Newbie to Norton and Forum (2010)

[Whiskers]

Hi I've owned lots of motorcycles. Japanese Bikes. However this past summer I met an older gent sitting next to his brand new Harley. He shared many stories of past bikes and then out of no where he says I have a Norton in my shed back home do you want it. Not sure if he was serious or had both ores in the water about the offer or not I casually kept the conversation alive. Well it was true what the old fella said. Comes to find out he has two Nortons tucked away in the shed. He gave me a basket case near rolling chassis.

To make a long story short I have a 1969 Norton Commando Fastback in my garage. I know Honda's very well but Norton I scratch my head with a blank stare.

From what I know about this bike it has some sort of kit on it. It has a plastic gas tank with a plastic or fiberglass rear fender.

My aim with this bike is to bring it back to life and enjoy riding it (on occassion)

Where does a broke guy go find parts.

 

[RennieK]

Welcome to the forum. What a great story! You should post some photos of your bike, you'll learn alot right off the bat. Parts aren't cheap so you may need to save some cash. In the mean time you can clean and polish. Get yourself a manual. There were links to free downloadable manuals on this site (but I couldn't find them).

 

[pelican]

Free bike!! Awesome.... IMO don't buy cheap parts. The bike was free. If you have another bike just take your time with the norton

 

[DogT]

Cool. Welcome. I have a 69 S and others here have fastbacks and roadsters too. Just start asking away, there is plenty to learn and you will be surprised at the torque and handling of the bike when you get it going. If you need info, just ask us, but start looking around on the forum, and check out OldBritts web site, they have all the parts and diagrams (for 71 up, but 71 is not much changed) too.

Pictures please.

Dave
69S

 

[Whiskers]

Thanks guys. I will take pics and attempt to get them posted. However she has a long way to go.

I'll lay the parts out on the garage floor and take some pics of them. From there I am hoping some of your expertise can direct me.

Not sure how large this forum is but I have found that if there is a person living within the area is always a plus.

I live near Grand Rapids Michigan. Anyone close by within a State or two away?

 

[norbsa48503]

Up here in Flint and willing to help PM me if you like. 130 members of the Michigan Norton owners.

 

[littlefield]

The manual downloads are under the Technical Information and How to Post Pictures thread at the top of this section.

 

[rvich]

Ahem...I gotta ask...What happened to the second Norton in the shed?

(PS-you realize the "old guy" is probably OUR age! LOL)

 

[Cookie]

Wow, that;s great! I once gave a running Commando to a freind but that's the best deal i've heard of since.

 

[Whiskers]

Okay I don't want to mislead any one. The Norton is a basket and missing many parts. I've posted it and here is a link to it.

I am still very new and don't know yet how to make the link live.

http://s634.photobucket.com/albums/uu63/jkoon1/

Is there a way for me to get responses to post sent to my email address?

 

[Whiskers]

Up here in Flint and willing to help PM me if you like. 130 members of the Michigan Norton owners.

130 members in Michigan. YAAAAAA HOOOOOOO!!!!!

There is a possible chance I can get this bike together and running. When it comes to Nortons you can call me Little Grasshopper.

 

[swooshdave]

Okay I don't want to mislead any one. The Norton is a basket and missing many parts. I've posted it and here is a link to it.

I am still very new and don't know yet how to make the link live.

http://s634.photobucket.com/albums/uu63/jkoon1/

Is there a way for me to get responses to post sent to my email address?

Yup, that's a basketcase.

Look for the check box "Notify me when a reply is posted".

 

[possm]

from what i can see you have most of a 69-70 commando fastback i could not see any photo's of the engine, but i have started with worse good luck with it.
Al

 

[RennieK]

To post photos you copy the IMG CODE that you see in the drop down menu when you roll over an image on your photobucket page. Just copy and past it and that's it.

Like this:

You have a great bike there! BUT it needs a lot of work. Is that an aluminum oil tank I see glimmering out of the darkness? If so it's fairly rare and valuable to a lot of people.

Also some of the 1st commandos had a weak frame because it was missing the strut from the bottom of the steering head to the mid section of the thick main back tube. You should be sure you don't have that one before doing any work on the frame. A shot without the tank on will show it if you aren't sure what I mean.

 

[pelican]

It's going to take a lot of work, but you can enter the contest for next year or the year after lol...

 

[Whiskers]

Pelican I'll take another pic with the tank off and get it posted.


Someone told me that I have a kit on this bike. Being the rear spoiler/fender and gas tank. Anybody know about this?

The oil tank is really rusty. It is chrome plated. Its not aluminum.

 

[pete.v]

Hello Whiskers,
I live in GR, Wyoming to be exact, and I have a 72 Bitsa(200xxx). I believe that you in particular is going to know that there is no such thing as a free Norton. I also believe that this could be your finest hour if just to save another piece of James L. Nortons soul from the EBay scrap yard. There is a ton of information out there, parts up the wazoo and all the technical knowledge required for you to succeed, Grasshopper. I suggest two or three manuals from different publishers, although not required a set of whitworth tools and maybe a small parts washer. I have done extensive work to bring my machine to what I believe to be a very high standard. If you have a chance to see my 72, and you may if you wish, you will see the love, care and respect I have for these pride rich machines. You may contact me if you wish by clicking on my user name and email through this forum.
p.s. Bitsa = Bitsa of this, Bitsa of that.

 

[Rich_j]

The leather fuel tank is cool.

 

[possm]

Hi going off your frame number 137XXX your bike is a 1970 fastback mk1 and the kit you refer to - tailpiece oil tank seat and petrol tank are all origonal fastback parts, potential for a nice bike, does the engine numbers match the frame?
Al

 

[Whiskers]

I have had a name change. My new name is Whiskers because of me unshaven look. ARGHHHHHH LOL