Commando owners

Previously martin_freeman wrote:

Dear Simon,

Every owner will have their own views and experiences, here are some of mine having owned and ridden 3 different ones.

Firstly don't buy a 72 750 no matter how good it looks unless it has been rebuilt into a later frame - they become very interesting to ride at speed- this is a well documented issue due to headstock geometry for that year = yes I have one!

The earlier and later 750 are much better behaved I currently have a 69 one which is much pleasanter to ride.

Moving on to the 850 I have a very late one with electric start which had all usual issues. So if buying one that has been rebuilt ask to see receipts, expect it to have a new camshaft as many wear rapidly. If you want electric start to work ask if motor has 4 brush conversion or hope it has one of modern alternatives. If you are used to British bikes look for an earlier ( not electric start) one with gear lever on proper side. You may want to stop - all original disc brakes are only just up to the job, unless you have a very strong hand look for a bike that has a larger conversion already fitted

Finally spend a little time browsing Norvil website where some of these issues are documented along with the cures, good luck with your hunt.

Martin

Dear Martin

Thanks so much for taking the time to give me some tips, really appreciated.

Simon.

Previously mark_woodward wrote:

Hi Simon, a few comments:

1) A good 750 is regarded as the 'liveliest' Commando to ride. Almost all of the dreaded 'Combat' engined 750s of circa 1972 will have been rebuilt and modified to overcome the considerable reliability issues but it would be as well to make sure if you're contemplating one of these models.

2) If you opt for an 850 the Mk2A is possibly the best to go for. It was the last model to have the right-hand gearchange and has a good reputation.

3) Although you say you'd like one 'as original as possible' there have been numerous aftermarket modifications available over the past 40 years many of which enhance the bikes rideability and/or reliability. Popular modifications include:

Electronic Ignition, Mk.III Isolastic adjusters (this makes regular adjustment of the Isolastic mountings a quick job rather than a couple of hours toil (the Mk.III had them fitted as standard).

Other modifications that might suit you include:

Belt primary drive (this enables the bike to run without oil around the clutch and helps overcome clutch slip etc.). Fitment of a single carburettor (a bit easier to live with and adjust without much loss of performance). Upgraded disc brake on the front (various versions available). The Mk.III was the only Commando to come with electric starting as standard and this, unless modified (which most, by now, have been) struggles to spin the motor over. Pre Mk.III's can be fitted with the French 'Alton' starter kit which will fit most other Commandos and works well although it's quite pricey - I'm unsure as to whether Alton still market the version suited to bikes with belt primary drives, they certainly did supply such a version as I have one fitted to my Mk2A but they seem to have stopped advertising it.

I would recommend looking around for one that 'floats your boat' (there are plenty available) and try and get somebody with some knowledge of the bikes to inspect it with you. I suggest you get in touch with the Secretary of your local NOC Branch to see if anybody could help.

Dear Mark

Thank you so much for your help and advice which is really appreciated.

Simon.