Had a 72 Dunstall Norton 810. The Dunstall was a looker and a heck of a road bike. Just looked at a stock early 71 Norton 750 Commando Interstate and a Dunstall next to it and I had no choice. The looks and performance were for me incredible. The ride was much more refined at speed. Changed the rims to Borani forged aluminum and kept the Avon tires. I’m not sure if they came standard with Dunlop tires originally. Great bikes at a decent price back in the 70’s. The new bikes are beautiful, but a bit pricy, but if they handle and have the thrill of ownership, price be damned.
Great videos, thank you. I bought my Roadster from Taylor Matterson London in Oct 1974 new off the floor. An MK2A, with the plastic air filter, and megaphone pipes. It was sold as a resident bike, but I bought it as an export bike and did export it when my trip finished and shipped it back to Canada. Odd, it also came with the front forks like yours. Still have it, it was red when new, now black, but not near as in good shape as yours. thanks again
They’re both beautiful motorcycles! I’m so envious right now. There’s just something about these that you don’t get with the Triumph T140, which I now own. Be nice to get one of the 5-speed boxes, not that they’re really needed. 👍🏻
Saw a French registered NorVIN on a ferry from Dover once. It looked a bit of a state. As I looked at it, the rider turned up and he was the spitting image of Ogri (I kid you not).
Thanks for the series of videos Chris, as mentioned I have learned many helpful things from you. I take notes and screen-shots (and add additional details) and add them to my library. Can't wait for your next project. My 71 Commando is just about where I want it, a couple of small winter projects and will be all completed. The Commandos are very enjoyable to ride and they just look awesome as well.....
Those are two beautiful Mark 3 Commando Roadsters. FYI, to convert a Roadster to an Interstate, you need to change not only the fuel tank and side panels but also the seat and the grab bar behind the seat. The Interstate fuel tank is longer than the Roadster tank, so the seat has to be repositioned further back on the frame. Since the seat Loop of the frame tapers at the rear, moving the grab rail back also changes the mounting point and the width of it. That then requires a slightly different grab rail. Earlier, Interstate models also had different exhaust pipes and mufflers. The earlier Interstates did not have the upswept exhaust pipes
Hi Chris. I am relieved to see that the oil pressure on your bike is also at about 80PSI from cold. Same on my Commando after the engine rebuilt last year. It drops to about 40 at idle when warm (no shims in the pressure relief valve). I was a bit concerned that the oil pressure might be too high, because most people on the forums say that readings of 10psi at idle and 10psi per 1000revs are very common. Maybe the high pressure is due to the carrillos in my engine. They dont have "squirt holes" as the original conrods.
I'm not sure as to why the gauges read so high on start up, when in theory they shouldn't, due to the oil pressure relief valve. But they just do and I'm happy with that. 👍
Well, there's definitely room for improvement as regards their customer service. I've not been impressed with how they deal with problems etc. The customer is always wrong.
Originally the Norvil commando was Norton’s Production racer otherwise known as the “yellow peril” Norvil was the designation for the Norton Race shop (really just short version of Norton Villiers) which developed all the race bikes including the JPN bikes. Engineers included Peter Williams and Norman White amongst others. These modern Norvil bike are the creation of the company that purchased the Norvil brand. A clear distinction should be made by Norton enthusiasts !
Funny you should ask that. I always get mine from Jepsons, but they insist on full documentation to prove that the plate would be legal - which I didn't have this time. So instead I found a company called 'we make plates' on the Internet and they made this particular plate. Good service from both companies. 👍
Always a good looking bike .don't know very old engine .and electrics my answer lots of people buy harleys.too ,still got a good loyal following for both.unlike.most Harley's when set up correctly handle pretty good too on twists ,require good maintainence constantly
Beautiful restorations; superb. But... there seems to be a terrible noise after both are started. We've owned several Commandos, both 750 & 850s, and bought a new Commando S back in 1969; none made the noise yours has. You may want to tear into their bottom ends to see what that rattley grinding sound is.
I'm not quite sure what you're hearing, but I'm pretty sure it's not the bottom ends. I think maybe you are hearing the starter motors grinding on the sprag bearings before they shut down.
My first Norton, the same in black!!. Still on the road from november 1977!!. The best in the all world. Nothing is comparable. Norton is King.
Had a 72 Dunstall Norton 810. The Dunstall was a looker and a heck of a road bike. Just looked at a stock early 71 Norton 750 Commando Interstate and a Dunstall next to it and I had no choice. The looks and performance were for me incredible. The ride was much more refined at speed. Changed the rims to Borani forged aluminum and kept the Avon tires. I’m not sure if they came standard with Dunlop tires originally. Great bikes at a decent price back in the 70’s. The new bikes are beautiful, but a bit pricy, but if they handle and have the thrill of ownership, price be damned.
Great videos, thank you. I bought my Roadster from Taylor Matterson London in Oct 1974 new off the floor. An MK2A, with the plastic air filter, and megaphone pipes. It was sold as a resident bike, but I bought it as an export bike and did export it when my trip finished and shipped it back to Canada. Odd, it also came with the front forks like yours. Still have it, it was red when new, now black, but not near as in good shape as yours. thanks again
A great story! Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍
Some Interstates did not have the upswept peashooter exhaust system. The stainless steel oil lines are a very nice addition.
My favourite bike of all time, but sadly never owned one.
They are both gorgeous Mk3s
Thanks. 👍
They’re both beautiful motorcycles! I’m so envious right now. There’s just something about these that you don’t get with the Triumph T140, which I now own. Be nice to get one of the 5-speed boxes, not that they’re really needed. 👍🏻
Saw a French registered NorVIN on a ferry from Dover once. It looked a bit of a state. As I looked at it, the rider turned up and he was the spitting image of Ogri (I kid you not).
Thanks for the series of videos Chris, as mentioned I have learned many helpful things from you. I take notes and screen-shots (and add additional details) and add them to my library. Can't wait for your next project. My 71 Commando is just about where I want it, a couple of small winter projects and will be all completed. The Commandos are very enjoyable to ride and they just look awesome as well.....
Thanks, Mark. Glad to hear that you find the videos useful. 👍👍👍 And, yes, beautiful machines!
Those are two beautiful Mark 3 Commando Roadsters. FYI, to convert a Roadster to an Interstate, you need to change not only the fuel tank and side panels but also the seat and the grab bar behind the seat. The Interstate fuel tank is longer than the Roadster tank, so the seat has to be repositioned further back on the frame. Since the seat Loop of the frame tapers at the rear, moving the grab rail back also changes the mounting point and the width of it. That then requires a slightly different grab rail. Earlier, Interstate models also had different exhaust pipes and mufflers. The earlier Interstates did not have the upswept exhaust pipes
Thanks. 👍
Correct. 👍
I would tend to agree with you on the colour. I prefer the brighter red with the silver but yours is still as beautiful. Just different.
Hi Chris. I am relieved to see that the oil pressure on your bike is also at about 80PSI from cold.
Same on my Commando after the engine rebuilt last year.
It drops to about 40 at idle when warm (no shims in the pressure relief valve).
I was a bit concerned that the oil pressure might be too high, because most people on the forums say that readings of 10psi at idle and 10psi per 1000revs are very common.
Maybe the high pressure is due to the carrillos in my engine.
They dont have "squirt holes" as the original conrods.
I'm not sure as to why the gauges read so high on start up, when in theory they shouldn't, due to the oil pressure relief valve. But they just do and I'm happy with that. 👍
Very informative video thanks, what sort of life expectancy do you think these engines would have when properly maintained, oil filter fitted etc?
I've owned two 750 Commando roadster, can't say I was happy with my dealings with the Norvil company...how do you find them?
Well, there's definitely room for improvement as regards their customer service. I've not been impressed with how they deal with problems etc. The customer is always wrong.
@@Chris.rooke150 my experience too, very disappointing really it could be a fantastic business. You have done brilliant work on your mark 3 👏
wow, i didnt know about these, looked it up and they have huge order book, both bikes look amazing, makes my new RE gt650 look like junk
Originally the Norvil commando was Norton’s Production racer otherwise known as the “yellow peril” Norvil was the designation for the Norton Race shop (really just short version of Norton Villiers) which developed all the race bikes including the JPN bikes. Engineers included Peter Williams and Norman White amongst others. These modern Norvil bike are the creation of the company that purchased the Norvil brand. A clear distinction should be made by Norton enthusiasts !
Mate did your Nortons paint have a gold base ,I think the Norvil may have a silver base and that is possibly the difference between the colours.
I think it's just the colour of the transfers. You can choose either silver or gold. 👍
Chris, where did you buy your black/silver number plates from?
Funny you should ask that. I always get mine from Jepsons, but they insist on full documentation to prove that the plate would be legal - which I didn't have this time. So instead I found a company called 'we make plates' on the Internet and they made this particular plate. Good service from both companies. 👍
Always a good looking bike .don't know very old engine .and electrics my answer lots of people buy harleys.too ,still got a good loyal following for both.unlike.most Harley's when set up correctly handle pretty good too on twists ,require good maintainence constantly
Hi, great videos and very informative - the end result is just what I'm looking for! How do I get in touch with the owner? BR Pete
Hi, Pete, thanks for your message. I'll contact the owner and see what's the best way to put you both in touch. 👍
Are you able to send me a private message on Messenger? I can then let you have the owner's contact details. 👍
@@Chris.rooke150 Just sent message👍
Message received and reply sent. Good luck. 👍
Beautiful restorations; superb. But... there seems to be a terrible noise after both are started. We've owned several Commandos, both 750 & 850s, and bought a new Commando S back in 1969; none made the noise yours has. You may want to tear into their bottom ends to see what that rattley grinding sound is.
I'm not quite sure what you're hearing, but I'm pretty sure it's not the bottom ends. I think maybe you are hearing the starter motors grinding on the sprag bearings before they shut down.
I think it's the microphone.
If maintainence not your thing ,don't buy one.