Almost afraid to post my story

Brand new here, so hello, everyone. Been reading posts for hours, and feel like I could (almost) cry. See, as a kid, always wanted a Norton. My Dad had one... but mom made sure I didn't grow up with him, 'ya know? Well, after high school, I took my freak flag and my bell bottomed jeans, and played deadhead for a number of years. Certainly couldn't afford a Norton and, besides, they'd gone extinct... hadn't they? Things were lost in those days, mostly myself. Well, eventually outgrew kalaidascope skies, returned to earth, struck out, searched, found Dad. Great man, developed a great relationship. Well, he's passed recently, and I happen to have his bike in the garage right now. No experience with Norton's at all. Done some wrenching in my life, certainly nothing like what I hear you guys speaking of in your posts. And I find myself almost afraid to say 'Hi', to introduce myself, because afraid I'll be shut down. Have recently come to develop the thought 'Hey, use the internet, see if you can find some experienced older guys willing to pass on, or share, some Norton experience'. Sort of like the thread where Yves asks everyone their ages, and who'll carry on the bikes next generation, right (told you I've been reading)?

But I found another Norton website, a 'help forum' that is, before I found you guys. It certainly appears dead, no-one really on it. Any of my posted questionsshows 30, 40 even 50 'members' read the plea for help... and never a damned one of them left a single reply. Well, I thought this was rather odd to say the least (hey, just my opinion, OK?) and when I mentioned I took it that way... well... I like a total stranger rippin on me about as much as you guys likely do.

So as I look around this site... thinking to myself 'Sweet, Jesus, what have I FOUND here!?' A very good thing, obviously... but I wonder how a newbie is treated? Haven't found a single spot where anyone has introduced themselves?

So 'Hi'. My name is Gary, and I hope that at least some of you are 'for real' type of guys. And I'm not even going to ask a single, simple, basic question tonight, as I can imagine how frustrating it is to have an inexperienced new guy always asking what appears (to you guys) rediculous 'beginner' questions.

Just saying Hello and... my Lord, what a beautiful site to stumble across!!!

Hello Gary,

You've got onto the, best by far, site for Norton advice. (and anything else bike related)
I am, was, also new to the mysterys of Nortons and the people here are outstanding.
I'm sure all your questions will be answered. There are no dumb questions.

Best wishes with your dads Norton.

Regards Graeme.

Gary,
1. Positively identify the bike by the numbers (this place will be glad to help with that).

2. Get/find a parts book AND a service manual (ask here for suggestions).

3. Do NOT be worried about asking dumb questions, we all do it and if it keeps one of these bikes on the road, so much the better.

4. Post pictures, Norton Porn is ALWAYS welcome here.

5. One of the things that attracts me to vintage bikes is that I'm comfy with the level of technology, newer stuff is way too complex for me.

6. Rest assured that pretty much EVERYTHING is known about these bikes, you will NOT be in any "uncharted waters" with the Commando.

7. Post pictures, Norton Porn is ALWAYS welcome here.

8. Keeping Dad's bike on the road is a GOOD thing (actually it's a VERY good thing), you will earn some big Karma-points for it.

9. Hi Gary, welcome, did you bring beer?

Unclviny

Howdy, Gary.

I wish my Dad had been into bikes, I never knew if he even SAT on one, but I know he never did in my lifetime (he's been gone 2 years now). He and my mom HATED bikes, Dad especially hated them becasue they were mostly Japanese, and being a WWII vet, he hated EVERYTHING Japanese. They wouldn't so much as drive me to the DMV to get my license, or drive me downtown to get the title to my first bike.

Treasure whatever memories you have of your Dad, especially the bike-related ones. I truly envy you guys (and gals) whose parents rode, especially with YOU!

Yep, it's crystal-clear, this is the best Norton forum on the internet; that's not a boast or hype. I'm on nearly 20 other forums, have been on some for over 8 years, I'm no longer on a half-dozen others as they turned too exclusive and/or political. No question, this place is "IT".

Unclviny has given you the rundown, get started on it...

grandpaul said:

Unclviny has given you the rundown, get started on it...

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Especially the porn part, Norton porn that is.

As you saw from the "How old are you" thread, there is a wide range of ages here, although Norton folks side towards the grey end of the scale. Not to worry, all are welcome.

Hi, welcome. Don't be afraid to ask anything you want. Sometimes I ask questions that I know are stupid to others, but not to me. Only takes one post to get an answer. Sometimes I ask something that may seem stupid or like common knowledge, and a few other people want to know also.

Gary, what a wonderful thing to be able to connect with your father after he has gone, through his and your passion for Nortons, as well as you now owning the very bike that he undoubtedly got so much pleasure from. I have never witnessed anyone on this site getting a hard time for asking a seemingly obvious question and in many cases forum members have even physically hooked up with others on the site to help them solve a problem. I'm sure all of us would be delighted to contribute in some small way to you having the bike on the road and keeping your father's legacy intact - many of us are in fact closet new-age, hippies and in touch with our feminine side (especially Debby). Oops, I may have said to much, I'll get my coat!

For a number of us this is the second time around. We had these bikes as a kid and went away for years. i had forgotten darn near everything, and what I'd not forgotten I'd mixed up in my memory. They have electronic ignitions now! Time had passed me by here.
Anyway I got a ton of help and you will too!

Cookie said:

Anyway I got a ton of help and you will too!

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What he said. Best bunch of bike loonies on the web. Bar none.

Wow. A great big thanks to each and every single one of you guys (and everyone else, too)!

My Dad's bike is (I'm pretty sure) a '72 Interstate 750cc. Possibly a '71, though darned positive I remember it correctly as a '72. I have posted my first issue in the Norton tech postings, under the currently being discussed fuel issues. My long-winded post about the problems and horrifying issues of a decomposing fiberglass is well worth the read, unless this issue is already very well known to all (someone mentioned there that they'd never seen anything that bad, though this site had heard of them that bad). I shall check and see if I've any digital pics, see if I can post them.

Where's the best place for me to get a steel interstate tank?

I must resolve the tank issue, fuel lines (which actually dissolved!) and clean out the gummed up carbs before I can even think of anything else (ah, if anyone's willing to field questions and walk a newbie through the Amal carb's via email, please let me know).

And people, this site, and the 'open friendliness' (instead of hostility) is what I was originally expecting and hoping for in a Norton site, so very glad to have found you all. Sorry I took so long getting here, but y'all appear well worth the long journey.

Again, my very personal thanks for feeling welcomed.

~Gary

Gary said:

Again, my very personal thanks for feeling welcomed.

~Gary

Click to expand...

Might also help to add your location to your profile. That way if someone is local they might be able connect with you for additional help.

Hi Gary

Welcome, you won't find a better place for friendly & accurate advice than this group.

I had the same probs with my 72's f'glass tank, treacle (mollasses to you I guess) in the crabs don't make for smooth running! I gave up trying to find a decent steel tank & now have an ally one, almost all my problems dissapeared!

Richard

Talk to me, Richard. Ally... do you mean by this the word 'alloy', I presume? What were your presenting problems, what/how did you eventually get? Any current issues? When did you get an alloy tank? WHAT tank, etc, etc, etc. Must please tell me??

post38755.html?hilit=baker#p38755

Gary the above is a post I made at the time. Its an Aluminium tank made by TA Baker. They're in Wales. A nicer guy you'll be hard put to find, though he can be a bit slow. Their website is http://www.tabaker.co.uk/ I've no idea if they have any Interstate tanks on the shelf.

Problems? even though I'd relined the tank the petrol was dissolving the fibreglass & gumming up the carbs causing petrol starvation, misfires, jammed slides (EEEEEEK) etc, no fun at all! Got the new tank cleaned the carbs out (what a PITA that is) and since then plain sailing!

Cheers RIchard

T.A.Baker tanks (my take):

1. Quality (product and service) - excellent

2. Price - reasonable

3. Time to deliver - "Just fine if you aren't in a hurry"

Richard... Paul:

my goodness, the tank looks great. OK, remember, newbie here, so keep the laughing down to a DULL roar, ok, mates? Richard, I followed your link to the posted pics. Damn thing looks to me as though it's an Interstate knock-off (i.e. copy) with the exception of the fill tank. The pic you provided with it mounted on the bike, CERTAINLY appeared as if it was an Interstate tank.

Here's the obvious question: it IS an interstate clone, is it not? And made of aluminum?! Mega-cool! If this is all so... my guess is that he/they could make one with an original fill cap, were it supplied???

Awesome pic, suddenly I'm thinking SUCH beautiful thoughts! Could it really BE??

Please talk specifics? More pics? Wow.

~Gary

Gary,

The tank is indeed an interstate copy hand made in wales by a maestro who loves his craft, as an ex engineer I am in awe.
Terry supplied the cap on mine (Monza I think its called) the original '72 cap proved to be impossible to remove which did tick me right off. The new tank has a 2 1/2" thread and you should be able to pick up a more correct cap easily enough. Terry may be able to get one, you'd have to ask him. I'm going to do this when funds permit as I thing the original cap looks better

Cheers Richard

Ah, Richard, you are indeed 'THE MAN' to me at this very moment! Were I that way (and I assure you I am not, lol's), I'd have to give you at least a hug right now, maybe even a hug and a... nah! Just a hug would even be stretching it for me! (just foolin' with ya). Hey, I have sent an email to the man, hope to hear from him within a couple of days. I've had the steel tanks before, but do not think I've ever had or seen an aluminum tank. Can you or anyone else give me a run down on known positives and negatives (if any) regarding aluminum tanks?

Once delivered, was there ANYTHING you had to do? Such as drill for the fuel valves, and also tap (i.e. thread) the tank to accept the fuel valves?

Oh, yes: can't an original fuel cap be purchased in good order for the aluminum tank, or are all the new ones after market cheap-o's? (my Dad's original has some light pitting, but I'd rather use it than a cheap reproduction).

P.S. oh (again)! Did he fab baffle plates into the tank? Also aluminum? (assuming the interstate has baffle plates)

Hi Gary

I did'nt have to do much when the tank came, a new strap at the rear as the hole centers did'nt match the original, a bit of fiddling with the rubbers at the front and Robert was my mothers brother. Baffles? yep they are fitted and this is possibly my only critisism in that they are right over where the taps fit & so I've wound up with two reserve taps as the baffles fouled the upstanding pipe on the main tap, not a major concern but I do have to remember to keep an eye on the fuel level.

I've heard that ally tanks can split, no sign of owt like that as yet.

Cheers Richard

I've received a reply already from Aline, who informs me that Terrence is not to be working for a while, as he's just getting out of the hospital. Never heard of the man before you mentioned him, but hope all is well with him and his family. Someone pointed out a site called...ah... Burton's. Yes, Burtonbikebits.net I believe. I checked them out about 1:00Am this morning. They mentioned the interstate tanks they sell are steel. They also carry 'glass tanks, currently sold out. Very pricey, ESPECIALLY if purchased as a completed, painted tank.

I most emphatically do **NOT** see the purchase of a new fiberglass tank as an option, as who knows how IT shall hold up to the test of time, you know? As for your mentioned alloy tank, and having 'heard' that they can split... that's of some concern to me. I only rode my Dad's bike a limited number of miles after it gummed up from the tank, but, Good Lord, the vibrating was enough to make my wrists ache (all the original rubber probably dried up to dust and blew away). Anyway, my point is that perhaps I should consider steel? I see that the steel from Burton's and the Alloy from Terrence is the same price. Of course, I've seen plenty of steel tanks with rust on the inside... and presumably, the alloy tank can NOT rust...?

As for a steel tank, my belief has always been that it is impossible for rust to start in the interior of a steel tank, as long as you keep it 100% filled up with fuel at all times? (Ha! warned you guys I was a newbie, lol's!)