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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

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Previously wrote:

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

Hello Norman White is the best man to addvise anyone on these machines .and if I was you I would listen to him ? Anders Larsson In Sweden as one of the First John Player Commandos in Sweden . And later rebuilt by Norman White and its a very nice job to ? yours anna j

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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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