New Member, old Commando

Few Commando's of that age will have the original matching engine and frame numbers. Many will have been trashed and had replacement engines from the nearest breakers. You could consider yourself lucky to have an engine only 11 numbers away from the original. What should concern you is the frame and whether it is a "widowmaker" without the extra tube under the spine. You say it is a Mk1 that puts it at about 1969, a mere youth at only 45 years old.

I would look for a good frame maker and get the extra tube welded in. This will lead to a noticable bow in the spine tube but that is normal on a Commando. You also need a threaded boss on that new tube to fit the head steady and finally, fit the box shaped head steady from the later Commando. The early ones are prone to cracking and welding will just move the crack elsewhere.

Hi Wayne

Nice find. I just got a 68 from the US. All matching numbers 128372. I have done the mod on the frame. Just have a good look at the down tubes. Mine looked good but I striped it and found the R/H one was cracked about 3/4 of the way around so would definately recommend doing the frame if you want to ride it.

Post some pic. Would love to see it.

Enjoy,

Dean

The box section head steady should be available from Andover Norton but the frame boss would have to be fabricated by the man who fits the tube. It's just a threaded boss (5/16" UNF) through the tube but in the correct position. I'll come back to you later with a position measurement. (might even be in the haynes manual)

Hi Wayne

still have a long way to go before it's a "nice bike" hasn't run since the 80's and has had a bit of the chopper treatment in the 70's. Nothing that can't be fixed.... With time and money.

Wasn't Peter Williams involved with this frame med?