Description
This manual is aimed at owners and enthusiasts of the legendary Norton Commando, and covers all areas of restoration from the sourcing of the bike to its completion as a fully restored machine. Starting with advice on the different models, spares availability and where best to source a bike to restore, the book then covers the complete dismantling and restoration of the bike. Describing the engine, frame, gearbox, wheels, suspension and forks, brakes, ancillaries, bodywork, and electrics, the text is illustrated with hundreds of clear colour photos. What really sets this manual apart is the style in which it is written: not as some dull and distant workshop manual but in a friendly, humorous manner by an enthusiast of many years who is able to involve and entertain the reader, as well as providing a thorough and detailed restoration guide. This is the third motorcycle restoration guide from an author whose previous works have been a massive hit with mechanics, enthusiasts and restorers throughout the world.
About the Author
Chris was brought up in a mechanical family where his father was always tinkering with clocks and engines, and Chris inherited his love of all things mechanical from him. Where he gained his love of motorcycles from is anyone's guess! His first bikes were a Vespa 125 and a Lambretta SX200 at the tender age of 13, followed by a Raleigh Runabout, and then his first 'real' bike - a Casal moped (a rather cheap version of the Yamaha FS1E, made in Portugal) when he was 16. He then bought a BSA Starfire 250 when he turned 17 and this was the first bike he ever rebuilt that went again afterwards! After a short dalliance with a Suzuki Rebel 350, and having the dubious pleasure of sharing a flat with the owner of a 'tired' 1972 Norton Commando Combat 750cc that was off the road more than on, he bought the love of his life - a 1954 Matchless 350 GLS Heavyweight single that he stripped down and turned into a bobber/chopper and this remained his sole means of transport for many years. Sadly that bike was then stolen and after rebuilding a Triumph T100 for a friend he purchased a Triumph Bonneville T140 which was duly rebuilt and pressed into service, but this was soon sold to fund a house purchase (familiar story?) and for many years he remained bikeless. When his fortunes changed for the better he bought an E-Type Jaguar 4.2 FHC Series II which he completely restored form the ground up and formed the basis of his first restoration manual. The whole process took nine years, but as soon as he completed it he was forced to sell it for financial reasons. Undaunted he was then able to buy two Triumph Tridents, a 1973 T150V and a 1975 T160 which he completely restored quickly followed by the iconic Kawasaki Z900, and these form the basis of two further restoration manuals, along with the Essential Buyer's Guide to the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket III.
Reviews
I could not find any aspect of restoration that is overlooked and am impressed with the standard of writing. - Roadholder. --- we think this is a good restoration guide ... check it out. - Sump. If restoring a classic motorbike seems like a potential nightmare, this book proves that it need never be so - Iain P W Robertson - Freelance.
Book Information
ISBN 9781787113947
Author Chris Rooke
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles
About the Author
Chris was brought up in a mechanical family where his father was always tinkering with clocks and engines, and Chris inherited his love of all things mechanical from him. Where he gained his love of motorcycles from is anyone's guess! His first bikes were a Vespa 125 and a Lambretta SX200 at the tender age of 13, followed by a Raleigh Runabout, and then his first 'real' bike - a Casal moped (a rather cheap version of the Yamaha FS1E, made in Portugal) when he was 16. He then bought a BSA Starfire 250 when he turned 17 and this was the first bike he ever rebuilt that went again afterwards! After a short dalliance with a Suzuki Rebel 350, and having the dubious pleasure of sharing a flat with the owner of a 'tired' 1972 Norton Commando Combat 750cc that was off the road more than on, he bought the love of his life - a 1954 Matchless 350 GLS Heavyweight single that he stripped down and turned into a bobber/chopper and this remained his sole means of transport for many years. Sadly that bike was then stolen and after rebuilding a Triumph T100 for a friend he purchased a Triumph Bonneville T140 which was duly rebuilt and pressed into service, but this was soon sold to fund a house purchase (familiar story?) and for many years he remained bikeless. When his fortunes changed for the better he bought an E-Type Jaguar 4.2 FHC Series II which he completely restored form the ground up and formed the basis of his first restoration manual. The whole process took nine years, but as soon as he completed it he was forced to sell it for financial reasons. Undaunted he was then able to buy two Triumph Tridents, a 1973 T150V and a 1975 T160 which he completely restored quickly followed by the iconic Kawasaki Z900, and these form the basis of two further restoration manuals, along with the Essential Buyer's Guide to the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket III.
Reviews
I could not find any aspect of restoration that is overlooked and am impressed with the standard of writing. - Roadholder. --- we think this is a good restoration guide ... check it out. - Sump. If restoring a classic motorbike seems like a potential nightmare, this book proves that it need never be so - Iain P W Robertson - Freelance.
Book Information
ISBN 9781787113947
Author Chris Rooke
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Veloce
Publisher David & Charles
