I had a identical twin just like yours. I did a rebuild. Rewired, New Rings, Sleeved .30 over, had seat redone, surface ground top of jug and head. I'm just glad I worked in a Machine Shop.
Great to see & hear a well sorted interstate. The factory did intend to supply touring panniers as a factory option, hence the lower exhausts which were originally fitted to the 1972 750 combats. In 40 years of norton ownership I've never seen an interstate with 'factory supplied' luggage fitted. I've always personally preffered the look of the roadster models but the beauty of all stock commandos is that they can be fitted with any of the tank / seat / side panel options. I also had exactly the same problem with rapid wear of the camshaft lobes on my 1975 850mk3... on inspection they appeared to have been made of cheese... !
I keep feeling like going back to my teens. I remember three or four of us lining up on Ross's 850, to see what kick starting it was like, compared to the Triumph and BSA, and of course, a sportster, for comparison. Ross waited over a year for a 73 850, but it was well worth the wait, by his estimation. The new bikes just don't sound like machinery. I've really enjoyed "the end of the cul-de-sac". Like being young again, and fast.
What an interesting tale, I thought all 850 interstate Norton’s had the bigger tank, didn’t realise there where different sizes. Nice looking bike, sounds great 👍 Oh to live in your Cul-de-Sac Mike 😎
I haven’t found the capacity if the 72 fiberglass tank which I assume will be slightly smaller than the steel version due to the thickness of the fiberglass. The 73-74 tank is 7.3 US gallons and the MkIII tank is 6.6.
Hii ya to all to past present and future biker's yet again great video can't remember if Norton changed gear leaver from right to left foot gear change triumph Bonneville changed to left hand side in 1973/74 for the American market
Hi Jimbo, yes, Norton changed the gearshift over from the right to the left in 1975 with the MK3 (Mark 3) model, which also came with an electric starter. Cheers, Mike
@@swooshdave Yes, that`s right .You almost could , but it would depend on how the Norton felt about it.. One time you might ,another day no. Sometimes half way. The sneaky thing about them was they kept you hanging on ,in hope. They were such great machines .That`s why an entire industry grew up around making them work.
BillyCaspersGhost This bike has made several 1000 mile journeys to Barber. Only the first year with a tired motor and worn primary chain did it not make it. The other times it didn’t miss a beat. Not bad for an unrestored 45 year old bike!
@@swooshdave And that`s great. I have a `69 BSA B25 ,my first bike, that never blew its engine. Many more did. I have had BSA A65`s that did not eat its cheap main bearing bush almost instantly and not vibrate to the point of splitting petrol tanks. Others not so lucky ,luck of the draw really I remember the first 850 Commando a local guy had. Did not last 6 months before he went Honda. `70s quality was lousy on the BSA/Triumph and NVT bikes. Part of the industry death rattle I expect. Some were even sent out with unhardened camshafts .Imagine that. The Police version the "Interpol" was regarded by the rozzers as a curse and was dumped as soon as it was patriotically possible to buy BMW. I`ve ridden and worked on British bikes 43 years now. Unless I had built it myself ,or knew the work, I would not go Interstating on an Interstate . Brit bikes for me are like women .."can`t live with `em ,can`t live without `em". And I know I`ll never leave them.
With the big tank on it’s not hard see why the profile was often compared with the Laverda SF 750. It sounds like he has done all he needs to mechanically do for the next few years. Why touch it , I’d say.
Haha, I would love to say that was planned Stephen and because they are both 1973 models from competing companies at the time.... but the truth is I messed up and released the 2 videos by mistake 🤪. Ah well!
my 1972 has the bigger Interstate Fuel Tank ! It also has a small plug outlet on the right side frame. I am told it is for an optional plug in work light on a cable cord . I have never seen one though. Anyone seen one ? Like to buy one if I could find one resonably priced !
I seem to recall that the early Triumphs that had the instrument panel on the gas/petrol tank had a little light that you could pull out. It was attached by an electrical umbilical cord. But I haven't heard about that on a Commando before. Cheers, Mike
To me it's very odd when riders advocate for a single Mikuni setup because starting is more important than running performance. And also suggesting dual carbs on Norton Commandos only add to 'theoretical' performance tells me they need dual Amals immediately.
Thanks for your note. I do appreciate what you're saying. It's a personal choice for sure. I see it a lot and I would suggest that having a vintage bike that starts really easily and idles effortlessly is really important. Perhaps even more important that top end performance. We see so many guys with their old Amals having thoroughly miserable time trying to start their bikes. And then the situation just gets worse and the guys ultimately stop riding their vintage bikes because they are so hard to start. I believe that anything that helps to keep these bikes starting and running is worthwhile. Without doubt, the Mikuni carbs can transform the starting and idling process and I don't believe I've ever heard anyone complain that they diminish top end performance. Perhaps we just don't ride them hard enough to notice 😉
Beautiful bike please keep it looking that way don’t restore it. I have a 73 Interstate set up the same way with single Mikuni. Definitely upgrade the front isolastics and look at the gearbox and swing arm setup. Do not restore it please. Best of!
I have the new isolastics but haven’t put them in yet. I probably should look to see if they were updated in the past. Layshaft bearing may have been replaced at some point. Swing arm has the welded nut mod. This was don’t before the clamps came into fashion. I’m not sure if it’s original enough to worry about not restoring it. Now Mike’s Mk2A is so original it shouldn’t be restored.
swooshdave All good mods and worthwhile. I say don’t restore because when I bought mine 30 odd years ago it was OP and one of the first things I did was to paint it. As they say they’re only original once. Good riding.
They did. My 2004 Triumph Bonneville T100 has electric start and disc brakes, among other improvements from previous generations. Made in Hinkley, England.
The Commando MkIII ended with electric start , or not, depending on how it felt. The last T160 Trident was also electric start. Too little ,much too late
@@mitchburk5112 Yep ,much too late though to have any meaning. Ruined the looks and solved a problem that wasn`t the root cause of Triumphs problems. Same with the pointless 8 valve head version.
![1973 BMW R75/5 - Long Wheel Base [visit 19 of 31]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZTaBwBkI3EM/mqdefault.jpg)
I had a identical twin just like yours. I did a rebuild. Rewired, New Rings, Sleeved .30 over, had seat redone, surface ground top of jug and head. I'm just glad I worked in a Machine Shop.
It's good to be alive. Even better with motorcycles!
So true Larry! And even more true than ever before at the moment!! Cheers, Mike
Great to see & hear a well sorted interstate. The factory did intend to supply touring panniers as a factory option, hence the lower exhausts which were originally fitted to the 1972 750 combats. In 40 years of norton ownership I've never seen an interstate with 'factory supplied' luggage fitted. I've always personally preffered the look of the roadster models but the beauty of all stock commandos is that they can be fitted with any of the tank / seat / side panel options. I also had exactly the same problem with rapid wear of the camshaft lobes on my 1975 850mk3... on inspection they appeared to have been made of cheese... !
And soft cheese at that! There is something purely classic about the Roadster.
Nice original interstate. I like to travel
on bikes. Seemed suited to that purpose nicely.
Thanks for the link to this
I love seeing all the cool bikes. Keep em' coming, Mighty Garage.
Keep it 'rolling' Dave, sounds sweet & real patina is a hard item to purchace these days.
atvb t ..
bootiful and its not even sunday .
marvellous bike the interstate. Look beautiful
Very VERY cool Dave, and Mike ... thanks for sharing!
Our pleasure! Thanks very much Patrick. Much appreciated. Cheers, Mike
I keep feeling like going back to my teens. I remember three or four of us lining up on Ross's 850, to see what kick starting it was like, compared to the Triumph and BSA, and of course, a sportster, for comparison. Ross waited over a year for a 73 850, but it was well worth the wait, by his estimation. The new bikes just don't sound like machinery. I've really enjoyed "the end of the cul-de-sac". Like being young again, and fast.
The Brian Slark sticker is a nice touch!
Thank you Corey! Cheers, Mike
I had the 850 Norton in the late 70's...fun bike, they do stretch the chain.
Cant beat the sound of a Norton. Nice.
Love the commando's mate!
Thanks a lot! We should have a few more coming soon! Best wishes, Mike
Great story..Wonderful sky so blue...😎🏍🇬🇧🇺🇸🌍
Thank you William. Oregon is such a lovely place in the late Spring and Summer months. Best wishes, Mike
Awesome Norton stories,keep 'em coming Bro's
What an interesting tale, I thought all 850 interstate Norton’s had the bigger tank, didn’t realise there where different sizes.
Nice looking bike, sounds great 👍
Oh to live in your Cul-de-Sac Mike 😎
I haven’t found the capacity if the 72 fiberglass tank which I assume will be slightly smaller than the steel version due to the thickness of the fiberglass. The 73-74 tank is 7.3 US gallons and the MkIII tank is 6.6.
Nice Interstate ,sounds solid .
Cheers Dave & Mike 👍
Thank you Greg!
Always find your shows interesting
Thank you Jim! I appreciate it. Best wishes, Mike
Beautiful Interstate bro
Yep sounds great thank`s Mike 👍
Hii ya to all to past present and future biker's yet again great video can't remember if Norton changed gear leaver from right to left foot gear change triumph Bonneville changed to left hand side in 1973/74 for the American market
Hi Jimbo, yes, Norton changed the gearshift over from the right to the left in 1975 with the MK3 (Mark 3) model, which also came with an electric starter. Cheers, Mike
It was mandated in 1975.
Always admired Norton`s sheer neck for calling a Commando an "Interstate" . Second only, for optimism, to the "Combat" motor.
With over 7 US gallons you can almost make it across one of our western states. 😜
@@swooshdave Yes, that`s right .You almost could , but it would depend on how the Norton felt about it..
One time you might ,another day no. Sometimes half way.
The sneaky thing about them was they kept you hanging on ,in hope.
They were such great machines .That`s why an entire industry grew up around making them work.
BillyCaspersGhost This bike has made several 1000 mile journeys to Barber. Only the first year with a tired motor and worn primary chain did it not make it. The other times it didn’t miss a beat. Not bad for an unrestored 45 year old bike!
@@swooshdave And that`s great. I have a `69 BSA B25 ,my first bike, that never blew its engine. Many more did.
I have had BSA A65`s that did not eat its cheap main bearing bush almost instantly and not vibrate to the point of splitting petrol tanks. Others not so lucky ,luck of the draw really
I remember the first 850 Commando a local guy had. Did not last 6 months before he went Honda.
`70s quality was lousy on the BSA/Triumph and NVT bikes. Part of the industry death rattle I expect.
Some were even sent out with unhardened camshafts .Imagine that.
The Police version the "Interpol" was regarded by the rozzers as a curse and was dumped as soon as it was patriotically possible to buy BMW.
I`ve ridden and worked on British bikes 43 years now.
Unless I had built it myself ,or knew the work, I would not go Interstating on an Interstate .
Brit bikes for me are like women .."can`t live with `em ,can`t live without `em".
And I know I`ll never leave them.
BillyCaspersGhost That all being said I wouldn’t hesitate to jump on this bike for another 1000 mile ride. Well, aside from needing a new rear tire...
Great for an aspiring mechanic. The rest of us, fancy bath towel drying rack.
I miss my 71 Norton Commando Combat...
Please don’t restore it, you can’t buy patina like that. You have an amazing motorcycle man, I’m well jell now lol 😆. Fantastic video Mike. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧🏍
Many thanks Mike! Glad you enjoyed this. We may just have a few more Nortons in the pipeline! 😎👍
He looked surprised it started on the first kick...lol
Hehe, we are always surprised when these old bike's start. But it's a good surprise 😉😎
The single Micuni is a vast improvement over the Amals. Stop at the lights and it will happily tickover at 800rpm.
well done
Wow 6.8 gallons good lord.
Sweet!
With the big tank on it’s not hard see why the profile was often compared with the Laverda SF 750.
It sounds like he has done all he needs to mechanically do for the next few years. Why touch it , I’d say.
I just finished a front brake caliper rebuild so I should have a video on my channel in a bit. But yes, lots of little jobs in my future.
Here's a link to @@swooshdave's front caliper rebuild video: ua-cam.com/video/XRbNGzi3xM4/v-deo.html
Double bill !! Spoiling us now Mike and Dave 😆
Haha, I would love to say that was planned Stephen and because they are both 1973 models from competing companies at the time.... but the truth is I messed up and released the 2 videos by mistake 🤪. Ah well!
Please can you do a post on how to Chang a British bike from postie earth to negtif earth!
Put duel Amal’s on you will be surprised at the difference happy days
my 1972 has the bigger Interstate Fuel Tank ! It also has a small plug outlet on the right side frame. I am told it is for an optional plug in work light on a cable cord . I have never seen one though. Anyone seen one ? Like to buy one if I could find one resonably priced !
I’ve never heard of the work light. I’ve heard of a shaver but I can’t imagine a 12v shaver being very effective. Do you have the fiberglass tank?
I seem to recall that the early Triumphs that had the instrument panel on the gas/petrol tank had a little light that you could pull out. It was attached by an electrical umbilical cord. But I haven't heard about that on a Commando before. Cheers, Mike
Bellissima 😍
Thats 2 today, will we have three next week?
I don’t think so.
i lusted after this bike but could only afford my 69 bonneville
Thanks again Randy. I have enjoyed watching some of your videos! Best wishes,
Nothing wrong with a 69 Bonneville! There’s a lot worse things to be stuck with. 😜
It served me well until i bought a new 76 750 Bonneville
To me it's very odd when riders advocate for a single Mikuni setup because starting is more important than running performance. And also suggesting dual carbs on Norton Commandos only add to 'theoretical' performance tells me they need dual Amals immediately.
Thanks for your note. I do appreciate what you're saying. It's a personal choice for sure. I see it a lot and I would suggest that having a vintage bike that starts really easily and idles effortlessly is really important. Perhaps even more important that top end performance. We see so many guys with their old Amals having thoroughly miserable time trying to start their bikes. And then the situation just gets worse and the guys ultimately stop riding their vintage bikes because they are so hard to start. I believe that anything that helps to keep these bikes starting and running is worthwhile. Without doubt, the Mikuni carbs can transform the starting and idling process and I don't believe I've ever heard anyone complain that they diminish top end performance. Perhaps we just don't ride them hard enough to notice 😉
Beautiful bike please keep it looking that way don’t restore it. I have a 73 Interstate set up the same way with single Mikuni. Definitely upgrade the front isolastics and look at the gearbox and swing arm setup. Do not restore it please. Best of!
I have the new isolastics but haven’t put them in yet. I probably should look to see if they were updated in the past. Layshaft bearing may have been replaced at some point. Swing arm has the welded nut mod. This was don’t before the clamps came into fashion. I’m not sure if it’s original enough to worry about not restoring it. Now Mike’s Mk2A is so original it shouldn’t be restored.
swooshdave All good mods and worthwhile. I say don’t restore because when I bought mine 30 odd years ago it was OP and one of the first things I did was to paint it. As they say they’re only original once. Good riding.
If I buy another Norton, you guys will be to blame !!
I can live with that guilt. 😜
Guilty, your honor 😜👍
It's to bad the British bike's never got into electric start
They did. My 2004 Triumph Bonneville T100 has electric start and disc brakes, among other improvements from previous generations. Made in Hinkley, England.
The Commando MkIII ended with electric start , or not, depending on how it felt.
The last T160 Trident was also electric start.
Too little ,much too late
One kick is all that is needed. Electric start is overkill. 😜
@@billycaspersghost7528 So did the 1980 to 83 Triumph Bonnevilles.
@@mitchburk5112 Yep ,much too late though to have any meaning.
Ruined the looks and solved a problem that wasn`t the root cause of Triumphs problems.
Same with the pointless 8 valve head version.
The exhaust system totally ruins the eye candy appeal. It deserves the upswept peashooter mufflers. Even if they weren't original.
I’ve been tempted to put the upswept pipes on but I do like the uniqueness of the Interstate pipes too.