1975 Commando Rebuild

The Ignition switch was a problem on my MKIII when I got it. It was badly corroded and very dirty inside. I took it apart and cleaned it all up and it worked afterwards. Cj
 
MichaelB said:
Does the Mark 3 require the double click to activate lights like the others?
Click to expand...
Yes although this could be a Canadian lights on with ignition model. Headlamp comes on automatically when the engine starts at Ignition and other lights should be on at Ignition.
1975 Commando Rebuild
 
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Dear OP: After re reading some of your posts: do you know how to ride? IF YES, carry on, all OK. IF NO: Look for a learn to ride course in your area. Then go out and find a used 250 - 400 cc Honda or Royal Enfield and practice on that. If you are within easy distance of an off road riding area, get a small used enduro bike and practice in the dirt. Learning to ride on a Commando is like learning to ski on the intermediate slopes - not a good idea for most
 
DaveinCanada said:
I've inherited a 1975 850 Commando motorcycle and going to attempt to rebuild it.
Click to expand...

If you think this is likely to turn into a project, I suggest you start a thread in the restorations section or I can move this thread to the restorations section. You can then update it as you go along.
www.accessnorton.com

Norton Motorcycle Restorations

Post your Norton Motorcycle Restoration stories here. Post photos and advice. We want to hear how your Norton Restoration is going.
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
 
DaveinCanada said:
Hi All,

I've inherited a 1975 850 Commando motorcycle and going to attempt to rebuild it. I have ordered a new battery and installed it. However, none of the lights came on after turning the ignition key. I assumed at the very least, I would get the headlight or rear lights to come on. What am I missing? How do I diagnose if there is power going to the accessories etc? I know this is a newbie questions, but I'm a very green newbie and need some help to begin. Thanks.

Dave in Canada
Click to expand...
Dave, perhaps you can share where in the country you are located? Might result in a local Norton owner offering to help you in person.
 
I think some photos of the bike would be useful.
Would help to gauge the scale of the challenge that the rebuild could be.
When did it last run etc.?
 
Tornado said:
Dave, perhaps you can share where in the country you are located? Might result in a local Norton owner offering to help you in person.
Click to expand...
This is one of my pet peeves with the forum when people asking for help don't say where they are from. I have a mountain of good extra parts and have owned a commando for about 50 years. People asking for help don't seem to understand that it would take 100 posts giving them information to equal a 5 minute conversation with someone who knows their bike well. Giving their location might result in someone living very close by helping them greatly. 3 years ago I accidentally met a guy who lives in my town who has a commando.

I actually started to write Jerry a message asking him to add this reasoning to the sign up protocol so more people would add their location to their profile, but I decided that it's just my own issue that I find it frustrating to help someone who is a complete novice, by giving them helpful information from an eyedropper, one drop at a time, when they need an ocean of information......
 
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Screen shot of ignition.
It may need a double click to energize the lights.
1975 Commando Rebuild
Does the horn work?
 

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