New member, proud owner...

Hello one and all from Juneau, Alaska. I have been reading the posts here and lurking for a bit, but I see I have a neighbor in Whitehorse with a similar bike and decided it was time to get on the board.

I have just recently purchased 1973 750 Interstate. It is a low milage bike and in good original condition. I found it on the east coast and had it shipped to Portland, Oregon, where it is waiting for me to arrive and do some messing around before shipping it north.

I once owned a '74 850, back when the bike was almost new and I was young and ignorant. I just rode it and loved it. Now I am not so young and I have forgotten most of what I ever knew, so in that respect I am still ignorant. I will be reading the posts and asking questions and hopefully will even find something of value to add here.

As the bike is in original condition, I would be interested to know what mods are recommended and which should be avoided.

Thanx in advance,
rvich

How long is the riding season in Juneau?

We usually get one day, around summer solstice.
The reason for wanting the Intersate tank was so that I could get into the Yukon without carrying a gas can and thus escape to a dryer climate. We usually get some fine days in April, and then we usually get some in September and anywhere in between. October thru March you might as well tinker with the bike.

We usually get one day, around summer solstice.

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I get the humor. I'm originally from Minnesota.

rvich said:

We usually get one day, around summer solstice.

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so that's the longest day at least! You'd need an interstate tank for a 24 Hr ride!

Welcome back to Norton!
Most of us will be able to say we've forrgotten more than we once knew. I certainly have!
I recommend electronic ignition, and good carburation, as the two things that will make ownership more satifying.
It will start better and idle better. Two really important things that can be a bugbear of the Commando experience.
I have a boyer and brand new amal mk1 carbs, although some would say a tri-spark system and a single Mikuni conversion is the way to go.
Other things you can do are belt drive/dry clutch primary, and upgrade your brake disc system by going for a smaller master cylinder piston diameter.
If you think it rains in Canada, try coming over to England in the Summer, and staying in Yorkshire!
Stu

bigstu said:

If you think it rains in Canada, try coming over to England in the Summer, and staying in Yorkshire!
Stu

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Hey Big Stu, he's not from Canada, he's from Alaska which is north of Canada (kinda across from Siberia) He's not talkin rain here, it's snow!

What's a good snow tire for a Norton? I'd second a Tri-spark, hot coils, single Mikuni, and the most powerful battery I could get my hands on.

And if you were to live where I do, A really loud HORN!!!!!! Just for sake of being safe. Welcome to the very best site for you and your bike, Chuck.