Will This British Death Chopper Run And Ride...Safely?

[@homegrownson]

Sold a BSA 650 Chopper similar to your Norton, had to sell my project when diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in Jan this year figuring would never ride again or be healthy enough to put her back on the road. Now after 9- 3 day long Chemo Sessions and Surgery in July I am now 100% Cancer Free and Wishing I was Craig finishing that Norton to Ride her down here in Florida. But maybe one day soon before riding years End. What a Great and Inspiring video for me as finishing up my recovery from the Whipple procedure that helped save my life

[@ianbonnick7640]

Good to hear you’re clear of the cancer mate

[@bigfoot-id8bv]

Good luck, stay well.

[@Ngarepairercar1990]

Hi

[@woutleus]

Don't wait too long! Best wishes!

[@FORCE_PBC]

Don’t know where you are in florida but my local Harley dealer rents bikes daily and weekly..I know it’s not exactly what you want but could be an option. There’s a dealer in west palm area off 45th street and 95. Good luck. The weather is perfect here. Oh yeah and F-Cancer!!

[@KurtYordy-j4m]

That was my bike I can give you its history I’m glad you got it running again I put oil in the cylinders and kicked it over every year to keep the motor from seizing up I bought it in boxes and paid a backyard mechanic to put it back together since i don’t the first thing about working on bikes I only rode it for 2 years then I bought a new titan chopper in 06 which was like driving a Cadillac compared to the Norton It was never wrecked I hit a big dog with my Harley almost died and that was it for my riding days 16 years ago Thanks for bringing it back to life but I never felt safe riding it because of the opposite shifting compared to my Harley’s

[@PromasterHOF]

The front end is actually called a GIRDER, a springer front end is two piece and the wheel is mounted on rockers that are connected to the two pieces of the springer one is stationary and the other section section is attached to the springer mechanism as the front wheel moves up and down the springer section absorbs the shock (they don’t work very well). What you have is a girder and the single spring is supposed to absorb the shock of bumps in the road. In the chopper community a rigid frame with a girder front end is like riding a pogo stick on wheels and your kidneys are going to hate you.

[@ronaldrobinson5532]

If ya don't have a hard tail, you ain't 💩 If ya DO have a hardtail, you CAN'T 💩!

[@DeanKaehele-xq1iz]

And telling bikers you have a springer will get you in fights.

[@Gigaguenther]

serious question: that kidney bit you said; is that actually a thing? can you feel your kidneys or some pain in that general area when riding one of these too much?

[@richardhenley5857]

Kidney pain will often feel the same as extreme lower back pain.

[@twostroke350]

Properly set up girder forks are probably the best front suspension system for a motorbike. Just look at the Britten 1000. However, raked and stretched girders...

[@jerrygaynor4384]

God Bless you Brother for hanging in there during Chemo and surgery. I got diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer 12/28/22. Did Chemo for 6 months every other week and Radiation every day for 6 months, doing Immunotherapy every other week for the rest of my life. They say I am in Remission but eventually it will come back. But I am restoring 72' 650 Bonneville. Have everything powder coated new everything. All front end forks, lower forks, rims, spokes, headlight, handle bars, risers, every nut and bolt. Spent 3 months wet sanding with wd-40 front and rear hubs. Haven't even messed with the motor yet, but thinking about putting it in the way it is just to ride again. Even if motor won't shine like the rest. Thanks Craig to hear a Brit Bike again!

[@brukkakefriedshrimp]

"This thing is an absolute death trap" Okay, I'm in. I'll watch the whole video.

[@ericprovenzano4919]

AGREED!!!!!

[@fastmoverfixer2089]

@@ericprovenzano4919 WIMP!

[@DickGoesonya]

I recommend sharp turns on dirt roads.

[@gardeningfishingjimw9364]

Norton, chopper, dangerous.... PERFECT!! With it all black, all I can think of is Black Sabbath. :)

[@chasstiles7611]

Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath 🤘

[@louisglotzl9424]

I'm 14 and these guys are a huge inspiration for my love of wrenching and motorcycles, I love what they do

[@HappyASScreatures]

Awesome kid!

[@mabarbe9545]

License is the next step, 4 years to prepare it (in europe, maybe sooner for you), good luck ;)

[@samuelhatman8995]

I'm 71 and my cousin started me on his chopper when I was 14. It was the backroads of rural Oregon state. I'll be riding a 700 Virago from 1984 this summer. Many safe miles to you young man! Nothing better than up on two wheels!!

[@j.b.phillips8868]

Keep it up kid.

[@alexanderspeed9555]

Older brothers, Dad motorbikes. Yep the love , make good use of of that inspiration. It's beautiful

[@jameswhite9025]

62-year-old here, very standard chopper stuff from the 70s, 16 inch stepped rim in the rear with an arco 300, 21 inch front with spool brake, front brake is considered a holding brake, single manifold on either a Norton commando head or an atlas 650single carb, only thing missing is a Bates tail light. With that electronic ignition make sure PO changed out the 12 V coils to two 6v coils or it’ll foul plugs regularly, common mistake back in the day as the electronic ignition kits didn’t come with the 6 V coils.

[@terrycavender]

No, no, you young whipper snapper..... I's an Avon on the back..... 🤣

[@gregoryblair9810]

Arco or Avon? 3 by 21 were usually Avon tires. And most British bikes used LUCAS electrics.

[@BBhatt-pi5ob]

​@@gregoryblair9810Ah yes, the prince of darkness Lucas

[@pkjmfineart1593]

Is the Bates tail light the maltese cross one? 😁

[@terrycavender]

@@pkjmfineart1593 no, but that one is classic chopper too.

[@craigwiess1656]

Front end is a P&P girder, I have two of them a 14" over on a 71 Sportster chopper, the other a 12" over on a CB750K chopper

[@williambrannan1565]

a big cigar to the winner. you are correct my man. we are dating ourselves a little aren't we. lol. but if I'm not wrong they are from j&p cycles

[@craigwiess1656]

@williambrannan1565 started building about 20 years ago, the Sportster was my Dad's build he did in the 70s. Spent my time in the backroom of the house with him being the flashlight holder.

[@justingodbey4984]

​@craigwiess1656 Haha, right? I was doing the same except with heavy equipment. I feel like so many people have never had to hold a flashlight for their dad nowadays, and it really shows.

[@JRed42]

I'm jelly, those are beautiful girders

[@flyinggyros9745]

I was born in the early 50’s. Built a Triumph Chopper in the late 60’s. Loved the Norton but could never afford one. What you got looks good and sounds good. Great find. Alan

[@davidmcgahan5328]

Would love to have a Norton again I had the 850 commando awesome bikes. Thanks for the entertainment. God bless and ride safe.

[@87mini]

Had a buddy with a Commando - We'd roll it out of the shed and sit around the fire with a few beers and just stare at it as he cleaned the oil off the engine and gearbox (I think they machined their case halves with hand files!) Beautiful bikes, if you don't look too close to the castings! I wrenched on Jap bikes, so we cured his Amal with a Mikuni and it ran like a top. I always fantasized buying a Commando, taking it apart and cleaning the castings, truing up the castings and painting the insides with Glyptal to plug the weeping pores, replacing the electrics - basically bringing the fit and finish up to Japanese bike standards. I built a beautiful bike in my head, and it comes back to life every time I see a Norton engine! 😍😁

[@domfer2540]

Loved my yellow Norton Commando

[@hvymax]

Seafoam!!! I put that sh1t in everything!!!

[@Broadshore]

Deathtrap!? British Chopper! Open road! That's how we lived my guy!

[@oldone-two-fiver969]

And we (probably) wouldn’t chop a Norton in the first place.

[@JohnSharp-d2j]

​@oldone-two-fiver969 No indeed. It should be a Triumph. 😊

[@Broadshore]

@@JohnSharp-d2j totally!!! And not just a old Trumpet.. Your ole Pre-Unit baby.

[@JohnSharp-d2j]

@Broadshore Splayed head 6T... 🙃

[@Ed-ty1kr]

At least they won't call it a SUcide machine.

[@stewartellinson8846]

The front frame is norton; the builder has reused the isolastic cradle, swinging arm area, a lot of the top tube area although i think they've attacked the steering head area. The rigid rear end is attached to the main frame behind the front commando seat tube. They're re-used the Norton rear hub. At a glance, the ignition looking like a pirahna / newtronics kit (but it's hard to see). The mikuni carb conversion is a well known mod; it makes them nicer to ride and solves balancing and wear issues. The rest looks like the usual basket of chopper horrors. if you rode the 850 that you unboxed, you'll know they're a MUCH nicer ride!

[@taeraresh2115]

I grew up working on (and riding on the back of) my dad’s ‘75 850 Commando. Seconding what others have said, the rubber engine mounts are called ‘isolastic’. They’re adjustable for stiffness, and replacement parts are available. There should be a top headsteady. My dad used one derived from a racing design (“Norvil”) which worked well but was complex to set up. The electronic ignition is probably from Boyer. There’s a separate module somewhere to drive it. Also, that cover is unique to that ignition system (it’s deeper than the stock one). Don’t lose it or mess it up, as it will probably be impossible to replace.

[@garyb.4080]

In the 60s peanut tank, metal flake paint, and ape hangers, cause, that’s what I had! 650 Norton 1968 ran great no problems with steering, vibrate your hands to sleep! Loved it! Jefferson Airplane!!

[@jimp.7286]

Our high school buddy had an ajs chopper similar to this in 73/4 that he rode to high school sometimes. None of us wanted to ride it. I can remember that it broke down virtually every day and leaked from everywhere. It was coated in oil. He was always working on it in the parking lot and kicking it over till the cows came home. When it would finally start, there would be a great cloud of smoke. No helmet laws back then. I still remember seeing him cruising down the highway on it - straight back to his house to work on it.

[@FinkNZRat]

Aaaah the good old days. Reminds me of my Matchless chop. The most awesome looking bike in town, but a total pain to own !

[@jimp.7286]

@@FinkNZRat LOL. But everyone thought you were beyond cool riding it,.....when it was running. Cheers.

[@vanveen8472]

in Vancouver in 1971 I bought a Norton Chopper based on the old Atlas frame, it had a 6 inch over front end, baby apes, struts in the back a flame colored P11 style tank and side pipes, it was gorgeous, every thing a 20 year old hooligan would want, had some fantastic adventures with that bike but the first thing I did was put a pair of cheap triumph shocks on it because short rigid frames ride awful, then I had read how a lot of the six inch over front ends were done with struts instead of whole tubes and when I checked it out they came, so my chopper quickly turned into a custom bike that handled, it had a magneto that I cleaned up and it worked flawlessly, a previous owner had taken the twin Amal carbs off of it and replaced it with a Mikuni carb which I quickly became a fan of, first kick every time, that frame didn't have rubber mounts and it vibrated something fierce but who cares if you've got a cool bike, still ride have three bikes in my garage right now but no Norton's

[@CefaCat]

Great story I’m so envious

[@PromasterHOF]

I’m 71 had a few choppers in my life even had a not chopped Norton Commando a 1971 model. Everything you have on your table is right in line with the 1960’s to 1970’s chopper culture. Tank seat frame even the POGO stick on the front end, as I said I’m another post it is a girder front end. The front brake is a normal style chopper hub you could buy those hubs and lace whatever wheel you wanted on it.

[@MADougfitness]

Some guys used dirt bike tires from what I hear. To get a bigger rim. Did you ever see that?

[@muddogtracker7449]

​@@MADougfitness I bought my first couple front rims(and gas tanks) from J.C. Whitney.... We didn't have any major chopper parts companies to buy from... The only one I remember from my first build was "Forks by Frank" for extended tubes.. they were great to deal with, and helped with needed info. ....... But most of what we had, was built in the garage..... The first Jammer Shop I found was like Christmas!!..

[@MADougfitness]

@ I forgot about forks by Frank. **** that was a long time ago. Yeah and JC Whitney, lol! The world is very different back then. Sometimes I wonder where the hell all of this money came from in the world today? Look how many people out there are selling parts I get the populations bigger. But it almost seems like there’s more production then can ever be consumed. I was just talking to a friend of mine about how much fun it was going to salvage yards when I was in my early 20s and late teens trying to find parts to use. I remember finding an old amen Savior coffin gas tank on a raked and chopped Yamaha frame and that’s how the next bike started. And all I went there for was a rear wheel. to put on the Casey 900 plunger frame I had. People today get their parts on these little things they holding their hands. I remember having to route around and dirt and dust and rust trying to avoid ants and wasps and snakes. I can’t imagine what the 70s and 80s that I grew up in must look to someone who grew up in this post 1999 world maybe that little guy prints knew something. Maybe that was really the turning point I would’ve partied very differently in 1999 if I knew what the world was gonna look like in 2025.

[@xavierlozinguez]

Love every episode you put out! Here's for some go-juice!

[@John_Ridley]

WOW that front brake looks entirely adequate to stop a small child's push bike.

[@shockcoach]

He’s fortunate it even has a front brake.😅

[@AxeGaijin]

@@shockcoach Yup, many a traditional chopper didn't have front brakes. And hey who can blame them? Choppers is all about chopping stuff off and making the bike lighter, and brakes will only slow you down.... 🙂

[@MADougfitness]

Front brakes were usually only put on for stopping on hills.

[@MADougfitness]

Well these bikes were built by MEN and not meant for boys that get scared easy. You had to know your bike, your environment and be able to handle it.

[@ArmChairMechanic]

Only REAL MEN die on their motorcycles

[@richpeggyfranks490]

Man. Back in the early 70's I lusted for a yellow Norton Commando. I passed one in the window of my local dealer twice a day. You flashed a picture of it briefly and decades of longing came flooding back into my memory. Thanks for what you do. Merry Christmas blessings to you and yours.

[@Flakmagnet1701]

It's possible to build a chopper that is quite rideable, can take corners gently, and absorbs bumps. Brakes can be added, and things like levers and controls can be put where a normal proportions human can operate them. Or...you can build this. Looks like they took a stock frame and hard-tailed it. Front end has been raked some, and braced. Stretched girders will be awful. Front wheel could be off anything, but that tiny drum brake is probably original to the wheel. Probably started life on a small dirt bike. The big metal plates the footrests are on are stock Commando. Coffin tanks were around in the 70s and 80's, sold mail order along with that oil tank and seat. Usually considered 'universal' parts, as they fitted nothing in particular, and you would make your own brackets. It's a classic example of a bike someone would throw together in the shed back then from a cheap old Brit bike that was considered just about worthless at the time. The guy bolted on what he could buy, and what he could make fit. Spent all his cash on the forks and frame.....and probably a lot of drugs/alcohol to help his design choices.....

[@joesprague1464]

You’re being too kind!

[@sunshineandsmiles9668]

You're an anthropologist!😂

[@jamesadams2334]

I have a 1967 BSA Thunderbolt chopper that I could not ride. It was HORRIBLE! Left it as rigid, put a stock BSA A-10 front end on it and made it into a bobber. I have a 21" seat height. Suspension sucks, (rear tire and forks only have compression damping) but it is fun to ride. Your show is INCREDIBLE! Never stop!

[@sdz9850]

It is a gerter springer front end. P&P Disributors and sold by Jammer Cycles. Came with no brakes (like yours), single and dual disc setup. Also came with a single shock and dual spring options.

[@tommontague5721]

Back in the 70's when I was in my early 20's I picked up a near new Norton 850 Commando. Fast bike for back in the day, lots of torque and replace several chains. Great bike, now a high dollar collectable....Good video!

[@donniebrookins6215]

I love it. My best friend had a hardtail Triumph chopper when we were kids

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

That thing sounds great! I really need to get my 68 Commando chopper running!

[@raimundoandres674]

Nothing better than a Bearded Mechanic new video while working on my bikes!

[@Ed-ty1kr]

No hype... just right.

[@coachgeo]

Makes me wonder if the carb was purposefully NOT assembled fully so the bike would not run.... there for NOT ridden.... cause it was dangerous. Glad it was you who bought it and can tame its steer to make it a safer bike.

[@laurenmp7486]

As for July 1969, that's Easy Rider, and that chopper didn't even have a front brake. And in 1971 there were a few pictures of Ann Margaret riding a chopper in an American flag themed outfit, and that chopper also had no front brake.

[@bradleyswaney6100]

Watched my brother eat pavement on his 70s Honda chopper. Brings back memories. 😂❤ I simply love your channel ❤️

[@mattmoore9042]

PS: That scared the heck out of me when you rode it! I've ridden a lot of British bikes (first one was a Matchless 500 desert bike). Those choppers are notorious deathtraps, the long forks are just bad news and all handling was thrown out the window for cool.

[@dennisreid4428]

If you ever come over to the UK and go to an old British motorcycles show,you'll see a kitty litter tray under every engine. All British ,and I mean all, bikes leaked oil!

[@MarekLewandowski_EE]

The old rule: you don't look on a dipstick for oil, you look on the ground. If there's not a drop of oil on the ground, there's none in the engine/gearbox 🙂

[@RevnRev]

I love the vintage stuff! Thanks for sharing

[@owenorme8573]

Still better than a OCC😂

[@lulluedge9457]

Not fair! They're death traps too!

[@Ed-ty1kr]

Bet it rides better too.. but I would'nt know because I would never ride an OCC chopper. Only someone like Shawn would get on one of those monuments to motorcycles.

[@bigwu100]

Total hacks......occ.

[@letsridebikes7716]

@@bigwu100 whats your company's name?

[@Ejuicey]

My son at 7 had a big wheel tricycle. That was better than orange county junk.

[@FnLn55]

Easy Rider, baby ... still the best motorcycle movie soundtrack of all time!

[@williambrannan1565]

yes sir.

[@mabarbe9545]

Got it too :)

[@chasstiles7611]

I had a copy of that movie on VHS when I was in highschool,I'm on my second copy on DVD,let a family member borrow my last copy and never got it back

[@albertaguidetwahl469]

I learned to ride on a 74 triumph chopper. Everything after that was a dream. Stable ride, easy to start, no pieces/parts falling off, and actual suspension (not just springs under the solo seat) I miss that bike

[@plotholedetective4166]

My dad built one similar to that bike out of a 73 Harley engine in a rigid frame from a 54 that had similar features to this one. Coffin tank, suicide shifter, Springer front, giant sissy bar. They were super common in the late 70s early 80s in Texas built by some dudes in Dallas.

[@gregatkinson5929]

It is a commando engine, pre combat, it has the breather pipe off the end of camshaft. so it could be 69 to71 approx, the Combat 750 was 1st disc brake model and 10 to 1 comp, combats had main bearing problems from crankshaft flexing (3 peicecrank},left side main inner would btreak through the hardening.. Mercury engines stand vertical, commando is lean forrward engine.

[@glennpettersson9002]

If you start the motor when it has wet sumped the crank case overpressure can cause damage. Drain the motor and refill the oil tank is what I was told. It looked and sounded amazing, thanks for sharing. 😀

[@D.S.T.K]

Ooh hey is definitely right. You guys are the future of drifting. With some other big names as well of course. But most important is that you guys give people who are new to drifting the idea: hey, it's easy to enter/do and its a lot of fun! That's why I love your videos so much.

[@FrancoisLavigne-hz5yy]

I had a 1973 850 Commando. If you have any questions about the bike, let me know. Please be advised, there is Whitworth on the bike, and metric, and standard.

[@bananabrooks3836]

No, metric on the non stock Mikuni is all.

[@Martyn-Jones]

“Standard” rather depends on where you're from. Or where the item in question is from.

[@bananabrooks3836]

@@Martyn-Jones Standard means stock, catalogue spec. NO mods or options.

[@jjddkkdd]

Just wanted to say I'm a big fan of the channel and really enjoy your builds. I was super excited to see a parallel twin build, and I'm curious if an XS650 is in the works for the future? I think it would be an awesome project to see your take on. Thanks for the great content!

[@henryvanweeren7233]

British engines: "If there's no oil under 'em, there's no oil in 'em!"

[@colingale]

If it's still dripping we can drive , we just need to count the drips per mile

[@ThePastaManCan]

its extra funny cause its true.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Old Hardly's: oil goes from the bottle into the tank, from the tank into the cylinder, and from the cylinder into the environment. A one-way street.

[@Ed-ty1kr]

Lubes the top ring so when you take it back apart dacades later, you can still see the honing texture from 1957...

[@psychorabbitt]

It's always so funny watching this channel and hearing Craig go out of his way to not swear. Dude could drop an engine block on his toe and he'd probably yell, "AH MAN GEE WILLIKERS!"

[@richardtaylor3798]

All the best to you from Wales UK-my ride is a 1977 Triumph Bonnie with Norton Commando pipes--leaks like a Harley-unreliable as a Harley but i love it. Have a Very Merry Christmas to yourself an family. Thank you for fantastic videos.---btw if you see Mr Trump or Mr Musk can you send them over here for a bit and sort our shower of sh.t we got going on! Thanks again.

[@S.and.K-Works]

Seconded, absolute shite show here. Send them over ASAP

[@bananabrooks3836]

Norton silencers should only be fitted to Nortons.

[@richardtaylor3798]

@@bananabrooks3836 Yeah i know but they were free-mine were rusted through. They look good tbh an sound great, its a T140 750 so its a bit of miss match anyway. Ride safe ride free.

[@daverees9344]

The old Brit bikes had the gear changer on the right and back brake on the left, plus the gears were the other way round. They changed in 1975 to left foot shift to be in line with Japan and USA

[@TheMechaStation]

This is very similar to my old Chopper from the '70's I owned here in the UK, same forks and frame, but mine had a GS750 engine (bored out to 850), and yes, was a real death trap! 😂

[@Kimory-Selkies]

out of all the videos I've watch of yours, this has been my favorite, its all about the death trap ride, don't even need the speed.

[@Pavelek88]

If Craig and Dan were selling hugs and hi-fives I would be a bankrupt. Those guys are brilliant 😄

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

if only we could sell hi-fives online...

[@louisglotzl9424]

same

[@Jay-in4fg]

👏

[@CharnavinT.Charnuvanik]

🤚 Free high fives all day baby!​@@The_Bearded_Mechanic

[@exothermal.sprocket]

High fives are so much better than inflation fives.

[@gordonyoung3668]

As the previous chap said that is a girder fork with a 750 Gommando motor in what looks like a chopped Commando frame ( hardtail welded on) complete with isolastic mounts. The coffin style tank is seventies though normally more squared off, tail light is eighties.

[@tomwilker2861]

You can sure see why Norton included a motor mount between the head and the top of the frame. I wouldn’t ride that wobbler without adding one. The whole engine is loose when you kicked it over. Death trap.

[@davidetchellsetchells4692]

Had a triumph 500 chop like that, same frame, same springer front end with a coffin tank, it was a monster! Bit of a death trap but I loved it and it was pretty quick once I put 2 carbs on it and tuned the exaust pipes to just the right backpressure and frequency. Super light and super quick. Very cool bike.

[@brentbauer8258]

If you can see grass, it is not cold! 😊. Dan interjecting comments to the conversation is what really adds to the interest of this channel.

[@GrtSatan]

The Commando had a dry clutch with a single diaphragm spring rather than individual coil springs. Because it lived in the same case as the oil bath for the primary chain the plates had to be regularly cleaned with alcohol otherwise oil would accumulate and it would slip. I still have the special tool required to remove the diaphragm spring. Great bike but maintaining it was a full time job, especially with the stock ignition.

[@shenanigansofmannanan]

@0:35 ..... thats a Girder frontend... not a Springer

[@shameless6963]

Thank you, was just gonna say that 👍

[@jamesomahoney2181]

Sorry, didn't see your post.. kids these days.. good thing it had Norton in cases..

[@bradleyknuth7520]

I'm glad I looked. Before I commented. And he's exactly correct he has no clue about that front end. Doesn't even know what kind of front end.

[@shovelchop81bikeralex52]

Congrats! And finally my type of Bike!! I had an old Ariel that I took on classic bike rallies, same deal, go for the rear brake but end up going faster because I've just accidently changed into a higher gear. Of course once you master that the second problem was the drum brakes would stop working as soon as they warmed up but then they would lock up if I hit a pothole! The suspension system caused the rear drum to activate by hitting the cam lever lol, oh yeah and this was up the Greek mountains in a rainstorm, super slippery roads and a 110kg navigator on the pillion who couldn't see a thing while trying to read a tulip map and do speed consistency technical tests as part of the rally. Rode my 8ft long H-D Shovelhead chopper around Greece, the islands, most of Europe including the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains, the UK and Norway, loved it all except for Athens traffic during the summer, absolute nightmare with over heating and clutch slipping while trapped between cars at times.

[@zackeriahthurman3666]

I seen a gentleman that's revamping commandos. One of his tricks is to do a valve to turn off the oil tank return while it sits to keep to keep the crankcase from filling up. He also makes the valve kill the ignition, in case you forgot to turn it on.

[@bobber7175]

It’s always great to see how motivated you tackle all kinds of of bikes!!! And yes, I love Norton also!

[@FrancoisLavigne-hz5yy]

Nortons are designed to have two carbs - Amal. Easy carbs to work on.

[@shockcoach]

The concentrics are great carbs! My Norton came with monoblocs. Still, very simple to tune. But both carbs run off of a single float bowl on the left side.

[@twostroke350]

They need to be because their afterthought slow running circuit with non-removable jet needs working on a lot in my experience. I had one on my Enfield bullet, persevered with it for about a year until I got totally fed up with its sticking floats, erratic idle and clunky changeover into midrange. Fitted a TM32 which I'll admit is a little bit harder to work on, but importantly, doesn't need to be worked on once it's dialled in.

[@elwhagen]

Always fun watching you getting these old machines going again. These are the motorcycles I loved as a child in the 80's! One thing though - you just gotta get a helmet that matches the bike! 🙂

[@pkjmfineart1593]

The sparks were pre-loaded at the factory. Good to see there's still some left. 😉 Also that's genuine Norton engine oil! (grey). 1/2 gasket sealing compound and 1/2 oil to assist with the prevention of oil leaks. Absolute genius level engineering. 🤗

[@redr1150r]

They did have problems. They were building Nortons and Triumphs to 40s and 50s standards into the mid 70s. The British bike industry was plagued with strikes and money problems. The corporate geniuses mainly the money people, wouldn't let them modernize. Add that to the Japanese avalanche the handwriting was on the wall. I stayed on British bikes until 92, then went on to BMWs. Expensive , but reliable, and after 30 years on those I now have a Sportster.

[@jaybirdgenetics]

Bro that is the best gift anyone has ever gotten me! I freaking love it! Thanks so much! I’m free for you to drop it off anytime! Thanks again!

[@familytrieserichiltz940]

I show up to hear Dan’s inner monologue constantly spouting out of his mouth uncontrollably and stay for the wrenching!

[@MRTHUDTV]

Awesome! Please do more chopper recoveries! BTW im sure you knew that was a Girder not a springer..but then, im also sure you know that you would get corrective comments.. and that helps. Ah, smart fella :)

[@americanlivesmatter7118]

I have a 1970 Triumph 650 and it's great! So glad it's not a chopper! Have fun !

[@sandywhite6927]

Nice clean shop! Love your take on all things mechanical!

[@im_a_simulation433]

What a crime done to a Norton bike.....

[@joesprague1464]

Absolutely!

[@MR-wy5vm]

Might be a good idea to get some sort of top engine mount. The original had a bit of pressed steel that will have cracks in & so changed to a more solid box section version that bolted to the 3 allen bolts on top of the head, looks like you have an earth wire on the centre one. This was then bolted to 2 triangular plates that went up to 2 rubber mounts screwed into the top frame tube where you have another earth wire with a blue crimp connector. There was a more racy sporty sort that had some sort of springywosnamethingy, but I don't know how that worked. The tacho drive on the front right of the motor can be blanked off with a simple flat alloy plate, this is a common leaking point. It looks like a pre 1971 engine because they moved the breather to the back of the crankcases then. Another worthwhile mod is to weld tubes into the main spine for the tank mounts so when you frape the bolts up tight, you don't crush the frame tube. Sounds sweet anyway.

[@randalltufts3321]

Cool. A buffaloe riding a wart hog. LoL. Rode one for years in the 70s with a 1000 sportster engine on an old amen savior frame with a springer front end! Loved it

[@WilltheCanuck]

Canadian here, back in the late 60’s the local bad boy (London Ontario) had a beautiful almost showroom Norton chopper, called The Rebel…painted on the small gas tank. This was one of a kind bike, at the time, beautiful paint job and lots of chrome…I always wondered what happen that bike!

[@ronaldheitzman6446]

I love those old Norton choppers I had one 40 year's ago I called it black my handlebars were higher I'm 64 now with the shakes just had a heart attack 3 months ago don't think I will ever ride again they are fun to cruise have fun with it you will love it have a great Christmas love your videos

[@gregkretchmer3588]

I ran the repair side of a motorcycle shop in that era. The term we used for that bike was a "Pogo Stick". There are two setups for all factory bikes depending on target use, based on wobble. Road bikes have a low speed wobble, dirt bikes have a high speed wobble. If you pushed a dirt bike over, say, 100 mph, you might have it start a wobble. This would throw you off in a few seconds every time. Some road bikes had steering dampers to stop low speed wobble, like on the Kawasaki 500 triple (h1). Low speed wobble happens at idle when you let go of the handle bars. These handling traits were based on very slight adjustments. With this bike, a slight adjustment is kinda like arranging flowers with a wheel excavator. The frame looks stock, so it should be flat to the ground at the lower rails but its leaned back a bunch. The steering angle is way too steep so it handles kinda like an overloaded wheel barrel. Notice when you were kicking it over, the side to side shake. Check the spoke tightness. The shake has gotta stop! Tire pressures are critical to handling in less you think screaming in terror is just part of the fun! The front brake is a single leading shoe setup Way too small. The front brake is your power brake... Good thing the chopper trend stopped before all the customers got killed!.

[@charlesford8786]

brought back some crazy memories. 1968 Triumph TT special on a rigid frame with a springer front end, no front brakes. oh too young again and think I could live forever.

[@antoniojoaquimdesousa4375]

Esse é o melhor programa de mecânica de moto que já vi. I like It...

[@wiggyjones]

I had a BSA chopper. Coffin tanks and Maltese crosses were 1970s era. My time. You could buy all that stuff in the JC Whitney catalog.

[@ronaldalyea1136]

I ran a 48 Triumph TRW 500, I am now working on a 56. Both are the bone rattler flathead military models. I have always had to remember the different shifting jumping from my Yamahas to the Triumphs. I do love the choppers.

[@scotttaxdal5297]

My first bike was a rolling basket case Triumph. Took me two years to get it going. I still tend to spell carburettor with two t's, tyres with a y, and shocks are dampers, fenders are mudguards...

[@davidkellner7372]

Little bit of a history buff and motorcycle enthusiast here and I believe you have yourself of of Paughco's PopCycle coffin tanks. which my belief brought me to their website and it looks like I could be right, below is the description of the tank on the website, its actually one I want when I build my chopper. The PopCycle tank originated from a chopper build that Ron Paugh built for his father in the early 70s. Gary Little John & Ron Paugh designed the tank and then named the Chopper project the PopCycle. This tank is an iconic piece within the Paughco collection.

[@Icridium]

It’s cool that people have their preferences for things and not that there is anything wrong with liking that style, I just can’t see any part of that design I don’t despise.

[@brakenoodle105]

Those engine mounts were called Isolastic mounts. Rubber and shims to trying and isolate the road drill type vibrations.

[@jerrystott7780]

Coffin tanks were used in 70s builds, mine had one. I bought it in 81 to play with and rode it everywhere for 5 years.

[@samuelhatman8995]

Awesome! Riding Anything on two wheels since I was 14 and I'm 71. She's a classic!

[@retirednavychief6983]

In the '80s I owned a Matchless, and later a Norton. In National City, CA was "Sonny Angel Motorcycles". He had been the Norton dealer in that part of California since the '50s. Anyways, years before I met Sonny and his brother Donny they had dreamed up a nifty casting to switch from the twin Amals on the 750 to a single Mikuni. He still had them for sale when I met him; he happily helped me convert my twin-Amal Norton to a single Mikuni. That casting made a HUGE difference in getting the bike started and keeping it running smooth. I'd be interested if that inlet 'manifold' has "Sonny Angel" cast into it. A bit of history of Sonny; he was either the first or second man to race Yamahas in the Isle of Man TT, and one of his passion projects was land-speed runs at El Mirage lakebed with a Vincet Black-Prince. He was a great person, as were all the Angels I ever met!

[@TimMACE]

Norton Very Cool!!!!!Gerder Front End The 21" wheel was the custom Wheel and front end were the go- to in the day King Queen seat Old school Chopper Al the Way!!Pipes are nice too.

[@joeybobbie1]

That’s a True old School Chopper. They were all Death Traps back then. Great Job Craig and Dan.

[@goldenscales]

And the fun never ends! Lol. You lucky, lucky man! I could listen to that chopper run all day! (Get to the Choppah!) Lol.

[@fritzk9118]

Dude! I cut my teeth on the 750 Norton Commando chop in the late 70's. I was the coolest guy on the block ... In my head anyway ....lol.

[@TerryJoseph-g5h]

Great channel Craig. I like your systematic approach. Very interesting choppah. The tanks, forks wheels are all pure 70s aftermarket. The girder fork might be Paughco or Denvers. Sweet. The interesting part is frame. Never seen the likes of it. The added pair of tubes from under gas tank to rear engine mounts. They have to be there to pick up the mounting points for the isolastic mounts on commandos. Odd, homemade? Very cool.

[@jamesberry276]

You could have ruled out the other "rare" bike right away just by seeing the top end leaning forward commando style. The straight up & down top end was the rigid mounted to the frame dominator type engine. As on an atlas, N15, P15 Machless, & most Norton twins built before 1968.

[@TylerGC]

You make this work so easy I recently got an old 85 ytm200er and I cleaned the carburetor it was already very clean but still went over quickly and Ur the one who made me feel like I could do it u made everything simple :)

[@renegade2556]

That "Half Brake" front is channeling my inner Robinson Rochester Cycles@ 1983.

[@randallburgess46]

You have a girder front end which is WAY BETTER than a springer front end because A. It’s more stable and B. It doesn’t constantly bounce like a springer. I rode choppers that had both types. With the springer, I was constantly changing hub bearings and it chopped the tire surface to the point you had tread,smooth,tread,smooth all the way around the tire and had to change the tire more often. I would also get rid of the handle bars for a set that is a bit wider for better control and safer handling. I had a oil tank that was just like yours but had a space in the back to hold the battery. I rode my friends Nortons back then too,so if you want to sell it, I would love to have it. Love your videos.

[@donaldclinton1975]

Love these videos. I brought a bunch of 70s and 80s back from the dead.

[@rmax2]

First bike I ever built was in 1976, it was a 1972 Sportster engine, rigid frame that I raked, 21" over springer., 21" spool front wheel, yeah no front brake...same DS speedo as well...rode that old bike for years

[@aleistercrowley7515]

You got me with initial photo...thought that was a sportster tank...the front end is known as a Girder front end, not a Springer...a Girder pivots at the triple trees, where a Springer pivots at the front wheel.

[@tacticooldennis]

I love the simplicity of a 70's bike; you can see everything. makes it easy to fix while out riding.

[@cowgirlonchrome7416]

Front end is not a springer. It’s a girder front end. Yes Virginia, the tank is from the early seventies. It’s a fiberglass coffin tank. The bike came with Amal carbs from the factory. Nice find.

[@budlistar5312]

Still have my collection of Street Chopper Magazines. The mailman must have been reading them because one Sunday he stopped to show me his really sweet chopped Sportster. Never had talked to him before that day.

[@thetoymanator7723]

I like the two "horns" on the gas tank cap. Sudden stop - you fly forward - instant circumcision...

[@robertlipsey6056]

That’s exactly what I was thinking. So much for the family jewels. lol

[@RayfordRaySiegel]

That's very cool. I love the girder springer frontend and the tank. You should change those bars, or the risers, at least. Maybe put some mini-apea or z-bars on it.