Hi All, I am trying to finish my ultimate Commando, But before I finish it off I'm trying to take a last look at any drawings/ pictures etc, of 72 john playerNorton's.
My primary objective is a fast track/Sundayblast bike, but if I can I would like tofinishthe frame so I could enter some VRRA events in Canada, if poss. This winter is it so I am down to final decisions.
I have worked the out frame geometry 26deg head angle, with a 56in W.B. 50/50 distribution, and copied the frame layout, by reversing the tubes etc. Norman White gave me some hints onswing armlayout, but I am not dead keen about it, and do have some other idea's, as this is not going to be just a pure racer. So if any one can help me further, I would appreciate it.
I'veobtainedwhat I can, classic racers articles, P.W.'s book but no real good illustrations of the iso mountings andswing armplacement.
My first consideration is building the best commando I can, so I've done things a bit differently, but I would like to build the frame so it would stand a chance ofcommitteeapproval, by just taking off the modern stuff I'm putting on. Any help or suggestions would beappreciated.
Regards Ian Sutherland
Previously wrote: Hi All,…
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Hi Anna, I have written to…
Hi Anna, I have written to Norman and he confirmed the layout of original plates, iso mount in front of swingarm, between chain runs, swingarm hanging off the rear.
My bike is different, I originally put it together with standard type rear plates, with a mono-shock mounted to them, and the swingarm in a calculated position, nice and tight on the gearbox, giving me room for my shock and the longest swingarm I could get in, which I like.
I met Peter Williams at the Toronto bike show, and I was talking to him about it, and he Jokingly said He approved the changes, as my design will not compress the mounts.
I e-mailed Norman,but other than the layout no luck. When I workit out, it comes out very close to the chain. It's maybemy layout that is not compatable with the 1972, I've geared it more towards modern #'s. I am finishing it off one way or another this year. I have some other idea's but they are not period either, so I know It will not be allowed.
Ideally I would like to be able to make a different set of rear plates, twin shocks obviously, put period carbs on it, and see if I could getIT into a race.
However as it sit's I would have to take a lot of modern stuff off, to do it,I just require some #'s or some good photo's of the rear plate, to see if I can do it.
Before I decidewhat I'm doing for good, I would like to take one last look. This is my last hope for some info and I just might be to far off already. So if I cannot get a better idea, I'm leaving it the way it is, Norman did not responsed to my request for numbers or want tosupply any parts for it. I think I'm out of luck, unless someone else has some #'s or photo's,and even then it might not work out, but I would like to anaylise it before I put the idea to bed, for good.
I have not built a copy, but rather what I've always wanted,something between a Fbed and acommando, that looks a bit like a 73JPN, but with a few updates, and changes.
I cannot build anymore Fbed commando's or seeley type bikes as I have nerve damage that's not compatible with Norton engine vibrations anymore.
Regards Ian
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Previously wrote: