into this, do yourself a favor and put a pair of modern Amal concentric carbs on it.  The other missing stuff is readily available.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2019, 04:57:01 PM by nc43bsa »
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Offline SmithSwede

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #104 on: July 13, 2019, 05:01:52 PM »
Well, I’ve been learning a lot.  Never knew about “wet-sumping” before.  And now I’m learning about Superblend bearing with odd, barrel shaped rollers.   
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Offline wirespokes

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #105 on: July 13, 2019, 05:08:38 PM »
I don't need to learn a whole new bike - I'm still wrapping my head around these older Guzzis.

I've got a friend who had a Commando in the mid 70s and traded it in on a new 90S. He's always missed that bike. Lately he's been through some health and life  issues (wouldn't prevent him from riding) that have left him apathetic about life. Ten years ago he restored five old airheads including two 90Ss and a 650 Triumph. They're gorgeous. So I figured a Commando project could light him up. We were going to look at it today together, but he bailed at the last moment. He figures the Combat is a ticking time bomb and would cost way more to build than just getting a nice one. But - you know - I don't see him spending the money for a nice one right now. I went alone to see the bike.

Kinda sad a whole bike can be reduced to two boxes, frame, tank and two wheels. But what's there looks nice.

The story is that a friend of the current owner died a year and a half ago and left it to her (signed title). He intended she get it free, but the estate didn't know that for some reason so she had to pay for it. He had two other nortons he'd restored and tore this one apart to restore. He'd nickel plated the frame and that's as far as it got. That was maybe three or four years ago. She says it ran fine before taking it apart. The other parts got lost in the shuffle of liquidating the estate and his relatives weren't bike people - so who knows where it all went. The other two nortons got sold off.

She's short on cash, caring for her elderly Alzheimer mother, and has some medical issues herself. She also just left an abusive boss, so money is tight.

I figured I'd be helping her out by getting it. She knows she could make many times more parting it out, but like me, can't stand the thought, and besides, money is needed now. If I take it to my friend's place and ask him to help me build it, perhaps it'll light a fire.

I don't need another project right now and don't really have the space, but it seems like the right thing to do. Besides, it was love at first sight seeing my friend's Commando back in 1976 - maybe it's time for a fling?

I told her I'd get it. Have to go back with the money and the truck sometime this weekend. Funny how my weekends get rearranged for me.

Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #106 on: July 13, 2019, 07:25:40 PM »
I don't need to learn a whole new bike - I'm still wrapping my head around these older Guzzis.

I've got a friend who had a Commando in the mid 70s and traded it in on a new 90S. He's always missed that bike. Lately he's been through some health and life  issues (wouldn't prevent him from riding) that have left him apathetic about life. Ten years ago he restored five old airheads including two 90Ss and a 650 Triumph. They're gorgeous. So I figured a Commando project could light him up. We were going to look at it today together, but he bailed at the last moment. He figures the Combat is a ticking time bomb and would cost way more to build than just getting a nice one. But - you know - I don't see him spending the money for a nice one right now. I went alone to see the bike.

Kinda sad a whole bike can be reduced to two boxes, frame, tank and two wheels. But what's there looks nice.

The story is that a friend of the current owner died a year and a half ago and left it to her (signed title). He intended she get it free, but the estate didn't know that for some reason so she had to pay for it. He had two other nortons he'd restored and tore this one apart to restore. He'd nickel plated the frame and that's as far as it got. That was maybe three or four years ago. She says it ran fine before taking it apart. The other parts got lost in the shuffle of liquidating the estate and his relatives weren't bike people - so who knows where it all went. The other two nortons got sold off.

She's short on cash, caring for her elderly Alzheimer mother, and has some medical issues herself. She also just left an abusive boss, so money is tight.

I figured I'd be helping her out by getting it. She knows she could make many times more parting it out, but like me, can't stand the thought, and besides, money is needed now. If I take it to my friend's place and ask him to help me build it, perhaps it'll light a fire.

I don't need another project right now and don't really have the space, but it seems like the right thing to do. Besides, it was love at first sight seeing my friend's Commando back in 1976 - maybe it's time for a fling?

I told her I'd get it. Have to go back with the money and the truck sometime this weekend. Funny how my weekends get rearranged for me.

Couple minor corrections. The frame was nickel and the plan for the restoration was to remove the nickel and paint the frame. Secondly there is zero reason to fear a Combat. If you don’t like it or are scared then just put a plate under the barrel to reduce the compression and put in a standard cam plus the 30mm carbs. That puts it 100% back to original spec. What you don’t want is standard cam and high compression.

If your friend bails I have a buyer lined up.
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Offline wirespokes

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #107 on: July 13, 2019, 10:08:34 PM »
Thanks, swoosh. No, I already told her I'd get it.

She said she rode a Combat for ten years - her sole transport. And she said she rode it hard. Never had anything happen that wasn't easily fixed. I just need to get over there to pick it up.

So you're brother is returning your old Commando?  What year is it. Pix?

Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #108 on: July 13, 2019, 11:51:24 PM »
Thanks, swoosh. No, I already told her I'd get it.

She said she rode a Combat for ten years - her sole transport. And she said she rode it hard. Never had anything happen that wasn't easily fixed. I just need to get over there to pick it up.

So you're brother is returning your old Commando?  What year is it. Pix?

What I mean is that if your friend doesn’t want it and you decide it’s too much to take on you’ve got an out.

Pictures are earlier in this thread. It’s the black Interstate. 1973 850.
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Offline wirespokes

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #109 on: July 14, 2019, 01:04:05 AM »
Thanks, swoosh. I appreciate your thinking of me!

Any parts you'd like to contribute to the build? It's missing: seat, wiring, lights, caliper and master, rear brake and carbs.

I was wondering about the nickel plating, why he plated it if he was restoring it. Thanks for answering that one before I could ask.  Seems there should be a way to etch the nickel and paint over it. But in the meantime, we'll build it as is.

Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #110 on: July 14, 2019, 10:02:13 AM »
Thanks, swoosh. I appreciate your thinking of me!

Any parts you'd like to contribute to the build? It's missing: seat, wiring, lights, caliper and master, rear brake and carbs.

I was wondering about the nickel plating, why he plated it if he was restoring it. Thanks for answering that one before I could ask.  Seems there should be a way to etch the nickel and paint over it. But in the meantime, we'll build it as is.

All those parts are readily available new or used. I’m afraid I need to hold onto my stash as I have one more bike I might build.

Join the Oregon Norton club and enjoy 10% off from Old Britts. Or order from Andover Norton in England. They are the original spare parts supplier for the Factory and still going. They also supply the parts to Old Britts.
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Offline Cal3

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #111 on: July 14, 2019, 10:19:51 AM »
Here is one in you want to try one....on the west coast (its mine)
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/cypress-1970-norton-commando-fastback/6928760095.html


Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #112 on: July 14, 2019, 10:36:03 AM »
Here is one in you want to try one....on the west coast (its mine)
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/cypress-1970-norton-commando-fastback/6928760095.html

That is a sweet looking Norton!!

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
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Offline Cal3

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #113 on: July 15, 2019, 09:43:58 AM »
Thanx......would like to trade it for a Griso!!

Offline PeteS

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #114 on: July 15, 2019, 10:21:15 AM »
Thanks, swoosh. No, I already told her I'd get it.

She said she rode a Combat for ten years - her sole transport. And she said she rode it hard. Never had anything happen that wasn't easily fixed. I just need to get over there to pick it up.

So you're brother is returning your old Commando?  What year is it. Pix?

The reason it didn't blow up was because she rode it hard. Lugging Combats is what caused them to grenade contrary to legend. I put 10:1 Powermax pistons in my '71 along with the standard cam which gave a even higher effective CR compared to a Combat. This before Superblends were installed. Never blew up, then it was rarely below 4K RPMs.
As for nickel plating, many of the specials of the era like the Rickmans were nickel plated. I nickel plated mine back in the day. Later had it chrome plated when the nickel started to turn green. As for painting it, just used self etching primer first, then paint or powder coat.
Nickel frame before it was chrome plated.








Pete

« Last Edit: July 15, 2019, 10:43:39 AM by PeteS »

Offline swooshdave

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Re: What’s the deal with Norton Commando?
« Reply #115 on: July 15, 2019, 11:32:07 AM »
The reason it didn't blow up was because she rode it hard. Lugging Combats is what caused them to grenade contrary to legend. I put 10:1 Powermax pistons in my '71 along with the standard cam which gave a even higher effective CR compared to a Combat. This before Superblends were installed. Never blew up, then it was rarely below 4K RPMs.
As for nickel plating, many of the specials of the era like the Rickmans were nickel plated. I nickel plated mine back in the day. Later had it chrome plated when the nickel started to turn green. As for painting it, just used self etching primer first, then paint or powder coat.
Nickel frame before it was chrome plated.








Pete

There are theories that it wasn't the bearings at all. It was the oiling. They moved the pickup in 72 to the front of the crankcase. Once the crank got spinning, easy to do with the Combat cam, the oil was all flung to be back, potentially causing low oil pressure. You'll notice that in 73 the oiling got revised again back to the 71 spec... and although the bearings went to Superblends you never heard any more problems. Hmmm....
--
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1972 Norton Production Racer Replica
1973 Norton Commando Interstate

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