oldschool newbie

I've been riding commandos since the 1980's. I've had 2 750s's over the years, but for the past 8 years I've had an '74 850 roadster. I was lucky enough to have some one to work on them, but now my son is biking with me and we want to start light work on them ourselves. For instance I want to change my oil but my Chilton's book doesn't explain the procedure. What is the best way to change the oil. I also have a champion h101 filter and I am going to change that out too. Also what type oil should I use for the change?

commando1974 said:

I want to change my oil but my Chilton's book doesn't explain the procedure. What is the best way to change the oil. I also have a champion h101 filter and I am going to change that out too. Also what type oil should I use for the change?

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Welcome commando1974, I suggest you have a read-through this factory manual, as it should tell you more-or-less all you need to know about general service tasks including changing oil: http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Repai ... mmando.pdf

The manual is meant for the 1970-73 models, but is mostly OK for '74 models as there's not that much difference between the '73 and '74 models, (and there is no '74 factory manual anyway), however, if you need any more detailed information, then please ask on the forum.

I use Castrol GTX 20W50 on all my old bikes and I know many people who do the same. Oil is one of those topics that Britbikers never seem to tire of talking about and one that provokes all kinds of strong opinions. Some folks swear by fully synthetic and various types of motorcycle-specific oils. My feeling is that as long as you use a good quality oil and change it often, you will be fine.

I use Castrol GTX 20W50 on all my old bikes and I know many people who do the same. Oil is one of those topics that Britbikers never seem to tire of talking about and one that provokes all kinds of strong opinions. Some folks swear by fully synthetic and various types of motorcycle-specific oils. My feeling is that as long as you use a good quality oil and change it often, you will be fine.

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With the recent change in API service ratings, most oils that meet the new SM rating are way down on zinc (in a compound called ZDDP). This metal is vitally important for older engines, as the zinc leaves a protective coating on cams, lifters and rockers, extending the life of those sliding parts - much like the tetraethyl lead in leaded gas protected valve seats in older engines.

Most engines produced in the last 20 years do not need the extra protection of this zinc compound, so the API is phasing it out.

Older engines should either use a zinc additive, or an oil that has the older, higher zinc levels. One that is widely available in the US is Valvoline VR-1 racing oil, though there are several other smaller brands.

I use straight 50 weight, but I live where it never freezes.

I swear by Redline 20W-50 in my Norton crankcase. Among other advantages, it has one of the highest zinc (ZDDP) additive levels.

There's a write-up somewhere on the net (if you can't find it, let me know) by a guy who tested various oils in a Norton Commando. Bottom line was Redline at 3,000 miles was in as good a shape as Mobil-1 after 1,000 miles (in terms of additives and oil oxidation/breakdown). Non-synthetics... well, to each his own, but not in my baby....

Here's a link to that article if you're interested:

http://nortonclub.com/docs/OilTemp.pdf