Target Audience:
Norton Commando 850 MkIII owners, restorers, custom builders, and independent workshops.
Advantage:
Provides a single, consolidated source of information for all aspects of the motorcycle, often surpassing fragmented factory bulletins or less comprehensive guides. Offers significant cost savings over professional labor.
Feature 1:
All repair procedures covered from A-Z.
Feature 2:
High-quality visuals (photos, illustrations, diagrams) for clarity.
Feature 3:
Instant download for immediate access.
Feature 4:
Cross-platform compatibility (Windows and Mac).
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Covers cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling (if applicable), and ignition system.
Transmission:
Gearbox (often a 4-speed or 5-speed depending on specific MkIII variant), clutch, and primary drive system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and overhaul (likely Amal Concentric), fuel tank, fuel lines, and petcock.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging system (alternator/generator, regulator), starter motor, battery, and instrumentation.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame inspection and repair, front fork (Triton-style or standard Commando), rear swingarm, shock absorbers, and steering.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (likely drum brakes, with potential for early disc brake applications on some MkIII variants), brake lines, master cylinders, and calipers/slave cylinders.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearings, spoke replacement, tire fitting, and pressure recommendations.
Bodywork:
Fuel tank, side covers, seat, fenders, and associated mounting hardware.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks, brake adjustments, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common problems, symptoms, and their likely causes, with step-by-step solutions.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for complete engine teardown, inspection of wear components, machining specifications, and reassembly.
Transmission Overhaul:
Clutch adjustment and replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear selection mechanism repair.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of ignition coil, stator, regulator, and starter motor. Fault finding for intermittent electrical issues.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Fork seal replacement, damper rod inspection, swingarm bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment/replacement.
Brake System Service:
Brake fluid flushing, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, pad/shoe replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
Jetting recommendations, needle height adjustment, idle speed settings for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Frame Straightening And Repair:
Identification of frame damage, alignment procedures, and welding techniques (if applicable).
Depth:
Expert-level. Covers detailed specifications, tolerances, torque values, and procedures suitable for professional mechanics and experienced restorers.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 360° crankshaft, parallel-twin
Displacement:
848 cc (Nominal)
Bore X Stroke:
77 mm x 90 mm
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.0:1 to 8.9:1 (varies with specific MkIII models and piston options)
Valve Actuation:
Pushrod overhead valve (OHV)
Ignition System:
Lucas electronic ignition or contact breaker points ignition, depending on specific variant.
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 bhp at 6,000-6,500 rpm (manufacturer claims vary)
Torque:
Approx. 55-60 lb-ft at 4,000-5,000 rpm (manufacturer claims vary)
Carburetor Type:
Twin Amal MkII Concentric carburetors (common fitment)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (preferred) or leaded gasoline, with appropriate octane rating.
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., Castrol GTX, Motul 3000).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 US quarts (3.7 liters) for engine and primary chaincase.
Oil Filter:
Integrated oil filter within the crankcase, requiring periodic cleaning/replacement.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 4,000-6,000 miles (6,400-9,600 km).
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
As needed, or every 500 miles (800 km).
Fork Oil:
Typically SAE 10W or 20W fork oil, capacity specified per fork leg.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (if equipped with disc brakes).
Common Problem 1:
Isolastic mounting system wear and adjustment, leading to vibration and handling issues.
Common Problem 2:
Gearbox oil leaks and occasional shifting issues.
Common Problem 3:
Electrical gremlins, particularly related to the Lucas charging system and wiring harnesses.
Common Problem 4:
Carburetor tuning difficulties and potential fuel delivery issues.
Common Problem 5:
Oil leaks from engine seals and gaskets.