cNw #101 Norton Commando 850

You're a patient lad! I took mine up and down the road in first gear before I had it registered and even knew how to ride much. What a thrill it was for me! Scared to death for sure. First Norton. First bike. First ride. You can imagine the grin I had on my face when I progressed into second gear on that same bit of road in my neighbourhood:)
You know, I have that same clutch kit from Matt, that I bought a couple years back that I still have not installed. To be honest, I'm hesitant about it because of hearing of folks going back to cable from hydraulic. Also, it's a big job to convert the cable to hydraulic. I also have the nicer master switch from Matt as well waiting for the change over to the hydraulic and perch setup. One of these days....
 
Glad to see it finally arrived safe and sound, that's a really good-looking bike you've gotten for yourself Cafe' au Lait- all that yellow & black, kinda makes it look like a Yamaha :) - just kidding, it's a beauty, and wonderfully built into a "one and only" or should I say a "101 and only"! I'm jealous :)
 
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Café au Lait said:
Second start up yesterday and a mini ride; the length of my drive (I’m still not road legal 😢). Matt’s advice with FCRs is to always leave the fuel on. Well it started instantly and held idle likewise. I was eager to test the clutch feel as it’s an all hydraulic. I’ve seen many riders on various Nortons almost launch and not intentionally which I presume is a sudden biting of the clutch.

Mine is frankly as I would desire, totally progressive with plenty of feel, like I’d ridden it before, familiar and kind of modern which of course it is. No doubt purists will scoff I’ll not be living the full classic experience and they’d be right but then cNw bikes are not that and that’s suits me perfectly.

Now come on NOC, get that Age Related Registration Approval form to me so I can apply for mine with DVLA before the rain season starts; did the last even end?
Click to expand...
Nice feeling isn't it.
You'll enjoy it alot.

The partial assembled rider I bought a few years ago had the CNW Hydro clutch.
My first thought was, we'll see. I'm pretty picky about clutch engagement.
I must say, it is VERY nice. Smooooth and progressive.
A nice side benefit is one doesn't have to be concerned with cable routing.
 
Lovely bike
I'd stick a plate from another bike on and take it for a spin 👍👍
Not sure about importing nowadays but when I imported my trident I had to take it for an MOT on the frame number
Then get the inspection etc sent off to DVLA
I took quite a detour on the way back from the MOT
It felt weird riding legally with no numberplate especially past the average speed cameras on the great Cambridge road!!😂😂😂😂
 
Starvingphotog said:
You're a patient lad! I took mine up and down the road in first gear before I had it registered and even knew how to ride much. What a thrill it was for me! Scared to death for sure. First Norton. First bike. First ride. You can imagine the grin I had on my face when I progressed into second gear on that same bit of road in my neighbourhood:)
You know, I have that same clutch kit from Matt, that I bought a couple years back that I still have not installed. To be honest, I'm hesitant about it because of hearing of folks going back to cable from hydraulic. Also, it's a big job to convert the cable to hydraulic. I also have the nicer master switch from Matt as well waiting for the change over to the hydraulic and perch setup. One of these days....
Click to expand...
I have Matt's hydraulic clutch - best thing ever - smooth and progressive, not to mention easy-pull.
When/if you do yours, be sure to use Dot 5 (silicone) fluid. It does not absorb moisture and won't eat paint, unlike the glycol Dot 3, Dot 4 & Dot 5.1.
The only penalty is that it has a slightly lower boiling point than Dot 5.1 - not an issue!

For others - it is not compatible with the glycol fluids so a teardown, cleanout and seal replacement is necessary
Cheers
 
Here's the reservoirs after nearly five years of the same fluid. Still bang-on level too.
(clutch left and brake right) - both thumbnails
Cheers
97AE52C5-AA66-4D9E-8444-AD5B8D25D69A.JPGDF55E1B0-158D-4813-95E5-0AC0CE3DB19B.JPG
 
I got Matt to replace all clutch and brake hoses when he fitted the new disc rotor as the chrome one was shot so I’m good for some time
 
Starvingphotog said:
You're a patient lad! I took mine up and down the road in first gear before I had it registered and even knew how to ride much. What a thrill it was for me! Scared to death for sure. First Norton. First bike. First ride. You can imagine the grin I had on my face when I progressed into second gear on that same bit of road in my neighbourhood:)
You know, I have that same clutch kit from Matt, that I bought a couple years back that I still have not installed. To be honest, I'm hesitant about it because of hearing of folks going back to cable from hydraulic. Also, it's a big job to convert the cable to hydraulic. I also have the nicer master switch from Matt as well waiting for the change over to the hydraulic and perch setup. One of these days....
Click to expand...
Put that hydraulic clutch on! I have no idea why anyone would go back to cable but to each his own.Myself I think it’s a great option as I love the way it works.Very smooth engagement,etc.It is not difficult to install, takes a little time but I think you are more than capable to install this assembly.Give me a call if you have any questions.
Mike
 
The attention to detail really is something to behold!

Also rather jealous of the seam-free tank. I'm guessing it's a Mk3 item?
 
Thank you. Yes it’s a feature I particularly love. I can tell you I still thought it was fibreglass right up to the point I applied a magnet such is the thickness of the paint layers; tapping it sounds just like my Elise ;) It’s like the 961 or the CCM and I really like that, lucky old me I guess

I think it’s actually the original
cNw #101 Norton Commando 850

The bike as delivered to cNw

The painting process by Matt’s preferred paint shop
 
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Café au Lait said:
Thank you. Yes it’s a feature I particularly love. I can tell you I still thought it was fibreglass right up to the point I applied a magnet such is the thickness of the paint layers; tapping it sounds just like my Elise ;) It’s like the 961 or the CCM and I really like that, lucky old me I guess

I think it’s actually the original
cNw #101 Norton Commando 850

The bike as delivered to cNw

The painting process by Matt’s preferred paint shop
Click to expand...

Absolutely gorgeous bike!
But wait, is that rusty old Norton a pic of what it used to look like before Matt got his hands on it?
 
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