Those were the days . . . . . .if only there still were a vintage class, many of us might still be there! Great looking and sounding bike! Be sure to let Pete Luckett know about this one.
@@veritech3712 Yes, if that helps, it's usually a sign that the clutch is dragging a bit and that puts more tension on the first gear shifter than you'll experience on other gears. Is the clutch throwout lever inside the gearbox set up properly (cable pull in line with the cable, actuating ball in the correct position, everything inspected for proper metal finish and smoothness)? A less likely but possible issue is that the circlip on the mainshaft under the clutch bearing is crushed or dislodged from it's correct position. The factory book says 70 Foot Pounds for the clutch center nut but that's way too high for the small circlip which has to carry all the load for locating the clutch center on its bearing. Another less likely but possible source of problems is setup within the gearbox outer cover. The hairspring or shifter pawl being out of perfect alignment or adjustment can make for rough shifting (of course, that usually shows up on more than just first gear if it's a problem but it you try all the "easy adjustments", you might want to check it. The "Old Britt's" gearbox technical page (maintain by NorthWest Norton Owners Club) is a very clear help for setting up a gearbox to avoid shifting issues. www.nwno.org/resources/OldBrittsWebsite/gearbox_a.html That's a great sounding Commando engine. It seems to pull strongly at all revs. Congrats on the great setup. Enjoy the ride!
have not ruled that out but for now, the engine is running so well I hate to mess with it too much. Next time it needs a re-build, 920 is definitely an option that will be considered.
straight 850 motor with the R10 head and some well-sorted race pistons, gudgons, etc. Has some nice Hyde valve springs. Running standard amal 32mm carbs (Premiers of course). Biggest gains are from the crank, which was lighted and balanced by Steve Maney. Combined with the Maney exhaust, it spins up higher and faster than I'd ever attempt on a stock motor.
surprised it's still got the heavy kickstarter and k/s mechanism ,not a big fan of gear change linkage also much better a reverse campmate and reverse gear lever gear change pattern remains the same. IMO.
Agreed. I've actaully got the RGM outer/inner gearbox with kickstart delete. Have not installed yet b/c looking to get a proper paddock starter before removing the kick. definitely needs to go though - I find the arm sometimes catches my boot when downshifting.
good! testing over the summer went well, no drama. Objective now is to get it race-ready for spring. Need to sort out a belly pan and half fairing, having trouble finding mounting hardware. primary cover brackets keeps shearing from vibration, might try rubber mounting of some sort. front forks are "fine" but not satisfied with them yet. Might try removing the fork brace as I think it may be binding. Otherwise will have to fashion some spacers to increase pre-load on the springs, see if that helps. Only other thing on the "wish list" is a larger rear sprocket to dial in gearing. Not easy to find for a drum brake, but looking for a work-around. Other than that, just doing the usual off-season maintenance, dreaming of summer!
What a beauty Old Nortons Delight of the soul
Those were the days . . . . . .if only there still were a vintage class, many of us might still be there! Great looking and sounding bike! Be sure to let Pete Luckett know about this one.
LOVED my Norton!
I miss my Commando
Awesome bike on an awesome track on what looks to be an awesome day!
Beautiful build, Glorious sound..
GORGEOUS !!
Nice bike and race track.
I always wanted to visit Nova Scotia!
Great looking bike and a great first run 😊👍🇬🇧
Had a ‘74 850 Commando 1985-2000. Miss the sound and feel; not the maintenance.
sweet sound
Nice course and great video. Could you fill us in on internal motor work?
Niiice. Thank you for the video.
J’adore magnifique
Very nice looking bike!! Do you have pictures uploaded somewhere?
not yet, need to get some nice pics done, was waiting until its all finished, then will give a good shine and take some pics.
Hard shifting into 1st is usually a primary chain tension issue
agreed but this one doesn't have a primary chain - did some fiddling with the shift-rod and seems to have sorted the issue!
8.7.22. Looks BaddAss™️ & sounds Intoxicating©️🇬🇧. Reminds me of Grattan RaceWay ….. Nor’east of Grand Rapids Michigan🇺🇸
@@veritech3712 Yes, if that helps, it's usually a sign that the clutch is dragging a bit and that puts more tension on the first gear shifter than you'll experience on other gears. Is the clutch throwout lever inside the gearbox set up properly (cable pull in line with the cable, actuating ball in the correct position, everything inspected for proper metal finish and smoothness)? A less likely but possible issue is that the circlip on the mainshaft under the clutch bearing is crushed or dislodged from it's correct position. The factory book says 70 Foot Pounds for the clutch center nut but that's way too high for the small circlip which has to carry all the load for locating the clutch center on its bearing.
Another less likely but possible source of problems is setup within the gearbox outer cover. The hairspring or shifter pawl being out of perfect alignment or adjustment can make for rough shifting (of course, that usually shows up on more than just first gear if it's a problem but it you try all the "easy adjustments", you might want to check it. The "Old Britt's" gearbox technical page (maintain by NorthWest Norton Owners Club) is a very clear help for setting up a gearbox to avoid shifting issues. www.nwno.org/resources/OldBrittsWebsite/gearbox_a.html
That's a great sounding Commando engine. It seems to pull strongly at all revs. Congrats on the great setup. Enjoy the ride!
Very nice Commando....I wonder why you didn't take the 920cc route?
have not ruled that out but for now, the engine is running so well I hate to mess with it too much. Next time it needs a re-build, 920 is definitely an option that will be considered.
Motor sounds great, what's the spec'n ??
straight 850 motor with the R10 head and some well-sorted race pistons, gudgons, etc. Has some nice Hyde valve springs. Running standard amal 32mm carbs (Premiers of course). Biggest gains are from the crank, which was lighted and balanced by Steve Maney. Combined with the Maney exhaust, it spins up higher and faster than I'd ever attempt on a stock motor.
surprised it's still got the heavy kickstarter and k/s mechanism ,not a big fan of gear change linkage also much better a reverse campmate and reverse gear lever gear change pattern remains the same. IMO.
Agreed. I've actaully got the RGM outer/inner gearbox with kickstart delete. Have not installed yet b/c looking to get a proper paddock starter before removing the kick. definitely needs to go though - I find the arm sometimes catches my boot when downshifting.
How's this bike coming along?
good! testing over the summer went well, no drama. Objective now is to get it race-ready for spring. Need to sort out a belly pan and half fairing, having trouble finding mounting hardware. primary cover brackets keeps shearing from vibration, might try rubber mounting of some sort. front forks are "fine" but not satisfied with them yet. Might try removing the fork brace as I think it may be binding. Otherwise will have to fashion some spacers to increase pre-load on the springs, see if that helps. Only other thing on the "wish list" is a larger rear sprocket to dial in gearing. Not easy to find for a drum brake, but looking for a work-around. Other than that, just doing the usual off-season maintenance, dreaming of summer!
@@veritech3712 sounds good, summer seems eons away at this point, know what you mean.
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