There is a metal strap that cross over to secure the rear, You can see on line parts books if you look for them. When you first start a Norton you need to keep it reving at about 2-3000 RPMs to warm it up. You need to be sure you have oil pressure. The bikes wet sump when parked, so the oil tank drains into the base of the engine. You should drain all the oil out of the bike and refill it with new oil.
I'm sure you've solved all your problems by now but know this: the enemy of Amal carbs is ethanol gas. If left in the carb for any length of time the gas evaporates internally and plugs the idle circuit passage which is .015" or simply 15 thousands of an inch. The idling circuitry isn't needed once you give the throttle some gas and the throttle needle and jet over ride the idle circuit. Ethanol was not in gas when these carbs were designed and installed in British bikes. The new design of Amal Premiers have a better circuitry thats easier to clean out if plugged. Try Shell Super which should be ethanol free or any other ethanol free gas. Especially since I only see 1 carb that Norton Commando will never be what it wants to be. The dual Amals gives the Commando the acceleration, the torque and the grunt it was designed to be. You'll notice a huge difference. Be careful of all the owners advocating to go to a single Mikuni carb. If you do you'll miss out on that torque, acceleration and grunt. Once you learn how to set up the carbs, time the bike it will be a 1 kick starter and a perfect idler just like mine and many others. Good luck.
I remember that starring process over 40 years ago on my 750. Now I have the same pleasure with my outboard motor. 😂
There is a metal strap that cross over to secure the rear, You can see on line parts books if you look for them. When you first start a Norton you need to keep it reving at about 2-3000 RPMs to warm it up. You need to be sure you have oil pressure. The bikes wet sump when parked, so the oil tank drains into the base of the engine. You should drain all the oil out of the bike and refill it with new oil.
Thanks for the feedback, Carl! I had replaced the oil, just not the filter.
Can't see you tickling the carb on the Mk 1 Amal ? Pretty essential and more crucial than the choke on a cold start
Definitely have been tickling the carb. That's just fun to say, ha ha.
I'm sure you've solved all your problems by now but know this: the enemy of Amal carbs is ethanol gas. If left in the carb for any length of time the gas evaporates internally and plugs the idle circuit passage which is .015" or simply 15 thousands of an inch. The idling circuitry isn't needed once you give the throttle some gas and the throttle needle and jet over ride the idle circuit. Ethanol was not in gas when these carbs were designed and installed in British bikes. The new design of Amal Premiers have a better circuitry thats easier to clean out if plugged. Try Shell Super which should be ethanol free or any other ethanol free gas. Especially since I only see 1 carb that Norton Commando will never be what it wants to be. The dual Amals gives the Commando the acceleration, the torque and the grunt it was designed to be. You'll notice a huge difference. Be careful of all the owners advocating to go to a single Mikuni carb. If you do you'll miss out on that torque, acceleration and grunt. Once you learn how to set up the carbs, time the bike it will be a 1 kick starter and a perfect idler just like mine and many others. Good luck.
Robert, thanks for the input! I'm still learning about these old British bikes.
And the Premium gas here in Minnesota is (supposed to be) ethanol-free.
Try a 1/4 throttle when kicking, helped mine