i think this might be a problem - newbie alert!!

I recently purchased a 74/75 MKIII. As it is still unbearably cold, blustery and generally miserable in Wisconsin, I have not yet gotten it started, however i was told that the bike does run. I did not get a key with bike, as i was told it was lost some time ago and not required. Even if that was a complete fabrication, i figured i can always replace the tumbler and key set. The price was very reasonable, it is in really great shape, good compression, straight, and did have a proper title and paperwork, so i didn't hesitate and took the plunge I'm patiently waiting for a nice warm weekend to get out and start working on it, but i was out there last night nad noticed something unusual..

i've noticed that when i pull in the clutch, it disengages the kickstart. :? I believe that at one time my bike may have been converted from an 'electric' start to manual. could this be the result of a shabby conversion job?! :roll: i can understand that the brits were always a little 'different' in their bike construction, but I can't believe that this is normal?!

Nope, its supposed to do that. In fact if the engine turns over with the clutch in it means the clutch is seized and will lurch ahead if you put it into first when its running (could be painful). If its a '75 Mk III 850 it would have come from the factory with electric start too.

Welcome to the forum...and it's normal - in fact a good sign as it shows the clutch isn't sticking.

The Norton doesn't have a primary kickstarting facility so if you stall it, you have to find neutral before you can restart.

If you have a passenger, you'll find that you learn to tap into neutral with your left foot and knock the offside pillion rest up out of the way with your right in one seemless movement !

No-one said it was going to be easy, did they ?

..this is my first street motorcycle but i have logged alot of hours on an old '75 Honda 250 Elsinore (enduro) when i was a little younger. I guess my first mistake is assuming the two bikes have alot in common :lol: Well, thank you for your help!

Warsaw, WI

I have been there, passed through actually in 1960 on the way to Red Arrow Camp another 4 hours further North... I lived in Elm Grove for 9 years, the best years of my life.

Any way, If your Norton is stock and if it has an electric start that has a purpose built primary cover to accomodate it you have an example of a Mk III, the best of the lot---fewer ECOs than the those that preceeded it

Before you start it I suggest that you go through the check list for a major service, and take the time to strip and clean your carbs. Do change all the fluids...

I wish I could be there when you jump on the k/s..

RS

Maybe some of our members have overlooked the fact that tom2240zap's MkIII is the "Bat Bike" http://accessnorton.com/norton_commando3389.html

Re: Warsaw, WI

RoadScholar said:

Any way, If your Norton is stock and if it has an electric start that has a purpose built primary cover to accomodate it you have an example of a Mk III, the best of the lot---fewer ECOs than the those that preceeded it

Click to expand...

Maybe, but the shifter is on the wrong side.... ;-)