1971 Commando Rebuild- Starting to look presentable

paul_b · Jan 26, 2011

Guys,
Thanks for all your guidance over the winter.

My 71' is starting to get there, always a work in process but almost there.

Got the bike about 6 months back and prior it was sitting for 20+ years, highrider bars and a heavy layer of gunk on everything.

Here are some pictures:

http://1971rebuild.shutterfly.com/pictures

just when i thought i was thru the trenches just ran into another issue. Kick start has no compression. Had the bike running and took it for a short ride, cleaned it up, put on the exhaust, took some pictures and ran it for a bit with the exhaust on and it idled out and now there is no compression?? Next adventure i guess, any ideas would be appreciated!

thanks
Paul

Hobot · Jan 26, 2011

Very quick progress and would be proud to pull up anywhere on that real deal Commando. I'd suspect something forgotten to nip up stronger than wimpy manual torque values. Like maybe clutch nut or kick ratchet clogged?

prmurat · Jan 26, 2011

Like the Swiss army leather clip sachel!
Philippe

grandpaul · Jan 27, 2011

My guess is the valve adjusters are too tight.

kraakevik · Jan 27, 2011

. . . or a head-gasket leak between the cylinders--you might try re-torquing the head bolts and then check valve clearances.

Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
Three Commandos

T95 · Jan 27, 2011

The bike looks great!
Is it possible the kickstarter is not engaging and you mistakenly think you have a compression problem?

Tintin · Jan 27, 2011

paul_b said:
My 71' is starting to get there, always a work in process but almost there.

Just a thought: Central oil tank, yokes and some other parts are a hint that it's actually a 1970 model year with some newer parts. Might be good to check the numbers before you order too many replacement bits. There is a rather big difference between 1968-1970 and later.

Apart from that hint: Yes, definitely presentable, looks very sleek and I like the flat black.

Tim

paul_b · Jan 28, 2011

Thanks for the comments guys, its much appreciated, quite a bit of work and head scratching but its getting there.

If anyone has a Corbin Gunfighter lying around or would like to trade for my stock seat, please pm me.

I was able to figure out my problem with the kickstart not having compression. Turns out the clutch circlip popped out and got eaten by the chain, this losened the pushrod and the bike wouldn't kick over. UGH, i definately thought i put it together right when i cleaned the clutch plates. Lesson learned, Call to old britts and hopefully i'll be on my way!

KSUWildcatFan · Jan 28, 2011

You're doing a great job, Paul. Glad to hear you got the compression issue worked out.

Keep looking around for a Gunfighter seat--they do pop up from time to time. I got mine for a great price here on the forums.

-Jordan

DogT · Jan 28, 2011

Paul,
Your bike looks to me like maybe a 70 model, maybe not. Got a frame/motor number? The seat is surely a 69-70. Headlamp with switch and 2 lights is a 69-70. Not sure about the headlamp mount, it changed between 70-71. The tail lamp and rear mudguard is different than either year. Centre stand off the frame or cradle, 69-70 frame, 71 up cradle mount? Of course a lot of bikes could be rebuilt with many differing parts through the years.

Dave
69S

paul_b · Jan 31, 2011

Dave, I think your right. The frame and engine are 1392xx which if I look at my bacon book put it between June and sept. Of 1970.

Interesting enough I have the original import statement of origin which show the bike coming into the US oct. Of 1970 and they call it a 1971 commando roadster 750. So its probably a 70 that they just titled 71.

DogT · Jan 31, 2011

Paul,
Yes, my list of numbers agree with your Bacon book. The last 'S' was 135088, so it was probably build as a Roadster. Mine is 132031, Apr 69, but titled in 70. It doesn't seem to be unusual to have the bike registered a year after the production date.

Good luck with it. Make sure you get that front brake working correctly.

Dave
69S

1971 Commando Rebuild- Starting to look presentable

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