Frame straightening

You do know all the top tubes are bent? Welding distortion where the tubes branch off to the rear engine mount. The front down tubes should be straight from headstock to front engine mount, you can sort this out with a car jack, a few blocks of wood and some strong straps. Then check the frame against the dimensions in the workshop manual.

We always used to joke that Commandos handled better after a crash and if you can get the engine mounts to within 1/8" I wouldn't worry about it.

[Edit] Hello Peter. I've just noticed who posted this. The answer to my question is yes, of course you do. But I'll leave this comment here in case someone chances along thinking the top tube on their bike need to be straightened. And I'll stand by my view that a bit bent is fine, maybe better even, and if it's so far gone to need to be yanked around on a motoliner it's probably better, cheaper and safer to buy a new one.

No where near Yorkshire but I have used Maidstone Motoliner in Kent for several frames and yokes and can honestly say that they do a brilliant job.  The only issue with my last frame was the waiting time of around 4 weeks, but that was in the depths of winter when they are at their busiest with all the racing fraternity's bikes.

http://www.motoliner.com/

Norman replaced both front down tubes on my Mk3 frame that were deformed when I bought the bike as a non-running wreck.  He replaced the complete seat loop that had weird brackets welded on, random holes drilled through it and was extensively corroded.  While replacing the seat loop, he also replaced all the shock absorber brackets, filled holes that were randomly drilled in the main spine tube, and had the frame powder coated.  Needless to say, he has the jigs to ensure everything is in correct alignment. The end result looks superb and given his huge knowledge of the Commando frame, you could not go to anyone better.

Andy

Hi Peter,

There was a discussion last year on the lightweight section. See:https://www.nortonownersclub.org/node/11174

Nicholas eventually went to Abba Engineering in Essex and was very happy.

Maidstone Motoliner as mentioned also have a very good reputation.

I am sure that Parallel Engineering in Wolverhampton did an article in either Roadholder or one of the classic mags about getting a Commando 'right', and their website opens with several Commando images - and they claim to specialise in Commando's. Not as big a trek from Yorkshire as the others.

Whilst I haven't had recourse to any of these, I do know people who have used the Maidstone one and who have been very pleased with them, as did Bob above.

Hope that this helps,

George.

Try John Warrington in Malton, N . Yorks . Highly recommended.  01653 698258 . Regards, Jonathan.