COMBAT CRISIS

Hello to all!! I'm the new guy here, I'm leanrning this computer stuff, and trying not to be a fool about it.
I've acquired a combat commando ( SER. NO. 2092XX) and don't know too much about the pitfalls of this series of engines. i worked on a good number of Triumphs & BSAs but never a norton.
This bike has 4728 original miles, and the previous owner saya it has never been apart. ( got it for $1k, & after some fidgiting, it runs) all of the original stickers are in place & intact, even the safety loop.
my question is, " how weak is a combat motor?" i've done a little reading & it seems that these things were about to explode when they left the factory. true or false? i'm a little leary to ride it, should i be?
i have a Haynes muanual, & a parts book, from ser. no. 212278 and up. not exactly the right one. according to this, one half of the bike is a 750, the other half is 850 ( mostly cycle parts tho). a friend sent me a "TECH DIGEST 2" that i'm waiting on to arrive. is there a better source of the proper fixes? i have almost any tool known to man, & access to a machine shop where i used to work.
can someone here set me on the straight & norton path to a sound & reliable engine?
1973 750 COMMANDO ( SER. NO. 20923X
HEAD STAMP = "C"
FRONT DISK ONLY
RIGHT SIDE SHIFT
ALL STOCK & ORIGINAL . ( boyer ignition & powerbase alt have so far been found)
all help in this matter will be sincerely appreciated

Don't fear the Combat. It's as good as any Norton, IMO. Just ascertain it has superblend main bearing. There are a couple of guys on this forum who can probably tell you what time of day your bike was built and what the assembler had for lunch. They'll know whether it has superblends or not. It's my understanding later Combats had the superblend bearings.

recklessridr said:

1973 750 COMMANDO ( SER. NO. 20923XX

Click to expand...

That serial number is probably from around mid-1972 production.

The R&M (Ransome & Marles) 6/MRJA30 bearings known as 'Superblend' were fitted to Commandos from engine serial number 211891 (approximately August 1972).

So your engine's main bearings may not be R&M Superblend bearings, or the FAG bearings that superseded the R&M type, as the mileage (4728) is still fairly low?

4700 miles is when the non-superblends went on my '72 Combat s/n 202093. Could tell by a low rumble when idling.

Russ

Reckless,
Click here... technical-information-section-how-post-photos-t2357.html
you can download all kinds of tech articles, etc. for free.
$1000 for a combat commando that runs, brother, you didn't buy it, you stole it, hehe
cheers,
Don

$1,000 is absolutely a deal, even if it was about to blow.

Just confirm that the serial number is a Superblend-equipped bike and ride the heck out of it.

or

Split the cases, swap the mains, check everything, put it back together and your out less than a grand for a bike worth $3K MINIMUM.

Good advice from Paul, "check everything"
Last january, after my bike had not been on the road for a few years I decided to take it out for a run. I checked the oil, and the air in the tires. after stopping at the end of my driveway, the front brake caliper stuck on.... I didn't realize it had stuck, till I landed on my ass and elbow, that HURT