Thanks I prefer the shorter fender too , I'm going to try it out also going to find a couple hubs and lace up some 18 rims for the stout agile look . thanks excellent post and pics!I run a 4.00-18 on an Excel WM3 rear, and a 100/90-19 WM3 front now. With the Avon AM26 Roadrider they are the same rolling diameter.
Some like the 90/90 better on the front (plenty of threads on this) as it is perceived to be quicker: both narrower x-profile and smaller rolling diameter.
I used to run the 4.00-19 WM2 rear with a 3.50-19 WM2 front, but there have been so many other changes to the bike a comparison of tire sizes itself would be useless from me. I dont perceive my bike to turn in any slower now, but if I put on a 90/90, who knows?
I think a few have run a 18" front, and on plenty of race bikes too. The front mudguard would look a bit high. But then again, there is the SS.
As an interesting party trick, I super-imposed the 69 fastback mudguard on the later one, roughly aligning the arc and the notch on the front for the chainguard. Notice how much bigger the stock one is than the fastback mudguard. I kinda like the smaller one... maybe I should replace the horn. ;-)
View attachment 95445
1969 Commando revitalization.
- Thread starter Jackman
- Start date
Well I have the central oil tank . Does the central oil tank clearly say that my bike was originally a S model?Yes, a central oil tank model mudguard/fender wouldn't have the recess and has a different mounting stay (although DogT's and ILLF8ED's 'S' models have the 'R' stay)...
Early Commando 750 S
I’m seeking owners of Commando 750 S models with manufacture date of March 1969. The serial number would be 131xxx and would have been assembled at the Plumstead factory. My interest is comparing some early features that my 131286 has. The first reported “S” was 131257.www.accessnorton.com
"S" TYPE & 1970 "Roadster (not 'R')
Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts
Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.andover-norton.co.uk
This is so confusing I'm getting a head ache
but I'm going to gather Norton Commando knowledge and figure out exactly what I have yet still make it my own not the way it came . 
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,415
If the central oil tank is original to that frame and if this particular "1969 model" is too early to have been a ('70) Roadster then yes, as the other models in production during that period were the Fastback and 'R' type neither of which had the central oil tank.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,415
750 'S' type production began from serial number 131257 (March '69) and the last 'S', 135088 (June '70) although not all numbers between would have been 'S' types but also include Fastbacks and 'R's. 135140 (March '70) was a Roadster (possibly the first?) all according to Roy Bacon's information.
Andover Norton, UK NOC or VMCC should be able to tell you if it is an 'S' but normally a charge a fee.
www.nortonownersclub.org
Andover Norton, UK NOC or VMCC should be able to tell you if it is an 'S' but normally a charge a fee.
Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts
Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk
Factory Records Applications | Norton Owners Club
Weekend Commando work is a wash wha wha .
My eagerly awaited center oil pressure gauge arrived however either I ordered wrong or it’s the wrong part bottom line it doesn’t fit . Disappointed to say the least
Also have a reed valve breather in the mail coming from Jim Schmidt at JS Motorsport’s .
My eagerly awaited center oil pressure gauge arrived however either I ordered wrong or it’s the wrong part bottom line it doesn’t fit . Disappointed to say the least
Also have a reed valve breather in the mail coming from Jim Schmidt at JS Motorsport’s .
Attachments
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 5,396
What doesn't fit, the mounting bracket?
Yup its too narrow, I double checked my order and it seems I ordered correctly . contacting the seller Monday hope they send me a new mount or something ,
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 5,396
What is the spread on your bracket and handlebar mount allen heads? Mine are 3" on center.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,415
Yes further the spread on center of hex bolt is 3-3/4 , the new gauge mount is 3 inches on center.
I’ve got to say I am a bit concerned if the mount fitted as intended it seems keeping the bars tight could be an issue because the mount is designed to be under the bar caps it seems to me the mount should be under the bolts to maintain pressure on the the caps and the bars.
My idea for a fix and maybe an improvement longer bolts through the mount with a spacer of the correct size underneath the mount fir a solid tight bar that won’t budge. Also a mount with holes not slots imop would be good. Might be a bit over thought but I’m shopping today locally for some way to mod this set up .
Richard Tool
VIP MEMBER
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2019
- Messages
- 1,648
Can it be mounted on top of the handlebar clamps with longer bolts /washers so the clamps still grip the bars ?
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 5,396
Just swap the mount for an under the fork top nut mount.
Going to mod it so I can have a center mount .
So my Jim Schmidt reed valve breather came in looks like a nice piece just have to buy a 1-3/4 open end wrench to install.
Breather also came with a plug for the left side crankcase vent hose which gets removed , I’m thinking British standard thread on fitting cause they don’t match the factory piece. Any thoughts on the thread size? Is there such a thing as British threads?
Breather also came with a plug for the left side crankcase vent hose which gets removed , I’m thinking British standard thread on fitting cause they don’t match the factory piece. Any thoughts on the thread size? Is there such a thing as British threads?
Attachments
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,415
I don't understand what you mean? The factory (Norton) piece is the elbow (and thin lock nut) so do you mean the plug has a different thread? "Don't match" doesn't tell us anything so how do they not match (different TPI, if so what are they?)?
I believe the elbow thread is 1/2" - 20 (CEI?/BSC?)
Yes, many (some of which your Commando has).
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,415
1/2" UNF is also 20 TPI (if the elbow is 20 TPI).
Maybe pick up a set (or sets as there are Unified, Whitworth, Metric, BA, etc.) of pitch gauges while you are there if they have them as there are UNF, UNC, UNEF, BSW (Whitworth), BSF, CEI/BSC, BSP, BA threads on a Commando plus a few 'special' threads.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2013
- Messages
- 5,396
You tighten the front down first, so it snugs down on the the bracket, then snug the rears down and then tighten the fronts again. That way the front of the cap sandwichs the clamp and the rear locks in the handlebar.
