Norton: Commando 1968 750 Fastback

 1968 Norton Commando 750 Fastback. The engine. frame and transmission numbers all match. Bill of sale only. No title. My ownership of this motorcycle began about 20 years ago as this being a project bike. My goal has been to try a make this motorcycle as original as possible using many correct new and OE parts with only a very few modern upgrades for safety and possible eventual use. This has been a long time enjoyable process that seems as though I will not complete. I have decided to sell it in favor of other projects with which I am involved. There has been much done along the way to get this motorcycle this close to completion. The motorcycle has been test run only but not ridden although earlier this year I did have a new set of period correct Avon front and rear tires mounted and installed. The fuel tank and rear tail section have been repainted green. However they appear to be the wrong shade of green. The fuel tank and tail section emblems are temporarily for the photos. Almost everything on this 1968 Norton Commando has been rebuilt or replaced with originality in mind down to the fasteners and hardware. Although not 100% totally correct for 1968 the goal was to be as close as possible. As stated before. the bike needs some completing and sorting but all of the major and difficult tasks have been done. Mechanical:The engine was disassembled down to the crank shaft. Beno Rodi cleaned the sludge trap and checked the bottom end for wear. He also rebuilt the cylinder head. The crankshaft was installed with new Super-blend bearings. The pistons and cylinders were checked and new piston rings were installed. all engine nuts and bolts were replaced with new ones with the correct markings from British only. There are no broken or damaged fins on either the cylinder or the head. The transmission was disassembled. cleaned and reassembled using new bearings and internals as needed. The clutch plates were replaced and the original early style raised clutch cover was reinstalled. The air cleaner box covers were stripped and painted. The air cleaner outer mesh and paper filter was replaced with new ones. Two new Amal carburetors were purchased and installed along with new fuel lines and petcocks. The new mufflers are the correct early Commando Atlas style with new brackets and mounting hardware. Electrical:A new wiring harness was installed along with new headlight switch. handle bar switch and ignition switch. The correct headlight beam with new bulbs and re-chromed original headlight shell was also used. A modern horn and reproduction tail lamp lens is currently installed. The horn is not yet connected electrically. Both the speedometer and the tachometer are the correct solid green globe type and both have been rebuilt. Both the speedometer drive and tachometer drivehave been replaced with new units. Both instrument shells are original and in very good condition. The ignition system has been updated to a Boyer electronic unit. Chassis:The original early style Commando frame was properly reinforced by installing a center brace from a later Commando frame. The frame. cradle and swing arm was stripped and repainted. The front forks were dissembled cleaned. polished and repainted. New handle bars. grips. levers and cables were installed. The front brake assembly has the stiffener plate installed in it as well as new brake shoes. The rear brake drum and sprocket was stripped and painted and new shoes installed as well. The front brake was polished and all of the linkages and brackets were replaced with new parts. The original Dunlop wheels have a slight amount of surface rust in places but have not been re-chromed. New stainless steel spokes from Buchanan'swere used. New Avon period correct size and style tires were installed earlier this year. The front fender has not been restored but shows only a slight amount of wear and corrosion. The correct rear fender was stripped and repainted. The fiberglass fuel tank has no leaks and both it and the fiberglass tail section are in excellent condition. The seat is as original with exception of the missing strap. The seat fits nicely and the front seat "ears" fit snugly against the fuel tank. The oil tank and side cover are re-painted as well as the original battery tray. The foot rest brackets and the kick start lever are the correct early Commando only rough cast material. I am sure I am leaving some things out since this has been such a long "on again of again" project. As stated previously the motorcycle has been test run only to adjust timing. check for leaks etc. and presently has all fluids drained and battery removed for storage. Overall this is a very nice example of a very early Norton Commando that needs completing. sorting and riding. Low reserve. Note: I am re-listing this motorcycle because the previous winner turned out to be a non-paying buyer.

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