Motorcycle Classics "Parting Shot"

Did anyone read the "Parting Shot" article on page 84 of the July/August issue of Motorcycle Classics? It is pretty good! If I knew how to post something that was copied on the printer I would.

I read that article last week, it was great. What does your Norton look like? The Crest is my backyard, and I saw a yellow 750"S" up at Newcombs this last Saturday....your bike?

Mine is a black 71 Roadster. I just moved it out of the kitchen today and fired it up. I changed it to electronic ignition, solid state charging system, re-wired it and rebuilt the Amal carbs. It will start in my tennis shoes now, charges great, but still runs rich. I have the needle dropped all the way and still no bueno. Turn the gas off, and the few seconds just before it runs out of gas and it smooths right out. I guess it is time for a change to a Mikuni carb. I am at the Wrightwood end of the Crest, just down from Jackson Lake.

Hi Andy,
Before you spend some more big money check the chokes are lifting clear, the float height is correct, and carbs aren't over jetted.
The old Amal Mk1's get a lot of bad press but they ain't that bad.
Best of luck,
Cash

cash said:

Hi Andy,
Before you spend some more big money check the chokes are lifting clear, the float height is correct, and carbs aren't over jetted.
The old Amal Mk1's get a lot of bad press but they ain't that bad.
Best of luck,
Cash

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Agreed.

Check
1. Choke slides
2. Float level
3. Correct slide
4. Correct needle matched to spray tube.

My guess is you have the wrong needle for the spray tube.
Straight spray tube uses 3 ringed needle.
Cut away spray tube uses 4 ringed needle.

Thanks for the tips! Chokes are not a problem, I do not even need them to start the bike now, and I checked their operation before I installed the air cleaner. Jets could be a problem. The bike had been setting for over 25 years when I got it, and was all in one piece, so I imagine they are the original carbs. I put new needle jets and needles in them when I rebuilt the carbs. I do live at 3900' so that could be an issue. I looked around the garage yesterday, I have a box of Amal jets and parts, but could not find them.

Norton-Villiers lived at sea level +/- 300 feet ( I worked there). They never considered that customers would live up in the clouds. Actually, they weren't sure why anyone outside the UK would be interested in the Commando.

If you can find a good electronic fuel injection system to work on the Commando engine, you would do the folks in the Commando world who actually ride their bikes a big favour.

Absent an EFI system, you do need to adjust things for your ambient altitude. I've been away from the Commando community for many years and don't know what's on the market these days. Carburettor jets would be critical, particularly if you're still running the original Amals.

I'm sure there are folks on this forum a lot more in tune with the vagaries of running in the various US climate zones and who will be willing to help.

Good luck getting it sorted so you can enjoy the Norton riding experience.

frankdamp said:

Actually, they weren't sure why anyone outside the UK would be interested in the Commando.

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Warum nicht?

wrench