Spring cleaning.

More like end-of-spring by this point, oh well! Ok, let's get busy!
As you can see, the Fastback is on the lift and there's a lot to do.

I started by getting the wheels off so we can get new tires on. The Dunlop K81 (or TT100 if you prefer) it had on were well past their prime and lately I have been wondering if a different type of tire would make the bike ride better, especially when cornering. There isn't a huge range to choose from when it comes to 19″ but I remembered having Avon SuperVenom on the Interstate years ago and thinking they made that bike glide around corners very nicely; so I've chosen a set of Avon RoadRiders this time, as they're supposedly even stickier. Let's see, only one way to find out!

The quickly detachable type hub makes removing the rear wheel a breeze... in theory. In actual fact there is still a fair amount of effing and blinding as threads catch, room is limited, spacers get stuck or fall off never to be seen again... the usual stuff.
Still, it's not a bad set-up, and the idea of a rear axle in two parts is only terrifying at first, then you get used to the overall weirdness of a Commando, realize it's a kickass bike, and you just get on with it. Plus, it actually is convenient not to have to remove the chain and assorted brake parts on those (hopefully rare) occasions when the wheel has to come off.
We found a broken spoke, something that has happened a few times already on this bike and always on the rear wheel. It looks like the wheel might not have been laced properly to begin with, but it's also that the nipples don't seem to fit the rim all too well, and the spokes themselves are stainless steel; the consensus seems to be that although they do stay bright and shiny, they're perhaps too brittle compared to the more conventional zinc-plated iron spokes, and tend to snap. Really this happens because of the Norton's earth-shattering power and torque. Whatcha gonna do.

The new front tire is too wide to fit under the skimpy aluminum mudguard I have on the Commando, so I've had to fit an original steel item from an 850, at least temporarily while I figure out what to do with the other one (probably longer stays, although it could end up looking a bit goofy, we'll see).

I also took a look inside the clutch, which has covered very little mileage since the upgrade, and was in predictably excellent condition.

And here's a close-up of the DynoDave seal, honestly what a clever little thing this is!

There was definitely gearbox oil along the clutch pushrod, yet none past that seal.

I also got around to fitting the needle roller conversion by RGM, which I had lying around for ages; it's very cool, plenty of nice little bits for you to fit... but it's mostly for bragging rights, let's be honest.

There was also something wrong with the brake pedal bush, something else that had been on my "to do" list for years, and sorted out in a matter of minutes by uncle Fester and his matter-shaping magic; thanks bro, it's better than new now!

Yes, a hammer is never far when working on these bikes...

I fitted a tool tray from a late 850 that I'd had lying around for years and never used; the part number is 064173. It's not like this is going to hold all the tools and spares you'll need to carry along, but it sure is handy having another place to store a few small items (couple spark plugs, small wrenches) wrapped tight in a clean rag.

I was expecting to find the carburetters' float bowls and jets all gunked up and horrible, but to my surprise everything was bone dry, with only a few specs of impurities caught into the filters.
The needle on the number 2 carb was not working properly when opening the throttle, turned out to be just the retaining clip that wasn't on properly, not a big deal.

If the carburetters were alright, the electrics weren't: a first attempt at starting the engine after all this time (I'm ashamed to say it's been years) revealed no spark. A bit of CRC marine 6-66 on critical connections (ground/earth are so important!), a good clean to the Champion N7YC and all was working again.

Overall the bike doesn't seem to have suffered too badly from the long lay-up, and performed as expected on a short test ride.