1974 Norton Commando 850 - Part 4 - New Tires and Will It Start?

[@raymondvoigt7336]

A mechanical symphony to my ears! Thank you.

[@edwinthompson159]

In opening scenes I noticed a poster of the "Norton Girl" on the counter -- as a young teen in 70-72 I always loved the Norton ads in Cycle World Magazine. That is a pretty bike, and it sounds great.

[@stevekovacs6250]

Very much enjoy your videos. Brings back fond memories of when I owned my 74 Dunstall Norton Commando 850. Cheers!

[@johnmcclain3887]

I was thinking there was a speedo drive on that rear wheel, been forty years since I looked, lol. I'd forgotten the very nice wheel removal leaving the sprocket and drum still connected, very nice indeed. I've got a half inch ratchet with an 18 inch handle for "those tight bolts". I believe I might have to get a Norton in the near future. I can see I'm not the only one "riding vicariously" via this blog. I've really got a lot of pleasure sharing with others on "youtube", both those posting, and the sidelines observers, as myself. I'd forgotten what good community is connected in this way. The bike is really coming together before my eyes. It sounds just perfect, I don't think carbs could be better matched. It's almost as if I actually visited. thanks so much!

[@bruceferguson6637]

What a beauty! Hope a warm spell comes soon so you can take us for a spin.

[@gerrypowell2748]

Yer definitely struck gold on this Norton❤️

[@mevcarter6664]

Certainly the nicest standard Commando I have seen.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Mev. I’m growing very attached to it :-) I would’ve never chosen that color, but it really grows on you :-) best wishes, Mike.

[@larrys.3992]

Cycle Gear did a good job for me putting Road Attacks on my K1200S and no charge! The Norton is beautiful. Cheers Mike!

[@bokarlsson1027]

Im useing Dunlop TT100 tires since I bought and restored my commando for several years ago. I didnt knew that I could use these new kind of Avon tires because of the rear 19" wheel..thank You for your tips "again" 👍😁

[@hotwheel6663]

Beauty she is with that 70s paint

[@donparker1823]

I'm so conflicted when I see you working on these fabulous old bikes. On the one hand I'd like to have something like a BSA Lightning but I remember too well being stranded by those old machines and pushing them many a miserable and malcontented mile. Plus I've got 9 screws in my right tibia now (wrecked my 2004 FZ1) and I don't know about starting one. I refuse to stand on the right side and kick with my left leg either. But I love the sound and the look and I suppose the idea of those old bikes.

[@johnmcclain3887]

I've got a bad hip from a crash in the seventies, and two bad knees from two decades as a marine, but I can't leave the bikes behind. I've had my latest harley since I built it in 95, and am waiting on a Triumph just bought, to have one a bit easier on the knee, to start. That old rigid frame isn't so kind on the back these days. I just fall in the conflict, can't help myself. I understand many bikes now have electric start, haven't tried them out though.

[@soupdragon5555]

What a gorgeous Norton. Can’t think of a better custodian. Look forward to following your summer adventures.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Graham. I really appreciate it. Yes, I can’t wait to ride it a little more. Off to the DMV (department of motor vehicles) to make it legal today 😉

[@dgordon130]

This does it. I'm moving to Oregon. Absolutely brilliant and don't want it to end.

[@TheMightyGarage]

You would be most welcome here! Come on over 😉

[@henryhawk978]

Very nice. Can't get over how good the paint looks. Sweat ride. COME ON BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!

[@Beanerds]

It lives ! ,, beautiful .

[@johnb5519]

Very nice, and for being cold, it was ticking over nicely. Good job Mike.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks John. It wasn’t too bad. Once the engine warmed up it felt pretty comfortable. Hoping to do a lot longer rides this year. Best wishes, Mike

[@pablocespedes5880]

Jeez, what a beautiful sound that engine makes!!!

[@deaterk]

My Goodness she’s a pretty bike! That color is fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing your 2 wheeled life with us Mike!

[@zepelin-on-road]

I don't want to break the suspense of that episode (will it start ?), but it's an happy end !! 😀

[@MichaelWorthingtonDendro]

What a sweet bike!

[@garycb8592]

Nothing sounds like a Brit bike ! Thanks for posting.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks Gary. Cheers, Mike

[@peterwilliamson4296]

A very beautiful bike and yes, it is quiet. Cheers guys.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks very much Peter!

[@kendemers8821]

Beautiful Norton Commando!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Ken!

[@jontg429]

Man one of the most beautiful Commando's I have seen, very nice! Enjoy that gem!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you kindly Jon! I really appreciate it and I'm looking forward to riding this bike this year. Best wishes, Mike

[@daveco1270]

Cycle Gear does tires? I didn't know that. I changed my first set of tires recently and man was it a pain in the butt. Didn't help that the old tires were 20+ years old. I put those Avon Roadriders on... made a big difference in performance.

[@stewy62]

Really looking forward to some videos of you riding this peach of a motorcycle ! 🇬🇧

[@manfredmatzdorf4728]

Hey, Mike, nice bike.. I am happy to see, how it continues… greetings from northern Germany Manfred ( 1978 Triumph T 140 V and Ducati 900 SD)

[@moosey62]

I've bent two brake disks trying to change tyres, I'm ashamed to say! It's a tricky job at the best of times and not worth the bother - unless you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, which I was on at least one occasion. The other, well. umm.. Mike, you've landed a gem there mate. Congrats again.

[@bluemerle2001]

Interesting...when the closed captioning is on, it says [Music] when the engine is running. How perfect is that? !!

[@stancoleshill8925]

Up here in Canada, you could be expected to pay as much as $500 or more for a front tire and tube etc. installed at a dealer. I got into the tricks of how to do it myself after about three times. Your bike needs the idle turned up on one side. It is/was basically running on one cylinder during this video. Ask me how I know? I've owned one for 49 years. It's what they call "a daily driver" with Amals put back on and running on both cylinders. Been there done that and then some.

[@duckysan]

Result! Love your careful and gentle approach to the jobs you take on. Best to have changed the rotor as you did - the plating was just for cosmetics and ruined the coefficient of friction. You really have a great find there Mike, well done!

[@macgraham100]

Good early morning video Mike, thanks!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Matt!

[@BrendanGM]

Time capsule indeed! Mike, I'd like to purchase this bike once you get it finished. I'm sure neither of us is comfortable discussing the vulgar matter of price so I'll just send along a bank draft and you can fill in whatever number you think is fair. 😉 Cheers, Brendan

[@aiflechita]

Por favor no le cambie los mufflers, me encanta ese sonido original, Es lo mejor que tiene.!!! Le felicito por sus muy instructivos videos,Me ayudan mucho Antonio,Puerto Rico

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hola Antonio, muchas gracias por tu nota. ¡Absolutamente, me quedaré con los silenciadores! Mis mejores deseos, Mike

[@wdhewson]

I've always done my own tire spooning, but must admit several near defeats. Tires seem to have stiffer sidewalls compared to the k70s of the 1960s and '70s. My strong friend Steve used to do it without spoons, bare hands !!

[@erwinballings9155]

Nice work Mike, and when looking at the close-up of the the bike you can see it is in very good condition. I am curious to see the first test ride. Thanks for sharing another nice 4th part video.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Erwin. Everything is going really well and a test ride is coming up soon 😉

[@balajiiyengar4]

Every episode of yours is as beautiful as it could be. I am so glad this bike go you as owner, I wish I was in the same country as you are to own, love a similar bike like you all do.

[@Norton731]

Another excellent video Mike, congratulations, the commando looks to be in near perfect condition.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Bazza! Everything is going well. Had a few carb-electrical related things to take care of but it's going great. Cheers, Mike

[@mevcarter6664]

That is a very special Commando Mike 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks! Everything seems to be going really well. Had a few carburetor problems, but I think they are now fixed. More episodes to follow soon. Best wishes, Mike

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

Great video, Mike. You are fortunate to have a Cycle Gear nearby that you can trust to do the job right. Now that you have performed most of the required maintenance, I'm sure that Vincent is in excess to your needs, I'll be picking it up soon.

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

@@TheMightyGarage Maybe I have my videos mixed up..... is this the same Cycle Gear that put 10-20 ounces of weight on your wheel?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Rod, that was another company that added all the weights! They have mostly been removed now as we removed the rim lock. Best wishes, Mike

[@britbiker9]

Actually Mike, I misspoke. I did drain sump plug, It's looks like the sump filter plug is leaking.

[@mldiode]

Mike, She purrrs! What a beautiful bike! Congratulations! Take it easy with those new tires! Miles of smiles….

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I appreciate it.

[@garybrown4854]

Sounds sweet as a nut Mike , in an unusual colour as well , another one saved , top job .🏁

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Gary. Yes, I don't think we have another commando in this color in the club. There are a couple of blue ones and the green one, but I don't think we have an orange or purple bike. Best wishes, Mike

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

Certainly a lovely bike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Kevin. I’m really enjoying the project. Cheers, Mike

[@danielmcneil3004]

Congratulations Mike, on the first startup. Sounds great. Still hard to believe how clean and beautiful that bike is. Can’t wait to see it on the road. Cheers and stay safe. Dan. 👍👍🏍🇨🇦

[@gerardus7314]

Good evening, Sounds nice. It is the cross-over that cuts the bark out of the exhaust. To me it seems strange to see the stickers still on the rear tire especially since it was balanced. It looks like a Tex Automotive mirror head on the left. If so, it is a lot better than what seems to be on the market now and much better field of view. Have you tried any ceramic treatments inside any of your bikes' exhaust to keep the chrome from discolouring? Keep up the good work. Gerardus

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Lovely video!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks as always and thanks again for your excellent videos. I always look forward to them. Best wishes, Mike

[@esbennielsen5444]

Very nice bike! You've got me skimming the classifieds for Commandos.... ;-)

[@TheMightyGarage]

😄 Thank you! You have to get a Commando 😄 They are such great bikes. Best wishes, Mike

[@nickmarshall9192]

Nice looking commando I've never considered getting my tyres fitted/balanced by someone else I don't find it difficult Don't forget the grease in the speedometer drive gear needs to be flushed out and changed fairly frequently or the star of death will appear

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks very much for the advice Nick. I appreciate it. Cheers, Mike

[@hawaiisidecar]

Beautiful bike.

[@macgraham100]

Great early morning video Mike! Thanks!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Matt. I appreciate it. I've got a few more in the pipeline. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Cheers, Mike

[@practicalplinking6133]

New tires AND brakes !! tape a note to the bars so ya don't forget when ya go for a ride in good weather. ya might forget with all the bikes ya gots!!

[@TheMightyGarage]

😉😉 That’s a great idea!👍

[@jerrytritz]

Congratulations, beautiful bike.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Jerry! Hope you are doing well and hope to see you again soon. Cheers, Mike

[@bananabrooks3836]

Does not need lights on for starting. No mention of carb/ign issued talked of in Vincent ride video.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks. Yes, I'm getting reacclimated to the original key switches. I swapped mine out on my other bike so that it's just on or off. I realized afterwards that the first key switch is ignition without lights and it works just fine. The carburetor/ignition issues talked about during my ride will be covered in upcoming videos. Thanks for your comments, cheers, Mike

[@_JimS]

MG, did the original Norton have that much flake in the paint? The paint is gorgeous, kudos to the painter. I'm not new but I am to this channel and to old Norton's, which I;m having a ball watching Norton videos to learn more about them. The double rear axles are pretty cool, never knew that about this bike. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Jim, yes this is all original paint. It sure was a heavy metal flake that they used back then. Glad you are enjoying the videos! Best wishes

[@georgemartin5481]

Such a great Norton, so glad to see it has found a perfect home in your garage Mike! Sounded fabulous on the startup, but I was watching for your face to turn green as it ran inside. 🤢

[@TheDavey333]

Your like kid in a candy store! Your face when it kicked into life 😀 Now all is left is to ride it, get yourself ready for that one 😎 Enjoy your tea Mike ☕️🏍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks very much David! Yes, it's always such a thrill, isn't it? I just got a couple more videos and then it's time for a test ride 😉 I hope all is well and you have a great week. Cheers, Mike

[@nick_b]

Nice Mike, as it seems now you are ready to do a test ride!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Nikola! Yes, just a couple more jobs to do and then it's time for a test ride! Best wishes, Mike

[@daveb1268]

Nice work Mike; original & unrestored, just lovely 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Dave, cheers, Mike

[@northlandrider5396]

In my experience British bikes only start first kick when nobody's watching. Third kick in front of 12,000 subscribers is impressive.😉

[@ronr6605]

and they usually stand in a puddle of oil... suspiciously 🤔 😀

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, so true!! Thanks a lot, Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

😉😉😉

[@tadpoles10]

So pleased for you Mike, bike in this condition is a joy. A few 'upgrades' makes it 'yours', that's how I approach a new purchase. atvb t ..

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Terry, yes, everything is going really well so far. I'm really happy with the bike. Best wishes, Mike

[@martindavies8326]

Hi Mike, that is one hell of a great looking motorcycle, I’m envious, I always fit my own tyres, but to be fair, I was a tyre fitter for 8 years when I was younger and find it so easy, bye the way I love the Avon Roadride got them on my 68 Daytona, great in the Twisties, cheers Martin ⚙️🔩🔧👍🇬🇧

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Norton. Yes, a few of the guys still fit theirs. I don't know how they do it as it takes so much effort. I always feel like I need an extra pair of hands and a little bit more strength! Best wishes, Mike

[@jonathanhucker4634]

Beautiful looking and sounding Norton! Looking forward to the road test Mike ,thanks for sharing 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks Jonathan 👍 I'm looking forward to riding it very soon!

[@ilovecake50]

How do you find the brakes in the standard set up? I've only ridden my Dad's which have the 13mm master cylinders one with a Lockheed big disc the other with an RGM disc with a four pot BMW r1200rt caliper as you can imagine they both stop in a hurry

[@samr.8335]

Is the tire groove pattern directional? Is the front tire mounted in reverse direction? It's mounted opposite pattern of rear tire.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Sam, yes. These Avon tires can be installed on front and rear wheels. There are markings on the walls of the tires that indicate the direction of the tire depending upon whether they are mounted on the front or rear rim. I just double-checked and they are correctly installed 😉 Best wishes, Mike

[@britbiker9]

Great video Mike, thanks. My Commando 's engine was rebuilt years ago but barely run ( long story ! ). Looks like it's been leaking from the sump plug and tank looks empty. I just drained oil from oil plug and yes got clean oil. Could not find my whitworth spanner so used 14 mm ok, What spanner did you use ? Also you did not remove sump plug, When should that be opened ? And what spanner ? Adjustable wrench ? Thanks .

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks for your note. Andover Norton sell a very nice filter/drain tool that I use. It's quite reasonable. andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/20719/sump-spanner-500-850-twins-for-large-filter-drain-plug-

[@sf940477]

Nice sounding Mike bet you can't wait to get it out for a ride.. what you going to do with the black one ?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Stephen. I'm definitely holding onto the black and gold bike. I'm still really fond of it and it's running so well (famous last words). It might take a little while for this new/old commando to settle in. Best wishes, Mike

[@jameskwaka]

Let me guess. You go off to sleep each night planning in your head what tasks you need to do to one of your beloved bikes the next day. Then you wake up ready to rock and roll. I am jealous of you Mike, but more power to you mate.

[@TheMightyGarage]

It's a bit sad James but so true!! 😉 I'm making a mental note of the things that need to be done... and then a minute later I wake up 😀

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

🏍️✌️👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MothershipVideos]

Runs like a clock.

[@dr.wilfriedhitzler1885]

Compared to these bikes, modern bikes look ugly. A Norton 850 Commando you could meet in the smallest village here in Germany. An Ikone.