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Norton Guy
United States
Приєднався 1 тра 2008
Vintage Planes, Bikes and Cars
BSA that doesn't leak oil?
Yet another update on the '68 Firebird. It's been sitting for over 10 days without leaking one drop of oil after repair. Incredible!
Переглядів: 130
Відео
Firebird Commentary
Переглядів 253Місяць тому
A little background on the Firebird. Bought as a non runner but it looked complete so it was worth a shot. The right piston had broken at the piston pin boss and the valves were a mess so it got a fresh top end. The '68 was my my favorite version of the Firebird and to me it's the last A65 with some old BSA hardware for better or worse. They can be fussy to work on but I love a challenge. Yes, ...
68 Firebird back together
Переглядів 364Місяць тому
The 1968 Firebird back together and running after replacing a broken piston and freshening up the top end
Firebird Fiasco Follow up
Переглядів 849 місяців тому
After further investigation, looks like the culprit was a broken piston. Never seen one busted like this before, it was pretty steady until you put some force on it. I pulled the wrist pin out and low and behold it was pretty obvious where the shrapnel came from. Small end bush is fine, no wear or damage so it looks like I dodged the bullet on this one. Feared the worst and a good top end job s...
Firebird fiasco
Переглядів 1649 місяців тому
I picked up a decent looking BSA Firebird with a hidden story. Low compression and a lot of carbon and upper cylinder oil. I haven't pulled it all apart yet but it looks like the sludge trap plug backed out and jammed between the cylinder skirts! More to follow...
Daytona comes to life
Переглядів 24110 місяців тому
Just figured I'd throw this quickie on the channel, the Daytona starts and runs. Go figure!
Garage update / barn find
Переглядів 54910 місяців тому
Two bikes that have been sitting in a garage for 30 years. A Honda icon and a Triumph Daytona
Amal Concentric Needle Jet
Переглядів 971Рік тому
Just a brief over view of Amal carburetor needle jet function and possible problem solving. Amal did turn out some defective needle jets in recent years, and this may help some people to rectify problems.
Norton Repair tools
Переглядів 947Рік тому
Short video about using a couple of Norton repair tools. Sure to garner some comments about how I'm doing it wrong, but so be it. Thanks for having a look, I know it's been a long time between videos but life happens.
Quick update
Переглядів 178Рік тому
Just a wander around the garage, not much new to report, but I figured it was about time. No edits, just a look at a friend's bike up on the lift that I'm doing some work on. Aermacchi's are quirky bike but interesting and fun.
YCS1 Cold start
Переглядів 1362 роки тому
Yamaha 180cc twin probably headed for the auction block. Just not getting used so it's the first to go.
Finally a new video!
Переглядів 6372 роки тому
Back from a long break, installed an Alton starter kit on the old Commando. As I said in the video I've had a few life setbacks that have kept me from doing motorcycle foolishness, but I'm back. Link to Alton : www.alton-france.com/
Shop Update
Переглядів 2034 роки тому
Short tour of the (inactive) shop and a hint at why I haven't posted any content
Norton Commando Crossover Exhaust and a trophy!
Переглядів 5365 років тому
Norton Commando Crossover Exhaust and a trophy!
Belisimo
Wow. I’m speechless.
@np1663 Well, that comment can go either way LOL. Any way, thanks for looking!
@@saywhatsaywhat1 haha it could but it’s meant in the most complimentary way. A phenomenal amount of work and dedication must have gone into this bike. It certainly shows.
Great video thanks for the lesson. I would like to ask. I have a Boyer ignition on a Triumph I picked up. Can I add a kill switch that shorts out the coil to the ground without harming the Boyer box? Thank you.
My initial thought would be to put a switch in series with the power, less chance of harming the box itself. That's how my Norton works. It probably wouldn't hurt in the long run but why take the chance.
Hello there.......what's the status of the bike now?
@@chuck5713 I sold it a few years ago.
Just give her a bit of time 😂😂
I was gonna be a smartass and ask if there's oil in the tank... So yeah, that's somewhat disconcerting. My BSA A50 (the 500cc single carb) has a leak from that junction bloc that we've never really been able to fix. We even machined the crankcases when the motor was rebuilt to try and get a flat mating surface. Obviously new gasket, a decent sealing compound... maybe I'll try the o-rings next, who knows. Cheers!
@mysticapprentice as I said, I tried the typically supplied seals and no joy. The originals are square cut so not even a typical oring. After looking closely they didn't really seem thick enough to protrude above the manifold itself so I figured it was worth a shot to try something thicker. Not easy access there either as I'm sure you've already seen. Anyway it worked our fine in the end, best of luck, I've been wrenching on this stuff for over 50 years but learn every day...
Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try. Indeed, it's surprising how much information and knowledge seems to always come up around these bikes. Part of why we love them I guess!
It's like sailboat racing, perfecting an obsolete mode of transportation .
My 750 has a stripped exhaust nut. Now what?
@JohnBlomquist well back in the day there were a number of shops that would mill out the threads and weld in an insert. Fair spares comes to mind but I don't know who's doing it now. Needless to say, the head has to come off and get shipped out. No miracle fix on this one I'm afraid.
Sounds great and looks even better
GORGEOUS example ! however you need to buy a BSA seat logo stencil mask from me and redo your seat logo in gold!
Thanks for the offer but I'd rather keep the patina at the level where it is now.
Superb work, how does it compare to your Commando?
No comparison really, the Commando is far and away a better machine.
Running video link: ua-cam.com/video/3TtqwoJEP5Q/v-deo.htmlsi=ZVMIZEe3q0wU4AQp
I rode one just like it very recently, what a hoot! I also like the version with both exhausts on the same side, with that massive grill... they sure look good!
BEAUTIFUL
Thank you
This system doesnt require a battery. Or does it. I dont see a battery. Im learning and working on a 69 norton 750 with nowhere to put a battery.
Yes, a battery is required, mine is off screen.
Does this set up not require a battery. L dont see a battery hooked up. Im running a 69 750 Norton customized with nowhere to put a battery.
Cool sounds and looks ooooh yeah 😅😊
Sounds great, I may have an opportunity to get a Remus for my 2002 S off a 2005 BCR, was the install easy or any issues?
No issues, well designed
Varry cool😎
that is not a cafe racer... Conan UK
Made in england customised in the USA ❤🎉 best of both worlds
Glad you think so, not everyone was complimentary. I would have installed clip ons and rearsets but i'm afraid my back wouldn't tolerate it.
I just start mine after dumping and just keep the revs low for 30 seconds or so. Done this for years.
That works
Sounds crisp.
Top speed of mine is 56 mph what are you topping out at…Tks.
I sold it a couple of years ago but the last time I did a moto Giro it showed between 55 to 60 I think. Pretty good for a 185 anyway.
you know Yamaha advertised 85 to 90 mph on this bike
@jkjodi yeah I know ,lol. My yds3 may have but not the 185
And yes I flushed out the sump with solvent to get any remaining swarf, cleaned the sump screen and I'll flush out the tank etc. when I proceed.
Well that's a new one! Lucky in a sense, and very lucky it ended up in your care... I agree, there is a lot about the A50/A65 unit engines that really isn't great. I put it down to bad company management at the time, and I think that given another path in history it could have been developed into a decent, capable engine. SRM in Wales, UK are the ones developing these engines the way they should have been and they do a very good job. Good luck with this rebuild, I hope it's not too much of a headache.
Yes, fully agree, I'll have some time in the next day or two to do more digging. No history on the bike so it's all forensic wrenching.
Schlick. Great work
Great info. New slides look nice. Amal?
Yep
Just purchased a shed find rusty 1970 Norton commando 750 roadster, fiberglass tank, halo headlight old style tripple trees . I tore it all down and the main concerns are gearbox bearing bores and engine bearing bores out of tolerance. I didnt have to heat the cases to get the bearings out. Any recomendations on how to build up the bores and remachine like flame spray or some kind of jb weld or other ideas.
I guess it depends on HOW far they are out. Loctite stud and bearing mount is made for the job. They make it in a couple of variations so check out their website for specs. I have used it in the past with good results.
In the case of the trans probably 3 to7 thousands that bore is out of round. Engine bores around one or two thousands. @@saywhatsaywhat1
One or two thou, no problem using loctite. Seven thou is more of an issue.@@peterrestaino7047
thanks for the reply@@saywhatsaywhat1
outstanding
Good info but please, please add to it that the heat is *necessary* when you're installing or removing the spindles to prevent damage to the bores in the head. The head is made from an aviation alloy called RR-53B, Rolls Royce grade 53, B variant. It's a super alloy, developed for Rolls Royce military aviation engines but the "B" alloy was designed especially for pistons. It works great as a head alloy because it's very strong for its weight but the B-variant is designed to "smear" before it cracks or seizes. The design is for a shrink-fit so that the spindles don't bounce around as the cam lifts the valve gear and drops it. Since it's designed that way, the fit is tight enough to wipe off layers of alloy in the bores if the head isn't heated. It is a danger when taking them out but it's worse putting them in because the front edges of the spindle being driven in push the metal in the bore like a bulldozer pushing gravel and once that's happened the bore is scarred and gouged out of round. Please, don't use a screw-type puller. The slide hammer is designed so that you can't put too much force on the spindlesm. If the head is warm enough to release the spindles, they'll come out with the amount of force that the slide hammers applies. Using a screw-type puller will apply enough force to pull the spindles out when they're not released and score the bore in the head. Don't wreck a Norton head, use enough heat to loosen the spindles and only use the slide hammer. Experience talking here.
Love that sound! Hope to see a ride video soon. BTW I own and enjoy riding “the nickel bike” you built in ‘08 featured in your first video.
Very cool! Glad to see it's being enjoyed, thanks for the comment!
Excellent video
Thanks for the visit
Im not gonna lie, I’ve had a boyer since 1996 that I installed (never really had any problems with it) but just recently I had a weird situation causing no spark. I learned more from your video and it absolutely helped me understand how it worked and how to troubleshoot it. I was quickly able to determine it wasn’t the issue. And found the problem pretty quickly afterwards. I owe you a lunch 🥪 lol 😂
Ready to tear up the streets, listen to that!! 🐯
Sounds even better in person, pretty crisp for having been sitting for 30 years!
That takes me back, started riding in '61, those early/mid 1960s Honda days of 50-305cc are fond memories. Getting out of the navy in '69, my best buddy bought a Triumph Trophy 500 and I bought the Honda CL450 scrambler, six months later I was allowed to ride a Norton a few miles, bought a Commando 'S', and never looked back. During my high school days of '62-'65, a Triumph was about the classiest bike a guy could own in our neck of the woods...
Nice bikes Daytonas. There's a good argument that 500cc was the best size for those twins.
I think a Mr. Ted Simon would agree with you!!
Fair enough!
Not the best solution. If the engine wet sumps in a fortnight get a new pump. If it wet sums in six months ride your bike more often. Best solution is a tap with a mag earth on it or s as kick start fouling tap handle.
Imho one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. Just perfect. Even though I hate green.. 😏
Green bikes aren't my fave either but Triumph pulled it off with this color.
@@saywhatsaywhat1 ..just. 😏😉
What a beaut! 🇬🇧
"Hello sportsfans" - I said it for you. Nice Triumph.
It is quite nice, on ebay right now.
thanks for the video, I'm having trouble getting the assembled unit into place, did you put one side on once it was in there? It's wider than the frame downtubes, isn't it
First off you have to make sure you got the right kit. There are two, one if you have narrowed the mount tube and the later version which is made for the Mark III. The earlier bikes had a wider mount tube that has to be narrowed 1/8" on either side or use the special vernier kit. I think the kit for the pre mark III is 06.7337.
@saywhatsaywhat1 hi, thanks for your fast reply, yes I have the 7337 kit for my 72 750
Redline Dave here , I have been pro British M/C mechanic for 55 years continuous. specializing in Norton. Modifying motors works well IF you know what you are doing. I own the most "modern" early twin in the WORLD, and it works very well thank you . I also own the 2nd most modern early twin motor in the world. WHAT ? ! - Long rod slipper piston conversion, ya who doesn't - BUT dual squish Cosworth style combustion chambers on #1 , and single squish on #2 - my work , you or anyone else does not have that. Along with oil fed Dunstall cam and alloy barrels , dual oil filters in and out , crank fired ignition etc.
IVE GOT POWER TO BOTH COILS .. THE TEST LIGHT TO COILS TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN KICKING .BUT .MAGNET PASSING BY PICK UPS DOES NOT CAUSE SPARK?? BUT I HAD SPARK BEFORE 2 YEAR STORAGE BUT NO SPARK NOW ??? NEXT I WILL MAKE SURE RED GROUND WIRE IS GROUNDED ...WITH JUMPER WIRE........................................
Unplug the pickup coil and touch the two wires together and you should get sparks. Ohm out the pickup coil to see if it's intact too.
@@saywhatsaywhat1 THE KIT I HAVE YOU CANNOT UNPLUG THOSE PICKUP WIRES THEY ARE SHRINK TUBED?? BUT I FOUND THE RED GROUND WIRE WAS NOT GROUNDED NOW I HAVE SPARK ..............THANKS..
Thanks for the details.
You bet!
Nice to hear from you as always. "Keep your stick on the ice" - that's a new one.
The worst bike i have ever worked on as regards this
The smoothest, anti-vibration parallel twin designed and engineered that I'm aware of. An absolute joy to grunt around town, the twisties and the highway.
I recently bought a re-imported (back to UK) Commando mk2a Interstate in a sorry state...but at least the engine turns over. The previous owner, apart from the general neglect, installed a 'feet-up' touring footrest bar just in front of the engine barrels and succeeded in crushing the twin frame downtubes at the mount points. Getting those back to round again is going to be a challenge.
Used to be a thing back in the day, a lot of frames got that treatment sad to say.
Wise advice from years of experience.
Loose those locking tabs, they are a waste of time👍🇬🇧
Thanks for the tip
Awesome video Understand it well now. Thank you!