Search found 38 matches

by tim harrison
Mon Jan 15, 2024 9:22 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Commander rotary engine
Replies: 3
Views: 3688

Re: Commander rotary engine

You could buy the rotary engine video/dvd workshop engine rebuild by Graham Wishaw from the Norton owners club
by tim harrison
Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: What a Din, engine sounds dreadful
Replies: 2
Views: 6190

Re: What a Din, engine sounds dreadful

I had a similar problem, I had a recon engine in the cupboard under the stairs which I have put in, with JB assisting. The noise is gone so definitely the engine. I suspected a bearing and if it was it could have broken up and wrecked the engine. I even bought a stethoscope but couldn't locate the e...
by tim harrison
Tue Mar 28, 2023 11:52 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Going to a rally
Replies: 6
Views: 9903

Re: Going to a rally

I usually get around 800 km per litre when two up and fully loaded. Two lites with you should be sufficient. When doing a similar journey I realised in France that I wasn't going to make it so topped up early with a litre of 30 SAE lawnmower oil with no ill effect.
by tim harrison
Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:18 pm
Forum: calendar dates and announcements
Topic: NOC rally in Sweden
Replies: 10
Views: 15761

Re: NOC rally in Sweden

Booking on the NOC website will be open later this week.
by tim harrison
Sun May 22, 2022 10:19 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Oil filling rear chain
Replies: 5
Views: 7312

Re: Oil filling rear chain

Hi Trevor, given all the work that you have been undertaking I assumed that you had a workshop manual but if not they are available for the Commander at Andover Norton.
Tim
by tim harrison
Fri May 20, 2022 10:31 am
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Commander fuel tank filler cap
Replies: 2
Views: 6407

Re: Commander fuel tank filler cap

I have a vague recollection that the commander petrol cap came from a Fiat from the eighties but this may be that I am suffering from false memory syndrome?
by tim harrison
Mon May 16, 2022 7:57 am
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: What make are commander front forks
Replies: 10
Views: 10856

Re: What make are commander front forks

Hi Trevor. My Commander goes onto the centre stand easily and lifts the back wheel off the ground. If the bike rides well the forks are probably OK and need to settle. After a rebuild I vigorously press the forks up and down to get the hydraulics working properly. Others may have more information bu...
by tim harrison
Sun May 15, 2022 7:26 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: What make are commander front forks
Replies: 10
Views: 10856

Re: What make are commander front forks

Hi Trevor, the forks are Yamaha late '80s XJ900 fitted as standard to the Commander. Likewise the wheels and brakes. If you have anything different they are non standard.
Tim
by tim harrison
Wed May 11, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: General discussion (eveything else)
Topic: Norfolk
Replies: 5
Views: 14526

Re: Norfolk

You could try the Norfolk Motorcycle Museum in North Walsham. The town is also worth a visit. The North Coast; Cromer, Wells Next the Sea and Brancaster are lovely seaside areas with the possibility to watch seals and eat crabs. Swaffham market on Saturday. Thetford Forest for walking. Norfolk Broad...
by tim harrison
Tue May 10, 2022 10:42 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Rear chain size in quality
Replies: 9
Views: 9936

Re: Rear chain size in quality

The chain is fully enclosed running in clean oil, the factory said that they should last the lifetime of the bike. If you are getting a new one I also recommend the chain man and get his very best. Richard advises against a split link and recommends riveting the chain. Certainly replace the gaiters ...
by tim harrison
Sun May 08, 2022 10:44 am
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: commander front mudguard fitting
Replies: 7
Views: 8906

Re: commander front mudguard fitting

Just out of interest I have a drain with cover in my drive which I remove and push the front wheel over the open space, then it is easy to remove the wheel.You still need a block under the engine to ensure the bike is stable. It is a rain water drain. You may need a cloths peck if you use a foul dra...
by tim harrison
Tue May 03, 2022 2:37 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Commander brake upgrade
Replies: 13
Views: 17871

Re: Commander brake upgrade

Hi Trevor, further to my previous reply, the four pot Billet calipers are listed on the Harrison Billet website. They are designed fit the XJ900 forks without the need for new discs or fork modification. They probably sell pads but I use 880 Ducati items.
Regards
Tim
by tim harrison
Tue May 03, 2022 2:28 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Mirrors very stiff
Replies: 1
Views: 5499

Re: Mirrors very stiff

Hi Trevor, as a word of caution there are no spare mirrors other than if you could find one second hand. Mine have never gone stiff but I would have thought that penetrating fluid and gentle manipulation should do it. Regarding your query on front brake calipers, mine are 4 pot Billet Calipers which...
by tim harrison
Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:27 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Classic starter problem
Replies: 7
Views: 12035

Re: Classic starter problem

The sprag has to be matched with the drive gear and engine sprocket. It is generally recommended that the three are installed together as new parts. Obviously much easier said than done with your bike. If the sprocket looks good Andover Norton has the 18 tooth sprag but yours maybe the 14 tooth vers...
by tim harrison
Wed Mar 30, 2022 7:47 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Classic starter problem
Replies: 7
Views: 12035

Re: Classic starter problem

Is it the starter sprag clutch. If it is not gripping the sprocket the starter will spin but won't turn the engine. This is a common problem on the Mk3 Commando but the freer spinning rotary with no backfire does not wear them out so quickly.
Tim
by tim harrison
Mon Dec 20, 2021 6:00 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: tyres
Replies: 6
Views: 10190

Re: tyres

I use Avon Roadriders, I have ,like Tony, used them in all conditions and they are relatively inexpensive.
by tim harrison
Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:32 am
Forum: General discussion (eveything else)
Topic: giving way on roundabouts
Replies: 4
Views: 9582

Re: giving way on roundabouts

Hi JB. When I passed my motorcycle test in 1964 the Highway Code stated that there was, unless stated, no designated right of way on roundabouts. This was often inaccurately taken to mean that the right of way was with the main road. I think that the give way to the right came in around 1966/7.
Tim
by tim harrison
Fri Apr 10, 2020 11:36 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Commander and Krauser version
Replies: 4
Views: 9436

Re: Commander and Krauser version

Hi Mike I swapped over the krausers from one bike to another which made it straightforward. The seat on the earlier bike is slightly narrower and will therefore fit. All of the bracketry is different and but the side panels and tank cover do not need any modification. if you have the rear enclosure ...
by tim harrison
Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:04 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Water Pump Overhaul
Replies: 8
Views: 8476

Re: Water Pump Overhaul

The problem is that unless you check you won't know how worn it is. When the Oldham coupling goes it does so without warning and you can't carry on. The overhaul is relatively straightforward, full instructions are on the Startright website. The most critical thing is to ensure that the coupling ful...
by tim harrison
Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:52 pm
Forum: General discussion (eveything else)
Topic: ROC Gathering in Devon
Replies: 10
Views: 10358

Re: ROC Gathering in Devon

Hi JB It is now some years since the last ROC gathering in Essex. I don't equate this your suggestion with Popham which is a one day show without a Rotary focus. If we wish to regenerate interest in the Club a weekend rally would be a good staring point. Whilst fully understanding Tony's reluctance ...
by tim harrison
Sun Nov 10, 2019 9:47 pm
Forum: General discussion (eveything else)
Topic: ROC Gathering in Devon
Replies: 10
Views: 10358

Re: ROC Gathering in Devon

Hi JB It is now some years since the last ROC gathering in Essex. I don't equate this your suggestion with Popham which is a one day show without a Rotary focus. If we wish to regenerate interest in the Club a weekend rally would be a good staring point. Whilst fully understanding Tony's reluctance ...
by tim harrison
Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:52 am
Forum: General discussion (eveything else)
Topic: Subs and newsletter
Replies: 11
Views: 18002

Re: Subs and newsletter

Hi David. It would be a shame if the Club were to discontinue. The forum is still relatively active at times although if resources allow it may be better to reduce the number of sections, It just really needs Technical, Events and classified adds. Regarding the magazine it will continue to be a prob...
by tim harrison
Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:37 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: coils & condencers
Replies: 7
Views: 8139

Re: coils & condencers

Hi John. The spark plugs are the first thing to check. Is it firing ok on one rotor? If so swap plug leads and plug to see if it fires on the other rotor. Does the Classic have a sidestandand cutout, if so check the wiring to that. If you have a spare electronic ignition swap it over. That after all...
by tim harrison
Tue Feb 26, 2019 5:09 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: none return valve
Replies: 3
Views: 4863

Re: none return valve

Hi JB, Do you mean the ECU? This controls electronically, amongst many other things, the flow of fuel into the injectors. It is possible that if it is not working properly it may stop the flow altogether. On the other hand if you run out of Diesel its not like the old days- fill up, tickle the carb ...
by tim harrison
Tue Sep 18, 2018 9:29 pm
Forum: login and say hello!
Topic: Hello to all
Replies: 8
Views: 16926

Re: Hello to all

Hi Mike Welcome to the forum. Regarding the Commander they are quite tall and heavy. The weight is due to all of the fibreglass bodywork. Exotic and fragile they are not. Everything apart from the engine is pretty standard, much comes from the Yamaha XJ900. My Commander has been all over Europe as f...
by tim harrison
Sun Apr 01, 2018 10:10 am
Forum: General discussion (eveything else)
Topic: Brochures and booklets
Replies: 5
Views: 7693

Re: Brochures and booklets

Hi Terry, from what I can remember from my last visit, Andover Norton has a number of contemporary booklets and brochures from the Rotary period. I don't think that brochures are in any way rare because so many were left over when production ceased. Regards, Tim
by tim harrison
Mon Jan 29, 2018 10:42 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Wits End
Replies: 22
Views: 20562

Re: Wits End

HI JB, the factory setting for the carburettors is designed to fast idle when the engine is running in, this clearly does not apply to your engine which should happily idle at 600 rpm. I can't assist with the electric waterpump. The standard version is mechanical and therefore speeds up as the engin...
by tim harrison
Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:31 pm
Forum: technical interest and new ideas
Topic: Wits End
Replies: 22
Views: 20562

Re: Wits End

Hi John A fat spark doesn't always mean that the plugs are operating properly. A change is a simple task, Next borrow an electronic ignition box and try it, Ok so the ignition probably isn't the problem but once you have tried these two simple checks you can then concentrate on the carbs, If they ar...
by tim harrison
Tue Nov 14, 2017 7:29 pm
Forum: Norton Rotary Enthusiasts Club
Topic: Reclaiming rotary engine components.
Replies: 34
Views: 377819

Re: Reclaiming rotary engine components.

The rotor bearings are slightly different, one is hard to source and the other may become so. If JB used a secondhand one that may have been the problem but that may be the only source at present and they will need to be carefully checked. These bearings seem to generally have a long life. It would ...
by tim harrison
Tue Oct 03, 2017 6:51 pm
Forum: Norton Rotary Enthusiasts Club
Topic: Norton F1 questions
Replies: 17
Views: 31111

Re: Norton F1 questions

Hi Harry, first of all is it an F1 or an F1 Sport? The latter is indeed very rare and the F1 is certainly an uncommon bike to see around other than occasionally at Norton Owners Club events. The F1 Sport usually achieves higher sales values although there are so few for sale it depends on how much s...