Norton Commando Build
After sitting non-running and partially disassembled for 20 years, this 1974 Roadster is getting a complete overhaul front to back.
![Norton Commando build 1974 Norton Commando restoration](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-build-74.jpg.pagespeed.ic.mUXMcfpv8D.jpg)
Even after decades of neglect, this classic British motorcycle still stands tall and proud.
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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.
![remove cylinder head 850 Commando Norton Commando cylinder head removal](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-cylinder-head-removal-73.jpg.pagespeed.ic.PC7_qhhQzx.jpg)
Cylinder Head Removal
![Norton Commando timing cover removal and installation engine teardown Norton Commando 850](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xengine-teardown-norton-commando-850.jpg.pagespeed.ic.N2eV0zYQWe.jpg)
Timing Cover Removal and Installation
![Norton Commando remove and install timing cover classic British motorcycle restoration](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-timing-cover-removal-and-installation.jpg.pagespeed.ic.A4RGGcV_bO.jpg)
How To Polish Aluminum Engine Parts
![remove clutch Norton Commando Commando clutch removal](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xremove-clutch-norton-commando.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6Xw3GnHY5D.jpg)
Clutch Removal
![Norton Commando remove primary chain Norton primary chain removal](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-remove-primary-chain.jpg.pagespeed.ic.KQmSjXH9zm.jpg)
Primary Chain Removal
![Norton Commando remove engine from frame motorcycle engine removal](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-remove-engine-74.jpg.pagespeed.ic.UdrNd3WibG.jpg)
Engine Removal
![pinion gear removal Norton Commando remove pinion gear Triumph](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xpinion-gear-removal-norton-commando.jpg.pagespeed.ic.J160-gSY3r.jpg)
Pinion Gear Removal
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Front End
Both fork tubes were badly pitted, and the only solution was to remove and replace.
![front fork removal classic British motorcycle restoration](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/norton-commando-remove-fork-tubes.jpg)
Front Fork Disassembly
![front fork assembly Norton Commando vintage British motorcycle restoration](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xfront-fork-assembly-norton-commando.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6Sp3pjVRGK.jpg)
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.
![remove and rebuild brake caliper rebuild old motorcycle caliper](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/rebuild-old-motorcycle-caliper-74.jpg)
Before and After Caliper Overhaul
![polished Commando caliper polished aluminum brake caliper](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/polished-commando-caliper-74.jpg)
Brake Caliper Overhaul
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Cleaning Spoke Wheels
Both front and rear wheels had considerable rust built up on the rims and spokes. First, the heavy rust was removed with steel wool.
![remove rust from motorcycle rim best way to clean rust from motorcycle spokes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/remove-rust-from-motorcycle-rim-02.jpg)
During the front forks overhaul, the front wheel was propped up on the workbench and given a thorough cleaning.
![motorcycle spoke cleaning best way to clean motorcycle spokes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/motorcycle-spoke-cleaning-02.jpg)
After removing the brake rotor, each spoke and nipple was scrubbed with a scuff pad soaked in full-strength degreaser.
![motorcycle spoke cleaning best way to clean motorcycle spokes](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/motorcycle-spoke-cleaning-04.jpg)
This was followed by rinsing with water, then back up on the workbench for a second cleaning, this time with a scuff pad soaked in half-strength degreaser, followed by rinsing with water.
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![tools needed for British motorcycle repair motorcycle repair tools](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xwhitworth-tools-for-vintage-british-motorcycle-repair.jpg.pagespeed.ic.y2Y_jhvS06.jpg)
Read: What Are Whitworth Tools?
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Norton Commando Articles:
Cylinder Head Removal
Clutch Removal
Primary Chain Removal
Timing Cover Removal and Installation
Pinion Gear Removal
Engine Removal
Brake Caliper Overhaul
Remove Fork Tubes
Front Fork Disassembly
How To Polish Motorcycle Forks
Front Fork Assembly
Norton Commando Upgrades
![Norton Commando models Norton Commando history](http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/image-files/xnorton-commando-upgrades.jpg.pagespeed.ic.xeBfh16wk5.jpg)