Norton Commando Routine Maintenance Guide
This is an excerpt from a workshop manual providing information on Norton Commando 750 and 850 models.
The manual provides necessary technical instructions to enable motorcycle enthusiasts and the like to carry out all routine maintenance, running repairs and full-scale, major refurbishments.
The Norton Motorcycle Company started out producing single cylinder motorcycles, before moving onto twin cylinder models. Â As well as engines, Norton also manufactured various military motorcycles, dating back to 1907.
Among the most popular models that Norton manufactured are the 600, 750 and Commando. Â The popular 750cc Norton Commando was released in 1968 and had significantly less vibrations than previous models, as the engine unit is insulated with rubber mountings from the frame.
Routine Maintenance Guide
Weekly
Check tyre pressures.
Every two weeks
Check battery electrolyte level.
Every 400 kms (250 miles)
Check engine oil tank level.
Every 800 kms (500 miles)
Check and adjust rear chain.
Every 1,600 kms (1,000 miles)
Check primary chain case oil level.
Oil all control cables.
Adjust both brakes (disc brake is non-adjustable).
Check disc brake fluid level.
Examine disc brake pads for wear.
Every 5,000 kms (3,000 miles)
Check timing and adjust contact breaker points (if fitted).
Clean spark plugs and set gaps.
Change primary chain case oil.
Check clutch adjustment
Change engine oil and cartridge filter (where fitted).
Re-lubricate and adjust rear chain.
Check gearbox oil level.
Grease rear brake pedal pivot.
Check isolastic mounting for free play.
Check and adjust valve rocker clearances.
Every 10,000 kms (6,000 miles)
Change gearbox oil.
Change oil in forks.
Check and adjust camshaft chain.
Clean contact breaker points (if fitted).
Lubricate contact breaker cam felt and auto advance unit (if fitted).
Grease brake expander lever pivots (one stroke of grease gun).
Fit new air filter element.
Check and oil swinging arm bushes.
Check loose or unequal spoke tension – front and rear wheels.
Check front and rear wheel spindle clamp and nut tightness.
Check front and rear tyre tread and wear pattern.
Every 20,000 kms (12,000 miles)
Re-pack wheel bearings (including the rear wheel sprocket bearing) with grease.
Dismantle and clean both carburettors and check for wear.
Check rear chain for wear and adjust.
For more information on each of these steps, and the necessary tools and equipment needed, you can access the full Haynes manual for Norton Commando (1968-77) here.
Each of the available manuals contains all the helpful information and step-by-step guidance you need for carrying out everything from routine maintenance to major overhaul operations. The manuals have clear instructions and hundreds of photographs that show each step.
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