My Mk 1 Commandos?

Hi,

Many years ago whilst living in Guatemala I bought an 850 Commando from the Kawasaki agency for a relatively small amount of money 800 quetzals - 500 USD. I couldn't resist it (the opportunity to own a Commando) even though it had been mistreated. I think theywere pleased to part with it, because the clutch dropped out on the way home and I had to get a local machine shop to make me an extractor in order to compress the spring). This was about 1980. In 1981 I returned to the UK after being away 3 years to visit my family in Bournemouth and spent a lot of money at the establishment in barrack Road, Christchurch (was it ray Fisher)? I also joined the NOC as an overseas member and used to get my magazine every two months, I think it was. Not sure If I have the distinction of being the first or only Guatemalan membership!?

Anyway it was quite a laugh on the flight what with TT100's in the hold and pistons etc in suitcases hand luggage that weighed a ton, trying to make it look featherweight , I returned with everything I needed including a S/H cylinder head (because the original had some sleeves sort of welded into it where the threads had chattered and stripped, which was not very successful.

I became a father and decided to return to the UK (that was in 1984) and the bike had to staybecause I couldn't afford the US$1000 to ship it home with me. I never got to rebuild the bike either and sold it to an enthusiastwho had access to necessary facilities but I was the first to ride it after restoration. It broke my heart because it was now everything it should have been and never was when I rode it.

Anyway, I am currently out of commission due to an op. and treated myself to the commando bible mentioned in this months Roadholder and have a few questions that some of you out there might be able to answer, since I don't actually know the full provenance of that particular machine save that it had been one of two imported by the Kawasaki dealership in Guatemala City.

I'm pretty sure it was a MK1 because it had the metal air filter. Interestingly enough it had Smiths 'Globe' instruments (speedo in KM/h) although I do believe that the first 850s (like my current machine) had Veglia - I suppose there are exceptions to most rules? Also, the barrel was painted black and it had upswept reverse megaphones (I suppose the exhaust system, which had a balance pipe, could have been a later replacement, or was it just the MK1As that had the low level exhaust. The Barrel was original because when I stripped the machine it was at original bore with a badly scored left cylinder..it still ran though?

Just curious to see if anyone has any ideas and to tellof thelove affair that started then. My latest bike I bough last year as a sixtieth birthday present to myself, but it needs a lot spending on it to get it roadworthy so this is very much WIP. It also has a black barrel, but the engine is not matching number with the frame. The reason I mention barrel colour is that I believe that the early commandos had silver barrels, or am I wrong?

Keith