Norton Commando 850 MKIII Service and Recommissioning. Part 29: First Start!!

This video is part of a series covering the recommissioning of this 'Norvil' Norton Commando 850 MKIII Roadster. It was built by Norvil in 2012 using new and upgraded parts throughout, including uprated brakes, electrics, starter motor and various upgraded engine parts etc. etc. However, shortly after it was built (only 900 miles on the clock) the then owner decided they didn't like it (too high and heavy for them) and left it sitting in their shed - for 10 years! These videos follow the recommissioning of the bike after its long slumber. This particular video reminds us what a Norvil Commando actually is, with the various upgrades etc. The work we have done on the bike is then reviewed and the bike started for the first time!

[mickgerard]

Wonderful work Chris! It never ceases to amaze me how many people spend thousands on a bike and then abandon it to deteriorate. Bad owners. 🤨

[peterrestaino]

Im pleased to announce that after watching you and mike from mighty garage for a couple of years that I wanted a Norton but I have three bikes already so wasnt actively searching. But the wife and I were walking the pup around the block when a neighbor struck up a conversation about the dog. This guys is a gear head with car projects all over and motorcycles too. a hoarder type. we started talking about the motorcycles when he said there was a 1969 Norton in the back shed and I said what really can I see it. So we go back there tripping over junk and there it was a rusty cruddy blue 1969 I think S with fiberglass tank and halo headlight and the older style steel rusty chrome triple trees. After thinking about it and dreaming three weeks later we dug it out and 1000 dollars, me and the wife pushed it home. It is partially disassembled and missing some items. No exhaust pipes so I dont know if its an s or a roadster. I found the barrels and head but need outer primary. head mount, intake, one carb, air box, one rocker arm, shaft, two valve covers, clutch. headers. he may find these items in his garage I hope. also came with spare short block. started stripping it down. the fun begins. I need all the special tools but I got it stripped down to just bare frame engine/ trans still in. started bead blasting and painting the small bits.

[kevinbull]

Lovely job Chris. Have been eagerly awaiting first start up. Shame about the sound, but great to see the fruits of your labour.

[jonjenkins]

Great work Triples are great but everybody needs a commando 👍, only my opinion of course 😅😅. Hope you and Chris are doing well. Kind regards Jon

[dougmclaren]

Another great series of vids Chris. That's a cracking bike, looks fantastic.

[johnrowley]

Chris although I prefer the triples I’ve enjoyed this series more than any other. The frequent short videos are great. I think the bike is now as it was designed to be: it’s better than when it came out of the factory

[alancrisp]

🤔How Chris after all that hard work you have put into this future classic motorcycle 🏍. Could you please take it out for a long ride. So we can all see how she preforms !. Thanks

[nigellynch]

Great content Chris, just can't deal with wobbly camera.