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Norton Commando resurrection

hickslawns

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Ohio
I've had this bike about a dozen years. Life has been busy. It was pushed to the side. It dropped to the bottom on the priority list. I have two bikes which I ride. Both were my Dad's. Bought one off him and the other off Mom when Dad passed. I truly do NOT need another bike to ride. At the same time, it is a darn shame to neglect this old girl. While cleaning the garage tonight I dragged her out of hiding. It felt like an archeological dig. My goal is to be wheeling around by fall.

I did give her a sponge bath and begin to polish/detail her up again. I'll do so a little at a time as I check the fuel tank for rust, clean the carbs, run thru fluids, etc. Definitely needs a battery. Front brakes have zero pull. I'll finish upgrading from points to electronic ignition. Beyond that? I don't know. Mainly just ensure it is reliable and safe.
 

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Isaacorps

Member
5,230
145
Columbus
Looks good. I just dumped some money into my bike to get it going again but after the accident I saw happen literally in front of us on Saturday night, she might be going in the classifieds very soon. I love to ride but at this point in my life I just can’t justify the risk of putting myself at the mercy of a bunch of asshole drivers
 

hickslawns

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Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
Looks good. I just dumped some money into my bike to get it going again but after the accident I saw happen literally in front of us on Saturday night, she might be going in the classifieds very soon. I love to ride but at this point in my life I just can’t justify the risk of putting myself at the mercy of a bunch of asshole drivers

No doubt it is a risk. As a former EMT I can assure you the thought crosses my mind. One thing they didn't teach in EMT classes? How to put a sheet over a body. I had to cover a body at a busy intersection once from a car vs motorcycle accident. Eerie feeling. Every single time I go thru the intersection, by car/truck/bike I think about that. I honestly don't get to put many miles on the bikes yearly. I've probably logged more miles in the dirt than on the roads and have had my MC endorsement longer than my car license. Nonetheless, it is very enjoyable feeling the knees in the breeze.
 
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hickslawns

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39,721
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Ohio
One square inch at a time is being brought back to life. Rear rim has seen a bath. Front rim a respectable polish. Right side "pea shooter" muffler has been 95% polished. Left side has received a bath.
 

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hickslawns

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Ohio
Lookin good Phil!

Thanks brother. If it seems silly to do the polishing and detailing first, I'll explain my thought process. IF this ol girl is shining and looking good. . . It will be an excellent motivator to do the mechanicals and get her on the road.
 
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hickslawns

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Ohio
Poured a tall glass of Woodford Reserve when I finished paperwork at 1030pm. Walked out to the shop. Fairly pleased with how much I got done. I may be working on brakes, carbs, and other mechanical items sooner than I anticipated.
 

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hickslawns

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248
Ohio
Thought I'd inspect the brakes. Doesn't matter if she runs if she won't stop. Intended on bleeding system by pushing fluid from bleeder/caliper up to the reservoir. Opened reservoir cap to find it mostly dry with gunky residue inside. Time to read up on appropriate fluids for this bike. Should be standard brake fluid. I want to be sure. If I am cleaning the entire system and starting from scratch, I want to do it right. And today is not the day.
 

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"J"

Git Off My Lawn
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56,741
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North Carolina
I’d pull the caliper and clean up the guides for the pads if they look a little questionable as well. Actuate the piston some to make sure it moves freely enough it won’t lock up on you...
 
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