Most common modifications for Daily use

Hey guys,

I'm about to purchase a Norton Commando in december and want to use it as a daily rider (30-40 km a day).
I searched the forum and I'm seeing a lot modifications that you make, like air breathers, single carbs, electronic ignition, etcetera.

I'd like to know what are the best and most modifications done to a Commando, I do know that some models needs more than another, but I just want to make a list for myself.

Any suggestions, for a daily rider, or just use it in the weekend with good weather

Cheers,
Nick

Nick
What kind of condition is the bike in that you're buying?

J

How big is your pockets as there are so many improvements that you can do to your Norton, get it ride it then decide what you think needs dealing with, one person ideas will be diffrent to others, so it realy up to you to go the way you want to go, but if its a good runner you might not have to do anything at all, ride it first, get use to riding it and go from there, remember its a 40 year old bike so think of it as a 40 year old bike and don't compare it to a moden bike, but make sure the front brakes work well, that be the first thing to look at.

Ashley

I always recommend a high output alternator with new rotor,solid state regulator/rectifier,and electronic ignition. Check all "grounds" ,make sure they're solid.

I think this is pretty easy. For a daily rider it comes down to reliability and safety.

For me that would include (most of which you mentioned):
1) Upgraded front brakes (at least if it's a disc. I don't know much about the drum brakes) so you can actually stop. I like the Miles sleeve setup as it looks original. There are other units - like from madass that are just as good I'm sure.
2) Electronic ignition for easy starting. I really like my Trispark.
3) Upgraded Alternator, regulator and battery. Nortons aren't known for awesome electrical components. The original alternator was marginal at best. I would opt a 3 phase unit with Podtronics. For a battery - I've been using the MotoBatt and it's been great - so far...
3) Decent carbs (either premiers or miks or whatever floats your boat) for easy starting, power and economy. I'm an Amal guy, they've always worked well for me and I like the look (Just how english is a "tickler"?).
4) Upgraded crankcase vent to slow down leaks. I've used the Motomite vent for years and it seems to work well, pretty much eliminated any leaking. I'm about to upgrade to Jim's crankcase drain replacement unit, which just looks stunning to me.
5) Good tires, again safety. I've been enjoying the Avon Roadriders.

Nothing here should be really news, but if you get through this stuff whatever's left will primarily be about your specific bike and commute. Checking the isos, headsteady and swingarm spindle would be good too as they affect handling and safety.

Warning - no content, just opinion...
I've come to an understanding about my bikes - they were designed and manufactured in a time and place where manufacturing techniques and part quality control were primitive - esp by today's standards, so the factory floor had to have "assemblers/technicians" who could find the right combination of parts, plus a bit of fettling, plus a bit of knowhow, and put together a credible machine. The problem comes when, you poor owner, now need to do the same - but are lacking in a pile of parts and a few guys who know what's critical and what ain't. So you just have to keep plugging away - sometimes assembling/disassembling the same thing 8 times in row to get it to work correctly. Now would you rather have this or be able to get a replacement part, stick it in and have it work just like it's supposed to? I guess we've all chosen the former. It's the reason we use this forum - it helps with the "few guys who know what's critical" part.

Anyway - good luck. It's a journey for sure.

ashman said:

How big is your pockets as there are so many improvements that you can do to your Norton, get it ride it then decide what you think needs dealing with, one person ideas will be diffrent to others, so it realy up to you to go the way you want to go, but if its a good runner you might not have to do anything at all, ride it first, get use to riding it and go from there, remember its a 40 year old bike so think of it as a 40 year old bike and don't compare it to a moden bike, but make sure the front brakes work well, that be the first thing to look at.

Ashley

Click to expand...

+1

If you plan to drive it everyday brakes would be a good place to start. There are a lot of different ways to do this so you may want to research to determine what makes sense to you and your budget. Electronic ignition would be next on my list if the bike doesn't have it. Carb(s), alternator, suspension. It's a really long list but if you get a rider, you can do one thing at a time. Stopping is a big deal if you want to use it everyday and the stock brakes are crap.

Daily rider? Reliable?
Get something newer and current. The bike is old school and has issues that have been upgraded and re-designed into newer bikes.
I have had mine running all summer this year and all is good. I am waiting for whatever happens and it will.
This weekend is supposed to be warm and about the last good riding weather. I will be out and riding.
Good on you to want to have an everyday rider and it may work for you.
Upgrade the lighting, front and rear and the ignition.

I've ridden mine everyday for 5 yrs to and from work.
I would do the following
EI- Boyer has been the most reliable but trips ark have a later model. I blew 3 of them up. Hunt magneto if you can afford it is the premium option
Carb- mikuni single 36mm. Don't have no issues
Brake front- rgm 12" and caliper
Belt drive- Maney is my preference
Dave Taylor headsteady
3phase high output alternator.

There is nothing wrong with an old bike being a daily rider.

When touring my MK3 regularly, I'd hear people say things, but I always thought......
when they first sold this bike, people were touring all over on them just fine.
If I kept mine in good enough mechanical condition, there was no reason the bike couldn't still do it.

Reliable upgrades?
like everyone else has said:
.get the electrical system in order (battery, electronic ignition, charging system)
.get good carbs (old amals wear out quickly) . I went for a single Mikuni for simplicity and reliability.
.brakes. like everyone else has said. (but if the bike ain't running, the brakes don't matter).
.tires, chains, etc.. of course.

keeping up on the maintenance is/should be the #1 priority.
In my experience, the thing that you didn't fix (or half-assed) is going to be the thing that leaves you stranded.

Yes, I also used a Norton for daily transportation for years. Didn't even have a car all the time. It would be best if you are somewhat mechanically inclined as there will be problems at least at first, but with persistence they can be very dependable.

As stated above, 3 phase alternator and a better headlight, Pazon or Trispark ignition, and it will likely need attention to the carbs, a single Mikuni is easy and low maintenance. Stay away from fiberglass tanks or be prepared to replace it with metal. Jim

Hi Nick

Just wondering if you have a bike picked out that you are going to buy or are you still on the hunt.

if you have a bike picked out, what is it and if you are still looking you might first want to decide what style of bike you like the look of, if you want electric start, what side gear change you prefer etc.

If you can let us know then it will be easier to Taylor the mods to the bike you have/want.

Cheers
D

How about a real horn or two and a modern headlight and LED color change volt meter instead of the useless assimulator bulb. Rear sets are not a luxury item to lanky long me. A decent size battery to allow longer non charging low rpm intervals before stalling. Thumb screws for the Amal slides or other carb to diddle idle for pleasant conversation back ground or up for road use. Oh yeah a Document storage compartment for the autograph book people can sign when ya stop.

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies so quickly. Of course everybody has his own opinion, but the question is there to ask the most common to make it reliable as a daily rider, and yes I could buy newer but whats the fun of that, there are already to much by the way I'm from Holland. (The Netherlands)
I'm an Engineer, so to make the hands dirty is more of a daily business than doing the dishes.....

The best thing to do is buy this one,

https://picasaweb.google.com/1092086074 ... directlink

It has already a lot of mods (battery/ignition/brakes/alternator, starter, etc)
Until now I found 3 of them 2 interstate and one roadster, 2 most original and the roadster has had some modifications. The fun part is that the one with the mods which is the smartest way to buy is the cheapest (€6k)


The other options are these:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1092086074 ... directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/1092086074 ... directlink

nick's_Cafe said:

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies so quickly. Of course everybody has his own opinion, but the question is there to ask the most common to make it reliable as a daily rider, and yes I could buy newer but whats the fun of that, there are already to much by the way I'm from Holland. (The Netherlands)
I'm an Engineer, so to make the hands dirty is more of a daily business than doing the dishes.....

The best thing to do is buy this one,

https://picasaweb.google.com/1092086074 ... directlink

It has already a lot of mods (battery/ignition/brakes/alternator, starter, etc)
Until now I found 3 of them 2 interstate and one roadster, 2 most original and the roadster has had some modifications. The fun part is that the one with the mods which is the smartest way to buy is the cheapest (€6k)


The other options are these:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1092086074 ... directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/1092086074 ... directlink

Click to expand...

Nick, that Roadster looks nice. If its as good 'up close' as it is in the pics, then at 600euro I'd DEFINITELY go for that.

The only downside, and its a small price to pay, is that with a Roadster tank you will most likely have to fill up with petrol every day. But then, at least you'll know you always have fresh petrol !!

I use a 1976 BMW 900 as a daily rider, probably what puts me off using the Commando is starting it when it stops at the lights....and the footpegs being too far forward, and the crap brakes. Oddly the BMW cost about 1/2 what the Commando cost and its never been apart :roll:
I have a set of Lansdowne fork bits , a madass brake sleeve kit, rearsets waiting ....
Suppose I could sell the BMW and buy an Alton electric starter, about the same $..... yeah...na :wink:

nick's_Cafe said:

Hey guys,

I'm about to purchase a Norton Commando in december and want to use it as a daily rider (30-40 km a day).
I searched the forum and I'm seeing a lot modifications that you make, like air breathers, single carbs, electronic ignition, etcetera.

I'd like to know what are the best and most modifications done to a Commando, I do know that some models needs more than another, but I just want to make a list for myself.

Any suggestions, for a daily rider, or just use it in the weekend with good weather

Cheers,
Nick

Click to expand...

crate it up and send it to mr rambow pay him and be happy ..........belive me you will be happy

Ta.

The very first thing I did when I got my Commando was ride it around the block and park it. BRAKES BRAKES BRAKES. The original master cylinder in its stock form is not safe. It either needs to be sleeved or replaced all together. I opted for the Brembo Master from Colorado Norton Works. Easy simple upgrade that drastically improves the braking performance. Of course if you have Disc brakes this won't help you.

Hi Nick,

An MK3 is a good choice if the starter works. I don't need electric for starting the bike when departing, but as stated before: stalling at a light (it happens) with a row of impatient drivers behind you is not nice. Being able to push a button and go... might be a good thing.
Also... right shifting if not used to it can be tricky.

Apart from all the good tips: i am doing a few cosmetic upgrades to get it better weather resistant. Not necessary of coarse, but rusting parts are just not nice on a bike. I am from Belgium (just across the border), and our climate is not the best to conserve a bike. Parts that can rust probably will on a daily driver. Just something to consider. So trying to keep it original visually is going to be tough.

By the way... €6000 for a commando in Holland/Belgium is a good find! In good shape, there are not many showing up under 10k these days. I have seen that roadster before, but can't remember where.

Dimitri

Only reason to get a Commando is the shear pleasure and frustration of riding a fairly comfortable adequate performing nice sounding cute antique that always needs more time money invested. For at least a temporary brake improvement try poling out the rubber 'valve' tiny restrictor hole in the master cyclinder, no expanding SS braid hose and restore rotor and pad surfaces. Luck the draw if ok to ride daily as many do or constantly develop new leaks, wearing out components and mysterious electrical let downs. There are less and less Real Commandos out there so I took the harder path on of my '72's trying to stick with Norton parts numbers and works fine for normal thrilling sane use with good enough brakes I will never put on another 100 size tire as makes more noise than slow down grip compared to 110 size patch, which takes more heat before making let go noises. Only way I know to solve being of two minds is go crazy on one and stick to mostly factory on another. Mechanical advances all wear out and no more being made and restoring is tedious complex so electro ignition acceptable though some still using points ok like one of mine. Only Harley's likely have more options to pick through and more conflicts on which way to go.