In 1971 at a dealer in DFW area I traded my 70 bsa lightening for 71 Norton fastback (fiberglass metalflake tank and rear fender) It was a beauty, put dunstall pipes on it. ❤
My mate used to spend so much time getting his commando started that he used to leave it running and run into the boozer and sink a quick pint.occasionally it would dance across the courtyard on the centre stand and head for the kerb but he always managed to sink the last mouthful of beer before disaster struck.i never owned a norton but seeing this brings back great memories of my old biking days.
Good grief the starting procedure for this or any similar British Big Twin is: open fuel tap. Depress ticklers on both carbs till petrol runs out; open throttle no more than 1/8; get to tdc; kick. If she don't start after 3 or 4, check for spark. Oh and they had a completely ridiculous kill button which needed to be in circuit but frequently wasn't. Usually if you just flicked that button (it's red) that would get contact back and bingo. (These switch clusters were not very waterproof.) A lot of us just ended up wiring that button out because it was such a total PITA.
No. Better to start on the centre stand and stand beside the bike. You can start them astride but it's harder. Never trust the Norton sidestand, it was designed by Beelzebub in person
@@RodFleming-World .... "Mr DANGEROUS" I'd say Rod Fleming - and would say that as LOUDLY as I can. I genuinely worry: I'd say it's fine to start a Commando on (or off) its centre stand SO LONG AS you are only ever doing so astride the bike and absolutely NEVER while standing beside it. I'd say standing beside it makes a broken ankle, leg and/or pelvis quite likely. And I wouldn't even THINK of trusting the Norton's side stand for anything, I'd say designed by Beelzebub's 3-year-old.
I bought mine aged 18 in 1977. Being 18 helps a lot, but please don't kick it over on the side stand, sit astride or use the centre stand. If it ever fires up, but immediately cuts out, it's possibly the kill switch (yes, it can fire but just for a second). You might like to now that in 1977 a Queen's jubilee Bonneville cost £749, whereas a Commndo cost £1,600. A good bike forr the taller chap, I'm 6'2".
Beautiful bike. I feel for you man. They are not easy to kick over sometimes. My dad had a 73 850 with a rebuilt engine and the engine was so tight we ended up pull starting it with the car lol but it worked. Once running it ran like a bat outta hell. I swear it would lay rubber for about 30 feet.
I've got a '69 XLCH. What you did there was just the priming kicks I need to start my mechanical chum. Yours is a beautiful bike. I'm jealous. My 'CH needs a garage buddy like your Norton. Airheads forever. Thanks for the vid. Sub/Likie
Hi. I had the same issue with my 73 until I figured out how to kick over a bike. Get the pistons to the compression stroke. Should be able to pretty much stand on the kicker, crack the throttle 1/4 then drop your weight. Works best stradling bike on the ctr stand. Key is to have it on the compression stroke.
Hello Sir, lovely looking bike . As someone else commented I was also concerned about the side stand . Was hoping to hear it fire up after you solved the ignition timing . Hope it proves to be a more reliable starter in the future and gives you plenty of trouble free riding . Always liked the Commandos .
Thank you for the kind comment. I have other videos of the Norton, a walk around and first ride specifically. 1971 kickstands were very bad, i downloaded the drawing to make the 1972-on version which is very stout, and put in on. It starts usually first or second kick now. It runs very good and i get at least 50 mpg. I have four videos right now. I got bashed for this video, saying i looked like I didn't know what i'm doing. Actually I didn't! The idea was so others don't make the same mistake I did.
@@nicksnorton2340 I will certainly watch the other videos , did you restore the bike yourself. I noticed that you have another bike in your garage , more Norton's . Thanks for sharing .
I did do the restoration except for the paint and frame. It took 23 months, some of which was covid delays and such. I put most of the reliability upgrades on it. The seat took 9 weeks to receive! Pazon ignition, Harley Davidson style rectifier/regulator, coil. Swing arm mod, spin on oil filter. LED everything, new speedo/tach (electronic). 24 tooth sprocket for highway use. Should've went 25! Lots of torque, just a little slow taking off. Primary belt kit from Colorado Norton Works, Barnett clutch. New everything! It was a rolling basket case. Bought it 1984 when i was MUCH younger. I have a couple Harley's, 2 cushman scooters. It's all cycle therapy!! Nick
@@nicksnorton2340 The restoration looks marvelous , I'm sure you are more able than you give yourself credit for . You certainly have a varied and interesting selection of rides available to you . All you need to complete the list of upgrades is a Quaife 5 speed gearbox , although riding with only an arm and a leg may prove tricky due to the price of them .
I have thought about the Quaife, I know i can get the gearsets, however, too bad i can't get just a lower first gear. I went to Quaifes website and of course they're out of them. I'll have to look around. Thanks again for the pleasant comments. Are you from the states? Most of my viewers are from the UK. I'm in Ohio.
Solution 125ccm China PVC -Scooter digital injection 2.5l/100km from 0-60kmh in 4 seconds weight 98Kg Prise 1750€ starts on -10C° in 3 seconds. This one can climp on a wall. History no one life in a pyramid ^^
This brought back memories, not fond ones. Beautiful bike. I'm sure you are aware to be very careful kick starting the bike while on its side stand......they will snap off. Judging by your technique, you are aware of this. There's a great RUclips channel for British bikes, especially Commandos, it's called The Mighty Garage, check it out.
I always started my Commando on the side stand, but I would stand astride the bike and not beside it - same with any bike really - that way when you put your weight on the starter the bike tries to stand up and if you are astride it then it's more controllable. Never had a stand snap off - but I am sure it could happen if it takes all your weight as well as the bike's when you stand beside the bike. I tend to kick the bike over with leg muscles, not just stand on the starter and use my weight to do it. I would never start a bike on the center stand for the same reason - because when you kick it, the bike wants to fall to the right.... it's just how I was taught to do things back in the 'seventies. I did however, have the side stand bolt drop out once after the securing nut koosened off.... I kicked the stand out and watched it fly off up the road - outside the pub so I just leant the bike against a wall, picked the stand up and went in the pub !
Indeed. It's more effective to kickstart the bike while on it. I owned a variety of Yamaha and BSA 500 c.c. thumpers and never dreamed of kickstarting them side-saddle.@@thakery5720
It's a shame - another example of more time spent making a bike look nice rather than time spent making sure it's going to start, run right and be reliable - at least you should have learnt something, good luck for the future!
Obviously, you weren't there for the restoration. I did make a few mistakes. However, there was more than just "show" done on the project. I made all the reliability upgrades I could do. Thank you
@@nicksnorton2340 You still have oil by-passing the valve guides and piston rings judging by your videos. Fit Kibblewhite guides which require reaming to size after installing and get the cylinder bore plateau honed when you fit new pistons. I highly recommend M.A.P lightweight pistons.
In 1971 at a dealer in DFW area I traded my 70 bsa lightening for 71 Norton fastback (fiberglass metalflake tank and rear fender)
It was a beauty, put dunstall pipes on it. ❤
My mate used to spend so much time getting his commando started that he used to leave it running and run into the boozer and sink a quick pint.occasionally it would dance across the courtyard on the centre stand and head for the kerb but he always managed to sink the last mouthful of beer before disaster struck.i never owned a norton but seeing this brings back great memories of my old biking days.
Must have been a pre-Isolastic Norton.
Good grief the starting procedure for this or any similar British Big Twin is: open fuel tap. Depress ticklers on both carbs till petrol runs out; open throttle no more than 1/8; get to tdc; kick. If she don't start after 3 or 4, check for spark. Oh and they had a completely ridiculous kill button which needed to be in circuit but frequently wasn't. Usually if you just flicked that button (it's red) that would get contact back and bingo. (These switch clusters were not very waterproof.) A lot of us just ended up wiring that button out because it was such a total PITA.
Its still a very cool clip since all Norton people can relate.
I'm surprised how many people watch this one. I didn't expect it. Thank you
Some people just don't know how to start them i never had any trouble starting my bikes
Same here. If no joy after 3, some problem somewhere.
Sure way to break a leg (at least).
STAND ASTRIDE!
No. Better to start on the centre stand and stand beside the bike. You can start them astride but it's harder. Never trust the Norton sidestand, it was designed by Beelzebub in person
@@RodFleming-World .... "Mr DANGEROUS" I'd say Rod Fleming - and would say that as LOUDLY as I can.
I genuinely worry: I'd say it's fine to start a Commando on (or off) its centre stand SO LONG AS you are only ever doing so astride the bike and absolutely NEVER while standing beside it. I'd say standing beside it makes a broken ankle, leg and/or pelvis quite likely.
And I wouldn't even THINK of trusting the Norton's side stand for anything, I'd say designed by Beelzebub's 3-year-old.
If a Commando do not start with max. two kicks, it has some issues with ignition or carburettors.
Exactly sir!
Hey, it’s a Norton. Didn’t expect it to be easy, did you?
I remember when these first came out , saw one do 128 mph over a quarter mile at a drag meeting.. Conan UK
That's amazing! Mine won't do that, I have it geared up as high as I can get it.
I bought mine aged 18 in 1977. Being 18 helps a lot, but please don't kick it over on the side stand, sit astride or use the centre stand. If it ever fires up, but immediately cuts out, it's possibly the kill switch (yes, it can fire but just for a second). You might like to now that in 1977 a Queen's jubilee Bonneville cost £749, whereas a Commndo cost £1,600. A good bike forr the taller chap, I'm 6'2".
Beautiful bike. I feel for you man. They are not easy to kick over sometimes. My dad had a 73 850 with a rebuilt engine and the engine was so tight we ended up pull starting it with the car lol but it worked. Once running it ran like a bat outta hell. I swear it would lay rubber for about 30 feet.
Norton Commandos felt wheelies were undignified.
I've got a '69 XLCH. What you did there was just the priming kicks I need to start my mechanical chum.
Yours is a beautiful bike. I'm jealous. My 'CH needs a garage buddy like your Norton.
Airheads forever. Thanks for the vid. Sub/Likie
Thanks 👍
This is why I bought a 1975 Mk III with electric start .....I got tired of kicking my guts out.
Hi. I had the same issue with my 73 until I figured out how to kick over a bike. Get the pistons to the compression stroke. Should be able to pretty much stand on the kicker, crack the throttle 1/4 then drop your weight. Works best stradling bike on the ctr stand. Key is to have it on the compression stroke.
@@ryantonhauser672 Sounds good.
Yeah, best to have it on centerstand as the side stands are pretty flimsy.
I had the same.Starter never worked,but started on the 1st or 2nd kick,every time.
Great way to break a leg. 😮
*DON'T* leave your weight on the starting foot.
Hello Sir, lovely looking bike . As someone else commented I was also concerned about the side stand . Was hoping to hear it fire up after you solved the ignition timing . Hope it proves to be a more reliable starter in the future and gives you plenty of trouble free riding . Always liked the Commandos .
Thank you for the kind comment. I have other videos of the Norton, a walk around and first ride specifically. 1971 kickstands were very bad, i downloaded the drawing to make the 1972-on version which is very stout, and put in on. It starts usually first or second kick now. It runs very good and i get at least 50 mpg. I have four videos right now. I got bashed for this video, saying i looked like I didn't know what i'm doing. Actually I didn't! The idea was so others don't make the same mistake I did.
@@nicksnorton2340 I will certainly watch the other videos , did you restore the bike yourself. I noticed that you have another bike in your garage , more Norton's . Thanks for sharing .
I did do the restoration except for the paint and frame. It took 23 months, some of which was covid delays and such. I put most of the reliability upgrades on it. The seat took 9 weeks to receive! Pazon ignition, Harley Davidson style rectifier/regulator, coil. Swing arm mod, spin on oil filter. LED everything, new speedo/tach (electronic). 24 tooth sprocket for highway use. Should've went 25! Lots of torque, just a little slow taking off. Primary belt kit from Colorado Norton Works, Barnett clutch. New everything! It was a rolling basket case. Bought it 1984 when i was MUCH younger. I have a couple Harley's, 2 cushman scooters. It's all cycle therapy!!
Nick
@@nicksnorton2340 The restoration looks marvelous , I'm sure you are more able than you give yourself credit for . You certainly have a varied and interesting selection of rides available to you . All you need to complete the list of upgrades is a Quaife 5 speed gearbox , although riding with only an arm and a leg may prove tricky due to the price of them .
I have thought about the Quaife, I know i can get the gearsets, however, too bad i can't get just a lower first gear. I went to Quaifes website and of course they're out of them. I'll have to look around. Thanks again for the pleasant comments. Are you from the states? Most of my viewers are from the UK. I'm in Ohio.
It's bad enough with a 65 Lambretta!
Your Norton a very pretty ornament even she doesn't like to start.
Thank you. It starts on the first or second kick most of the time. I've got about 8900 mi on it now.
I just added a video of my 73 750 , same colour as well .
Solution 125ccm China PVC -Scooter digital injection 2.5l/100km from 0-60kmh in 4 seconds weight 98Kg Prise 1750€ starts on -10C° in 3 seconds. This one can climp on a wall. History no one life in a pyramid ^^
Irgendwie, nicht geklappt? Der Pakt es schon,
Tickle it!
This brought back memories, not fond ones. Beautiful bike. I'm sure you are aware to be very careful kick starting the bike while on its side stand......they will snap off. Judging by your technique, you are aware of this. There's a great RUclips channel for British bikes, especially Commandos, it's called The Mighty Garage, check it out.
The kick stand was broke off long long ago. I put the '72 style on it. I think I've watched most all of the mighty garage videos!
I always started my Commando on the side stand, but I would stand astride the bike and not beside it - same with any bike really - that way when you put your weight on the starter the bike tries to stand up and if you are astride it then it's more controllable.
Never had a stand snap off - but I am sure it could happen if it takes all your weight as well as the bike's when you stand beside the bike. I tend to kick the bike over with leg muscles, not just stand on the starter and use my weight to do it.
I would never start a bike on the center stand for the same reason - because when you kick it, the bike wants to fall to the right.... it's just how I was taught to do things back in the 'seventies.
I did however, have the side stand bolt drop out once after the securing nut koosened off.... I kicked the stand out and watched it fly off up the road - outside the pub so I just leant the bike against a wall, picked the stand up and went in the pub !
Indeed. It's more effective to kickstart the bike while on it. I owned a variety of Yamaha and BSA 500 c.c. thumpers and never dreamed of kickstarting them side-saddle.@@thakery5720
Saves on gym fees.
🙄🙄🙄
It's a shame - another example of more time spent making a bike look nice rather than time spent making sure it's going to start, run right and be reliable - at least you should have learnt something, good luck for the future!
Obviously, you weren't there for the restoration. I did make a few mistakes. However, there was more than just "show" done on the project. I made all the reliability upgrades I could do. Thank you
@@nicksnorton2340 You still have oil by-passing the valve guides and piston rings judging by your videos. Fit Kibblewhite guides which require reaming to size after installing and get the cylinder bore plateau honed when you fit new pistons. I highly recommend M.A.P lightweight pistons.