English French German Italian Spanish

Rear mudguard (fender) fitment

Submitted by gary_burgess1 on Sat, 18/09/2021
Forums
Commando

Good afternoon all,

please go easy on me, this my first ever forum post...

5 months ago ago I purchased a 1970 commando fastback, completely disassembled, foolish, daft or just plain stupid, I don't know. But.... I like a challenge!

Anyway, the bike is now almost built up, the next expense will be the repaint of the tank, fishtail and side panels. Can anyone recommend a fuel tank liner, my tank is fibreglass and already has had a previous liner treatment.

I am at a loss as to the fitment of my rear mudguard, the part supplied is painted black and does resemble the guards shown for the 1970 and interim model commando's on the andover norton site. The rear fitment looks straight forward, bolt nut and washers to the number plate bracket and nuts and washers securing the guard to the fishtail studs via the bracket and rubber pad. The front guard fitment is what is causing me problems, I have had both brackets and spacers supplied by AN and neither line up with any holes in my guard. There is no provision to fit the small square bracket to the battery carrier and the bracket that locates with spacers to the frame gusset behind the oil tank, when fitted does not line up anything like with the guard.

Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you for reading, Gary

 

Submitted by michael_coare on Sat, 18/09/2021

Permalink

No doubt I'll be quickly shot down by Commando owners, but I would be hesitant about a fibreglass tank.

"The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 s.39 as amended (see link below)

All fuel tanks:

  • Shall be constructed and maintained so that the leakage of any liquid from the tank is adequately prevented.  
  • Shall be constructed and maintained so that the leakage of vapour from the tank is adequately prevented.  
  • If fitted to a vehicle first used on or after 1st July 1973:

                   - Made only of metal.

                   - Fixed in such a position and so maintained as to be reasonably secure from damage.

  • A two-wheeled motorcycle (with or without a side-car) first used on or after 1st February 1993 need not have a fuel tank made only of metal.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 8) Regulations 1992"

I'm unsure as to their legality, possibly an MOT fail?

Also with E10 fuel now mainstream, I think that is not very good for FG.

Now for the kickbacks!

Submitted by neil_wyatt on Sat, 18/09/2021

Permalink

Don't even think about using E10 garbage in a Norton tank, especially a FG tank.

Outside of the 3 UK ethanol zones, E0 is available from Esso. Supreme+ with the red label. Ignore the E5 sticker. That means up to 5%, which includes zero.

Zero seems to be a popular buzz word in political circles, so let's hear it for zero ethanol! 

Use it or lose it...

Submitted by steve_constable on Sun, 19/09/2021

Permalink

Hi Gary,

I can recommend Caswell clear tank liner for fibreglass tanks. There are other choices but this has worked twice for me. Also, think about using Esso premium petrol. I believe this is still ethanol free in a lot of the UK.

I am rebuilding a Commando at present, so here are a couple of pics of the fender mounting. Top plate attaches to rear frame gusset. Lower mounting point is just below battery tray. Both use spacer washers.

Attachments
289C50AB-3089-4242-AB66-DAF80044A018.jpeg
5D44953B-C345-48E1-9DF9-4D5EEEBE71B6.jpeg

 


Norton Owners Club Website by 2Toucans