Norton Commando Build

A lot of the Commando allure is it's performance. Everything about the bike was built for the sole purpose of going fast. And no-one can deny it's a fine looking machine, and here's proof--other than performance upgrades, most have been left original.

Unlike most 70's bikes, very few Commandos saw major customization. How many Norton choppers have you ever seen?

Another part of it's appeal is the company's historic racing history. During the 1930's, Norton accrued dozens of Isle Of Man TT wins.

In the late 1960's and early 1970's, a Norton race bike wasn't that far removed from a road bike. Many will argue that Commandos were responsible for the term "Super Bike".

Restoring a Norton Commando has a nice advantage over other classic motorcycles. Not only are parts still available, they are available as factory pieces, due in large part to the existence of Andover Norton.

And there's plenty of modern upgrades as well.

Commando owners in general don't seem to be obsessed with originality as are most other marque's. Examples with sensible modifications often sell as much as 100% original machines.

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1974 Commando Project

After sitting non-running and partially disassembled for 20 years, this 1974 Roadster is getting a complete overhaul front to back.

Engine Teardown and Inspection

Although it's a low mileage bike (most of them are), it's still half-a-century old and sat unused for a long time. So, engine teardown and inspection was in order.

Front End

Both fork tubes were badly pitted, and the only solution was to remove and replace.

Front Fork Disassembly

Front Forks Overhaul

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Brake Caliper Overhaul

Fifty-year-old brake calipers do not come apart without a struggle. Since the bike had sat for so long, there was concern about the caliper pistons being stuck and corroded.