Norton Commando 850 Race Project

This old race bike came to me as a project - had not been running in years, owner/builder had passed away. Turns out it was very well-built and needed surprisingly little to get it going again. Still needs a bit of sorting - too much sticktion in the forks, primary cover keeps shearing retaining bolts, needs a belly pan and fairing, final drive gearing needs work. Otherwise, should be ready to race for 2023 season!

[@alanfoster3610]

Wonderful to see it back on track ..well done . I run a Rickman Commando in races in the uk . Keep well . Alan

[@jwill9637]

It's such a shame the track is in such deplorable condition. Bike looks fab. The family must be proud to see the old Norton in its natural habitat. Best of luck going forward. You have a real gem on your hands.

[@veritech3712]

Thanks! AMP has no shortage of ... "character"... but we love it anyway. 100% club-owned/operated, tonnes of history and you won't find a better group of people anywhere.

[@e.l.9589]

As a newer rider, I love discovering bikes that I never even knew existed. I love the bikes of the past much more than the current ones.

[@criticalmass181]

What a beast of a bike! Lovely.

[@savingclassicmotorcycles]

Very very cool greetings from across the pond :)

[@garypatrick7817]

Wow…just wow… I miss my Norton Commando…

[@64t120r]

Nice freaking ride! A little work, according to your description, and that will be an amazing bike.

[@Kraggleflux]

I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. Did a bit of mid-lifing over covid and finally went for my motorcycle license. I made it out to the track a few times this season and I really dug the old school bikes more than I thought I would. Looking forward to seeing this one.

[@veritech3712]

What's the point in making it all the way to mid-life if you can't have some fun? Be sure to come by the paddock and say hi next time you're up; there's always coffee and a spare chair available!

[@tedryan2506]

She goes good!! Great video

[@alanstockley391]

Just fabulous 😊🇬🇧

[@garypatrick7817]

Thank….i enjoyed the ride

[@gren509]

That's a great Commando, with all the right parts, the previous owner knew what he was doing. I'm interested to know what gearbox you have, and did he add a 3rd Isolastic mount underneath between the engine/gearbox ? Have a great season and please keep us posted.

[@StanHay-j6p]

Loverly, what more can I say 😂❤

[@johnmunns5964]

Nice👍

[@krtt750]

Andre was from Nova Scotia. I raced with him oh... 20 odd years ago. Just wondering if that was his. I believe Andre was a fishermen by trade.

[@veritech3712]

owner was a navy guy named Mike, but in later years (late 90s) I believe he had some younger guys riding it for him, perhaps Andre was one of them?

[@1silvervespa]

AMP always delivers ..... Thanks Jack Canfield and the original designers....

[@veritech3712]

Dramatic elevation changes, all corners, narrow, terrifying. Either Jack Canfield loved riders or he was trying to kill us all off. The younger Canfields assure me it's the former...but I wonder about it every time I pass start/finish and look down into T1.🤔

[@pbysome]

Wouldnt think it would hold together long with duralamin valves and what is a 40mm total loss primary drive? Looks like a air cooled belt drive to me?

[@veritech3712]

"total loss" = no alternator. There are no lights, horn, etc. so just needs enough electricity to fire the plugs. removing the charging system reduces drag on the motor which means more hp at the wheel. Belt drive replaces the OE primary chain, which is heavy and inefficient. Also easier to maintain.

[@pbysome]

@@veritech3712 the primary drive isn't total loss that would be the ignition (presumably battery)the primary drive is belt and air clutch, I have the same setup on my trident (Norton clutch).

[@pbysome]

@@veritech3712 what battery does it run.

[@krtt750]

Oh, OK! Thanks!

[@netharad-cx1nb]

Original, de qui, ou quoi, parti d'un 4 cylindres voiture, VANWALL, QUI A CRÉÉ UN MIT MANX, EMBIELAGE CARRILLO, À SOUPAPES LATÉRAL, ALCOOL ET NITRO ❤️💯✨

[@krtt750]

Former Andre Leveque Norton?

[@veritech3712]

I don't think so, the builder was a gentleman from NS

[@jwang3108]

What rearset is on the bike?

[@veritech3712]

Dunstal rearsets, with a few custom bits.

[@jwang3108]

@@veritech3712 Dunstall or Donald Pender? Looks good just trying to get a handle of foot pedal length!

[@veritech3712]

good eye - yes, some of it is Don Pender. I have the Pender rear brake assembly on my bench as well, but have not installed yet. @@jwang3108

[@1silvervespa]

Alot of weight on the frt wheel ... Might be worth breaking it down rotate the tire and reseat .... See if it takes less . I'd mark current positions and rotate 90 degrees.

[@veritech3712]

Worth a shot but I suspect the forks are binding and that's forcing weight on the front. Might lose the Hyde fork brace and see if that frees up travel/takes weight off the front tire.

[@1silvervespa]

Snortin Norton ! I belive they used to say ...