Just bought and well hooked!

Hi Richard

Welcome to the club and thanks for posting the pic of your new bike.She looks pretty good to me even with the 'High Rider' style tank (which I guess 'floats your boat' so it's good for us too?)

Attempts to find a bike's history start with the engine and frame number. Your '72 Roadster was probably produced towards the end of the year when they were all fitted with the front disk brake. We offer members a 'NOC1 dating certificate' which can provide much useful information for only £30.00  Regrettably, our records are not 100% complete but we should be able to help. You may find that the bike originally was delivered as a different variant but that's less important than your enjoyment of the ride.

You'll find that there's a wealth of information about how to look after your bike on this website and I can recommend searching the 'Roadholder Index' and the Technical pages. We also have links to 28 local UK branches filled with like minded owners who can offer support and a social framework in which you can show off your new Pride and Joy.Check out your local "Shenstone Branch" website here.

Peter

The 72 was fitted with a disc brake when the Combat option was selected, late in the 72 run everything got the disc and the Combat was detuned. If you can post the first 3 digits then we can see if its early or late. Of course a disc front end could easily have been fitted later on in its life to repair a damaged drum front end. 

Hi Richard,

Lovely looking bike, I like the High rider/SS tank, I have one of those tanks in the garage for a project if I ever get round to it, is your tank steel or fiberglass? Best keep a close eye on the fuel level as it soon empties in these small tanks, I`ve run out on a Roadster more times than I care to remember! 

A few of my bikes were previously registered oversees and repatriated around the same time as yours so V5 the same.

First thing to learn about Commandos if you don`t already know is the wonderful phenomena of wet sumping! Anything you want to know, just ask here.

Best regards, Al.

Hi Richard,

Wet sumping can occur frighteningly quickly on Nortons, don`t be tempted to top up the oil tank before draining the crankcases and even then, level best kept halfway between L & H on the dip stick.

Watch out for reproduction petrol tanks from India, they usually don`t fit and are the wrong shape, often looking very square edged.

12.4 volts is quite low, 12.5V is half charged, 12.7+V fully charged & 12V is about flat. The connections from the alternator wires to the loom is a favorite place for vibration damage.

Enjoy getting to know your new best friend.

Regards, Al.

Last Combat was prior to engine No. 211110, so you need to check if yours is a Combat. Look at the carbs, are they 930's or 932's. 

Best current Roadster steel tank is the Emgo one made in Taiwan, several people stock it.

Check oil level and top-up if required immediately after a run when there is no excess oil in the sump (assuming oil pump working correctly).