Norton Commando Workshop Manual

## Routine Maintenance

# K

### SECTION K1

### BREAKING IN

In the process of manufacture the best possible materials are used and all machined parts are finished to a very high standard but it is still necessary to allow the moving parts to "bed in" before subjecting the engine to maximum stresses. The future performance and reliability of the engine depends on the care and restraint exercised during its early life.
For the first 500 miles throttle openings should be limited to about one-third of twist grip movement and the cruising speed should be varied as much as possible within this limit. Provided the engine is not allowed to labour, the actual road speed is relatively unimportant, but throttle control should be smooth and the gearbox used to the full to enable the engine to cope with the prevailing conditions without undue stress. This will all times avoid violent acceleration.
After the 500 miles service the amount of throttle opening can be increased progressively but the cruising speed should still be varied. Full throttle should not be used until the machine has covered at least 1,000 miles and even then only for short bursts until 1,500 miles has been covered, whereupon maximum performance may be sought whenever desired.
During the "break-in" period, a certain amount of adjustment will be necessary as the components bed in. Attention should be given to valve rocker adjustment, chain tension, contact breaker points gap and brakes, all of which tend to settle down.

Do not allow the oil tank level to fall too low, as with the reduced amount in circulation the oil will become unduly hot.
On motorcycles equipped with the disc brake, it is most essential to avoid glazing of the friction surfaces during the first few miles of use. During the first 50 miles only it is necessary to apply the disc brake gently to mate the friction surfaces. After 50 miles of use, the brake will be fully bedded down and ready for maximum application.

### SECTION K2

### ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

### INTRODUCTION

This section tables the maintenance periods for various operations, co-relates these operations to other sections of this manual and details those operations not falling within the normal scope of the overhaul sections.

<< | < | rocbo.net | >