Beautiful bike. I remember racing a friend of mine who had one of those brand new 650 Yamaha's back in my high school days in the early 70's, with my 68 Commando. He couldn't catch me. Ah, the good old days, I wish I still had it today.
@@Chris.rooke150 that's because we was young then lol I not long turned 60 eeeek even tho ill never be 60, I still get mistaken for being in my 40s lol
I am a bit jealous after a business trip to Germany I am currently recovering from COVID so can't get out. I have the same basic front brake set up on one of my Commando's and I found without further work it's not very good, not much different to the standard brake, the problem is the upgraded caliper has smaller pistons than the standard caliper reducing the mechanical advantage of the master cylinder. I have made 3 changes, the first was a Lockheed racing lever, which gives a greater leverage, this helped but still not up to modern standards, the second change was converting the master cylinder to 13mm, these are now available to buy but I fitted a RGM kit, this made a significant improvement good power but still a lack of bite at lower speeds, the last change I made was fitting EBC FA16S organic pads, this made a significant improvement, the brake is now very close in performance to my second Commando which has a 12" disc fitted with a modern four pot caliper, a little less feel but more power than an Avon Roadrider tyre has grip. The main issue is the cost is £450 for these parts you can save over half of this if you use the RGM 13mm sleeve kit but this is fairly involve to fit.
John, that's great info, thanks. I do have the 13mm master cylinder conversion on my own Commando, but I'm not entirely sure what's fitted to this one. I have just ordered new racing brake pads from a supplier I know who rates them highly. Let's hope that they improve things considerably as at present the brake is very poor with a very wooden feel, and it bites too early so the lever is too far away to get a good grip on it. I'll post as to how I get on. 👍
@@Chris.rooke150 When Norvil built the bike I don't think the 13mm master cylinder was available just the sleeving kit form RGM and I am sure Norvil wouldn't fit a RGM product.
It's only just dawned on me that the odd large number graduations on the speedo are ideal for UK roads, seeing as 30, 50 and 70 MPH are the most common speed limits. I can't think of any other speedos where I've seen this.
The standard tuning for the pilot air screw is 1 1/2 turns out. On this bike that was just about spot on for the right hand carb, but quite a bit off for the left hand carb which is why it was running so badly at first. The only way is to experiment with a warm engine. If the engine doesn't change speed when the air screw is turned in or out then the pilot circuits are probably blocked. Good luck. 👍
Beautiful bike. I remember racing a friend of mine who had one of those brand new 650 Yamaha's back in my high school days in the early 70's, with my 68 Commando. He couldn't catch me. Ah, the good old days, I wish I still had it today.
Lovely looking bike and great that the weather is finally improving enough to get out and about
Wow what a beautiful old style bike. I owned my first bike in 1979 and love my biking days
Glad you like it. Biking days are always good days.👍
@@Chris.rooke150 that's because we was young then lol I not long turned 60 eeeek even tho ill never be 60, I still get mistaken for being in my 40s lol
Norton bikes are so nicely balanced and fun to ride
I am a bit jealous after a business trip to Germany I am currently recovering from COVID so can't get out. I have the same basic front brake set up on one of my Commando's and I found without further work it's not very good, not much different to the standard brake, the problem is the upgraded caliper has smaller pistons than the standard caliper reducing the mechanical advantage of the master cylinder. I have made 3 changes, the first was a Lockheed racing lever, which gives a greater leverage, this helped but still not up to modern standards, the second change was converting the master cylinder to 13mm, these are now available to buy but I fitted a RGM kit, this made a significant improvement good power but still a lack of bite at lower speeds, the last change I made was fitting EBC FA16S organic pads, this made a significant improvement, the brake is now very close in performance to my second Commando which has a 12" disc fitted with a modern four pot caliper, a little less feel but more power than an Avon Roadrider tyre has grip. The main issue is the cost is £450 for these parts you can save over half of this if you use the RGM 13mm sleeve kit but this is fairly involve to fit.
John, that's great info, thanks. I do have the 13mm master cylinder conversion on my own Commando, but I'm not entirely sure what's fitted to this one. I have just ordered new racing brake pads from a supplier I know who rates them highly. Let's hope that they improve things considerably as at present the brake is very poor with a very wooden feel, and it bites too early so the lever is too far away to get a good grip on it. I'll post as to how I get on. 👍
@@Chris.rooke150 When Norvil built the bike I don't think the 13mm master cylinder was available just the sleeving kit form RGM and I am sure Norvil wouldn't fit a RGM product.
It's only just dawned on me that the odd large number graduations on the speedo are ideal for UK roads, seeing as 30, 50 and 70 MPH are the most common speed limits. I can't think of any other speedos where I've seen this.
Out on my Commando today, great ride, but she misbehaved (fueling I think 🙈) great to be out though
Hi Chris, how many turns out do you have each screw at? I have an 850 fastback and its been unrideable for years due to the tuning.
The standard tuning for the pilot air screw is 1 1/2 turns out. On this bike that was just about spot on for the right hand carb, but quite a bit off for the left hand carb which is why it was running so badly at first. The only way is to experiment with a warm engine. If the engine doesn't change speed when the air screw is turned in or out then the pilot circuits are probably blocked. Good luck. 👍
@@Chris.rooke150 Thank you. I’m 21 years old and your Chanel is helping me out a lot!
Good to have the younger generation involved! Feel free to ask questions if you need help. 👍
Thats not a Norton, the needles on the gauges aren't swinging wildly. LOL. Seriously though, great bike. Always loved the Commando's.
Ha! Have a look at one of my T160 videos - the speedo needle dances wildly!! 😅
Great bike and great road to ride except the sheeps...
😁