Commando Bible?
- Thread starter walt_mink
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Nice looking bikes, but the 750 Laverda I rode some years ago vibrated painfully. A pretty common Laverda trait from my reading.
If you want to ride a torquey old classic and still be able to use the mirrors at highway speeds, you had it right, get a Commando.
Glen
If you want to ride a torquey old classic and still be able to use the mirrors at highway speeds, you had it right, get a Commando.
Glen
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Finally a post i agree with! and only 3 words! :mrgreen:
acotrel said:
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I'm sure he would prefer the term "collector", lol.
Yes, from what I've observed it's a very small, close-knit owner community. Bikes tend to change hands within the community, not on the open market (except for the occasional bike that ends up on ebay).
The Commando is really an ideal vintage bike to own. There is a good supply of bikes on the market, parts are readily available, and there is a lot of information available both online and through the various owner's clubs. And they're such great bikes to ride or even just sit in the garage and stare at. And they're pretty easy to work on, too. If I could only own one motorcycle (perish the thought!) it would be a Norton Commando.
Yes, from what I've observed it's a very small, close-knit owner community. Bikes tend to change hands within the community, not on the open market (except for the occasional bike that ends up on ebay).
The Commando is really an ideal vintage bike to own. There is a good supply of bikes on the market, parts are readily available, and there is a lot of information available both online and through the various owner's clubs. And they're such great bikes to ride or even just sit in the garage and stare at. And they're pretty easy to work on, too. If I could only own one motorcycle (perish the thought!) it would be a Norton Commando.
Thanks everyone again for the great information. ‘Norton Commando by Matthew Vale’ showed up on my doorstep on Friday and made for a nice read this weekend. I think I’d want either an Interstate or a Roadster and I’m leaning toward the Interstate. It seems like the 850 would be a good fit for what I’m after, but it certainly doesn’t sound like I should pass up a nice 750 either.
The link to the INOA Tech Digest is fantastic – thanks very much. I’ll be diligently pouring through that today while I should be hard at work.
Next step for me is selling my other bike to make room for a new toy. February isn’t the easiest time to sell a bike in a place where it rains until June, but I’ll make it happen!
Brendan - you're the second person on this board who knew what my handle was about. I've been using it since the 90's and not a single person has had a clue until I came here. I'm just a fan and was listening to them when I needed to pick out a name and have been using it ever since.
The link to the INOA Tech Digest is fantastic – thanks very much. I’ll be diligently pouring through that today while I should be hard at work.
Next step for me is selling my other bike to make room for a new toy. February isn’t the easiest time to sell a bike in a place where it rains until June, but I’ll make it happen!
Brendan - you're the second person on this board who knew what my handle was about. I've been using it since the 90's and not a single person has had a clue until I came here. I'm just a fan and was listening to them when I needed to pick out a name and have been using it ever since.
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walt_mink said:Thanks everyone again for the great information. ‘Norton Commando by Matthew Vale’ showed up on my doorstep on Friday and made for a nice read this weekend. I think I’d want either an Interstate or a Roadster and I’m leaning toward the Interstate. It seems like the 850 would be a good fit for what I’m after, but it certainly doesn’t sound like I should pass up a nice 750 either.
For a complete Commando experience you need both a 750 roadster and an 850 Interstate
trident sam
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worntorn said:
I had a 1200 Mirage in the mid 80's , having just sold a Commando I was on a power search. To this day that was singularly the worst big bike I've ever had.
3 years old when I got it and low miles.
First time out the chain broke and I had to push it 2 miles home (what a laugh)
The carbs used to fill up with water and obviously the bike wouldn't start.
Vibration was appalling at speed , I remember my eyeballs shaking at 125mph.
25 miles to a gallon, if I took it easy.
Tyre sensitive in the extreme
Too heavy by far.
After six months I'd had enough and went back to a Trident (still have it).
Laverdas have an aura around them that they just don't deserve (my opinion) I reckon most owners who have spent so much cash buying one , just won't admit what a pile of junk they are as a riders bike.
sam
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well.... seeing as i've put about 7000 miles on my 77 1200 last year alone, and it ran flawlessly i guess your right - and i just got back from a 500 mile ride on it w/ out a problem (about 37 mpg not great but still) but i admit its a demanding bike that's not for everyone
now for the biggest pile i've ever ridden it was a trident that constantly needed messing with and was underpowered for its weight, so whats that prove - opinions are like a-holes, everyone's got one and they always stink :mrgreen:
but to each his own thats was great about old bikes
now for the biggest pile i've ever ridden it was a trident that constantly needed messing with and was underpowered for its weight, so whats that prove - opinions are like a-holes, everyone's got one and they always stink :mrgreen:
but to each his own thats was great about old bikes
trident sam said:
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