Rob’s Norton Commando special

This is one trick Commando: Maney crankcases and barrels, highly modified head, big brakes, Keihin carbs, five speed gearbox, slightly oversize rims and tyres. Rob is a long experienced rider who is tickled by the idea of pissing off modern bike pilots on track days. Plus the usual blasting around on sunny days.

The electrical brief was simple: Pazon Smart-Fire ignition, lights, and a regulator rectifier. Being a fussy sort I added a four-way fuse box as well. (“It’s for your own good you know.”) Building such a simple loom was super quick. As ever, the more time-consuming bit was figuring out the best places to put everything, and making up the necessary bracketry to hang it all on. This is not a standard procedure. I must have done eight or ten Commandos, but every one ended up different.

For what it’s worth, this bike has the regulator rectifier under the battery box, the fuses and horn just behind the carb, and the ignition unit behind the headstock. It’s a pretty ideal arrangement.

Rob bought the bike as a frame and engine years ago, and has finally got round to building it into a complete motorcycle. The handlebars are still a work in progress, and paintwork (red, white and blue) will be along soon.