It Runs!!!!

Finally after much head scratching and replacing of parts the 750 Commando is running sweet as a nut now. Issues I found were that first the head gasket was blown, one of the head nuts was missing, the Boyer ignition despite being new seemed to not be working properly and both main and reserve petrol taps were effectively blocked up. So New rings and gaskets, new Pazon Ignition (quality bit of kit!) New 34mm Mikuni carb and some good functioning petrol taps and it runs great. This thing has done less than 9000 miles from new and is the nearest thing to a new Commando I've worked on (despite being 37 years old... the bike that is, not me! ) For a while this bike had beaten me but not now, another Norton tamed!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdafOMxFurs

England for a short visit

It was such a nice day it would have been bad manners not to go out for the day on the bike. We headed down the A68 (despite the speed cameras the complete cretins in their cars not paying attention and the scourge of country roads Horse boxes being towed by the country set) Before we knew it we were at the border which seperates this uncluttered land with our much more cluttered neighbours, an interesting fact is that Scotland has an average of 168.2 people per square mile whils England has 1023 people per square mile so you know where to come if you want peace and quiet! A superb day with the countryside resplendent in deep autumnal colours, almost worth a poem!

A run back towards Edinburgh via Kelso Duns and Gifford** on the small roads ended an excellent day (**sorry we never stopped at the tea shop but it was getting late)

A view of our bonnie land from the border

We passed Hume Castle just outside Kelso, originally build in the 12th and 13th Century but rebuilt as a folly in the 18th Century

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Tartan Rally

This years Tartan Rally held in Killin in Perthshire was different as the weather was Ok and not peeing with rain. The afternoon started with a Chimpanzee's tea party



















It had been Ian's birthday so Alison got him a cake with his picture on!



















Following the afternoon's overdose of Chocolate cake and a small whisky I retired to bed early due to being overcome with tiredness, however when I saw the photos of the carnage I was glad that I did! The last two pics show Ian with his photo on the front of his new Versys and Bob doing some unplanned maintenance on his old Honda!!

Back together again

Well thsta the thing mainly back together again, just a few final adjustments. Thanks to Alex for doing a great job of Aqua blasting the head, what a difference! New rings, valve seals, Carb and a general sort out so hoping it goes as good as it looks. Update soon!

Norton 750 on the bench

Finally decided to try and get rid of my 750 Commando but first I wanted to see inside the motor to check all is well before offering it for sale, the engine had allegedly only done around 8000 niles from new.


Just before the head was unbolted
















Off it comes

















Might as well have the Barrells off as well

















All is revealed, very clean and no wear at all



















Even the bores and followers are unmarked

















So thats it then, a front bolt missing from the head and a gasket which looks like its seen better days and apart from that very happy with the rest. Going to try to get the head blasted and cleaned up then build it again, hopefully it'll run sweet after that then the dilemma will I sell it or not Hmmmm

Norvin

Seen at the lothians classic club meeting last week this nice example of a Norvin unusual these days. A great turn out including a vincent and a square four .