Just clicked over this number since my MK1 made it back on the road after a prang four years before. Time to reflect on what I have. It has been a fantastic year of getting back in touch with my Norton, which I have owned for 11 years. Oil and filter changes every 1000 miles. General maintenance when needed. I'm just about to change the fork oil in my Lansdowne equipped front forks. I really can't say enough about this conversion. R.I.P. John Bould. Keep up the good work Don. The forks provide perfect control and comfort over quite large bumps . The way they should have been from day 1. Production racer 11.5 inch floating front disc and Lockheed caliper (now AP). These pre-dated the Norton Lockheed on their road bikes by two years. Why did they bother? They should have just used this brake on their road bikes as is. Strong, progressive, with excellent feel and just work a treat. No complaints except for a bit expensive. No clunks, no rattles, unlike some of the other offerings out there.
Morad 2.5 inch x 19 (WM4) non shouldered alloy rims. Avon 100/90 Roadriders. I've spoken before on this combination and there seems to be some disbelief about my claimed benefits for this combo. But I'll bet the naysayers haven't ridden a bike so fitted. Light, precise, stable. Helped along by the Jim Comstock/CNW head steady. Noticeably improved feel and stability over the stock unit. Ikon shocks were fitted early on, probably about eight years ago. What can I say about this fine Australian product? Rock steady handling, comfort over bumps, matches the front end nicely. No issues whatsoever. Hagons are cheaper, but, not having ridden a bike so equipped, I will not pass comment.
Hayward belt drive. This unit has been on the bike for about 40,000 miles. Two belt failures, but I'm pretty certain that this was my crap setting up. I think I have it beat now. No issues. Standard gearbox with all components micro polished. I love Norton gearboxes, their solid feel and just the way they change gears. This takes it up a notch with quick, smooth changes. Well worth the money. Barnett clutch plates. They've been in for some 45,000 miles. Despite all the hate out there for Barnetts, I have not had a single issue. No freeing off clutch plates. Nothing. During the rebuild, they were looked at and passed inspection and my man will change components at the drop of a hat if he thinks they have an issue. The weight loss from the drive train with the clutch plates and belt drive give the bike an easier time.
Engine mods minimal. Ceramic coated piston tops, combustion chambers, inlet and exhaust ports, valve heads and exhaust headers, internal and external keep the heat where it should be. Single VM34 Mikuni has been on the bike for some 50,000 miles. No issues whatsoever. 60 to 68 mpg. After screwing around with Anal Eccentrics on my previous Norton it is no contest. Consign them to the bin where they belong. Jim Comstock's conical valve springs were fitted to my first production Fullauto Technologies cylinder head. Number 2. Not even a clean up of the ports.
Three phase Sparx alternator and Sparx regulator. Despite hearing about other people's problems, the only issue I had was self inflicted. No charging issues whatsoever over many miles. Tri-Spark ignition. Despite a few failures, well, OK, i think I have the record with four (4) failures, I'm still a believer. On trips I now carry a spare. They're small and light enough and I can change them over in ten minutes. When the issues are finally resolved, they will be perfect. Easy starting, beautiful running, maintenance free. Just the way I like it.
Riding impressions? Smooth, strong power right off idle, fabulous mid-range. Absolutely effortless. Unlike any other Commando I have ridden. It is perfect.
Corbin seat. Do yourself a favour. The absolute perfect seat for Nortons.
Don't believe any of this? You're quite welcome to try it.
Morad 2.5 inch x 19 (WM4) non shouldered alloy rims. Avon 100/90 Roadriders. I've spoken before on this combination and there seems to be some disbelief about my claimed benefits for this combo. But I'll bet the naysayers haven't ridden a bike so fitted. Light, precise, stable. Helped along by the Jim Comstock/CNW head steady. Noticeably improved feel and stability over the stock unit. Ikon shocks were fitted early on, probably about eight years ago. What can I say about this fine Australian product? Rock steady handling, comfort over bumps, matches the front end nicely. No issues whatsoever. Hagons are cheaper, but, not having ridden a bike so equipped, I will not pass comment.
Hayward belt drive. This unit has been on the bike for about 40,000 miles. Two belt failures, but I'm pretty certain that this was my crap setting up. I think I have it beat now. No issues. Standard gearbox with all components micro polished. I love Norton gearboxes, their solid feel and just the way they change gears. This takes it up a notch with quick, smooth changes. Well worth the money. Barnett clutch plates. They've been in for some 45,000 miles. Despite all the hate out there for Barnetts, I have not had a single issue. No freeing off clutch plates. Nothing. During the rebuild, they were looked at and passed inspection and my man will change components at the drop of a hat if he thinks they have an issue. The weight loss from the drive train with the clutch plates and belt drive give the bike an easier time.
Engine mods minimal. Ceramic coated piston tops, combustion chambers, inlet and exhaust ports, valve heads and exhaust headers, internal and external keep the heat where it should be. Single VM34 Mikuni has been on the bike for some 50,000 miles. No issues whatsoever. 60 to 68 mpg. After screwing around with Anal Eccentrics on my previous Norton it is no contest. Consign them to the bin where they belong. Jim Comstock's conical valve springs were fitted to my first production Fullauto Technologies cylinder head. Number 2. Not even a clean up of the ports.
Three phase Sparx alternator and Sparx regulator. Despite hearing about other people's problems, the only issue I had was self inflicted. No charging issues whatsoever over many miles. Tri-Spark ignition. Despite a few failures, well, OK, i think I have the record with four (4) failures, I'm still a believer. On trips I now carry a spare. They're small and light enough and I can change them over in ten minutes. When the issues are finally resolved, they will be perfect. Easy starting, beautiful running, maintenance free. Just the way I like it.
Riding impressions? Smooth, strong power right off idle, fabulous mid-range. Absolutely effortless. Unlike any other Commando I have ridden. It is perfect.
Corbin seat. Do yourself a favour. The absolute perfect seat for Nortons.
Don't believe any of this? You're quite welcome to try it.
