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Commando technical literature

Submitted by david_henshaw on Tue, 20/04/2010
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Commando

I am new to the Norton (though I've been a long-term fan of british bikes in general and the Norton marque specifically) and I have set myself a (very) long term goal of owning/restoring a Commando Hi Rider. What can I say? To me, it's the most monstrously beautiful bike I've ever seen, and the fact it's a Norton just makes it even better.

As I have limited mechanical aptitude, however, my first job is to do my homework. I'm wary of buying an off the shelf motorbike mechanics book, as that will (at best) teach me how to fix modern bikes.

(By the way, I fully appreciate what a mammoth task it is, but I have patience and plenty of time, so I figure why not? It'll keep me out of mischief...)

So, are there any good books, other than the Haynes and workshop manual, that will help me improve my chances when it comes to actually restoring whatever basket case I end up with?

Submitted by hans_taylor on Wed, 21/04/2010

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Hi Damian,

You could start with Roy Bacon's Norton Twin Restoration book. This will give you all the tech info and settings you will need. Better than Haynes are Clymer manuals, an American production but can be easily found in UK. You will also benefit from a good copy of the parts book for your particular aged bike. I have not seen many refernces to Hi Rider parts in the parts book, but bearing in mind that all these various models really only changed cosmetically, the basic engine and frame are the same. get the book for your engine age and the rest will folow suit.

Good luck...........

Submitted by david_henshaw on Fri, 23/04/2010

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Thanks for that. I will certainly look those manuals up. And I'll certainly need plenty of luck, too.

As far as I am aware, when the Hi Rider's weren't selling as hoped, they were being refitted into Roadsters to sell on. If that is the case, I hope to 'do the opposite', if need be, and essentially build/restore a Roadster and then tweak it into a Hi Rider.

Thanks again.

Submitted by pwhite105 on Fri, 23/04/2010

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Hi Damian

You may already be aware that RealClassic Magazine is currently serialising a rebuild of a 'Hi-Rider'? You shouldn't have too much problembuilding onetechnically, you'll need to either extend the handlebar control cables or find some new old stock. Socially perhaps is another issue! ;)

Good Luck..........

Submitted by david_henshaw on Tue, 27/04/2010

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Previously Peter White wrote:

Hi Damian

You may already be aware that RealClassic Magazine is currently serialising a rebuild of a 'Hi-Rider'? You shouldn't have too much problembuilding onetechnically, you'll need to either extend the handlebar control cables or find some new old stock. Socially perhaps is another issue! ;)

Good Luck..........

Ah, I wasn't aware of that actually. Thank you!

And I have always been something of a curmudgeonly pariah, anyway. So, socially, I think I have little to lose! ;)

Submitted by david_henshaw on Sat, 26/06/2010

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Sir,

Three cheers for curmudgeonly pariahs, hip hip hooray ! hip hip hooray ! hip hip hooray !

God save the Queen !

Paul.

Submitted by david_henshaw on Sat, 24/07/2010

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Good luck on your rebuild. Some suppliers to look for on the web are; Norvil and Andover in the UK, Old Brits, British bike connection, Fairspares, Clubman racing, Domiracer, Commando Specialties in the U.S I have been sourcing parts for the last two years for my Fastback restoration and have seen parts specifically for the High Rider come up on Ebay many times. Craig

 


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