Restoring my 73' 850 Commando

I just finished a ground up on a 74' that I found underneath a collapsed hayloft in a barn in Nevada. It sat for 44 years. Tearing it down to ground zero was a necessity of confidence and safety, there is no other choice. It took 14 months to complete and I'm damn glad I chose this path. Way too many unknowns/variables in play to consider any form of safe riding and a whole lot of them showed up during the process.
Now I know it is right because I did the work.

Get a digital camera with a good sized memory card and take photos of everything you do, before and after. You won't believe what a valuable reference your photo record will become.

Set up a spread sheet, there is a good one in here, and whatever bucks you budget for a restored Commando...listen to Grandpaul...hes right...double it. Then never ever tell your wife the sheet exists, much less reveal the password.

Great job. My only disagreement is that my belief is one should NEVER have such a spread sheet and should NEVER add it all up!

It’ll only depress you. And what’s spent is spent.

Just enjoy what you’ve created...

I recommend Phil also. One of the last men standing in California that know Commandos and a parts supplier. Ken Armman also in San Jose 408 626-0061.

I agree with FE on nix the cost tracking.

jbruney said:

I agree with FE on nix the cost tracking.

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I once did a spreadsheet and when i saw the number instantly deleted it, and then had a few scotches to erase that memory as well. Worth every cent but better not to know.
I hadn't ridden my 850 in nearly a year since getting the 961 but did about 400 miles last weekend, before NZ closed, and i am in love all over again. What a joy to ride. Hoping you find the same Chris.

illf8ed said:

I recommend Phil also. One of the last men standing in California that know Commandos and a parts supplier. Ken Armman also in San Jose 408 626-0061.

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Thank you for the endorsement of Phil and Ken. I've recently spoken with both, and both have been helpful. I've changed out my front & rear isolastics, upgraded my swing arm with split collars, rebuilt my carbs, swapped out balanced for unbalanced pipes... all with their help - and Mike Tyler's iso videos. I'll be calling them again once I button it up and get ready for the first kick.

when I constructed my 72/73 850 I started from rusty 72 $200 frame I did not keep a single receipt for parts I 'estimate' I spent $6,000 to $6,500 on parts and paint including $2000 for 73 850 engine that was a 'roll of the dice' but runs perfectly with no odd sounds and no oil burn to speak of....

Chris Larkin said:

I forgot to mention in in San Diego, CA USA - I'd be stoked if y'all have any recommendations for people or shops to reach out to for service. I'm acquainted with a few folks who seem to know Norton's - but the more contacts the better. Thank you.

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Hey Chris, I'm in San Diego as well and am early in my project. BTW, Isaac at Triumph SD is a great resource but the shop lost their British Bike mechanic a short while back. You may know this but it makes local shop based repairs more difficult. Cheers! Scott

SJordan said:

Hey Chris, I'm in San Diego as well and am early in my project. BTW, Isaac at Triumph SD is a great resource but the shop lost their British Bike mechanic a short while back. You may know this but it makes local shop based repairs more difficult. Cheers! Scott

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Hey Scott, Nice to know there's another in the area. I'm in La Mesa... how about you? What bike do you have? I've spoken with Isaac... he's a good dude, but told me the same thing. I have found a qualified mechanic, he's in Oceanside. Plus, I have a network of folks around the country (on speed dial), who've been helpful. Let's talk sometime, my email is chrislarkin@cox.net