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- Oct 19, 2005
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Re: Commando Cafe Racer Rebuild 3 May 2009
Dave, I'm building an S type replica from some miscellaneous bits and as far as I can ascertain an S and an early Roadster share many of the same details, the pipes are a very obvious exception. both bikes share the early frame which was also common to the first fastback models (not the very first ones with the missing upper cross tube that was recalled due to breakages). This frame has the centre stand mounted on a frame cross tube under the gearbox as opposed to the later models where it is mounted on to the gearbox cradle, the side stand is bolted to a square lug welded to the frame about half way along the left lower frame rail. It would appear that you have this frame. The S-type and Roadster also had the headlight mounted on a ring bolted to the steering head yokes which were also different to the later models, since your bike seems to have non standard yokes and forks (looks like very nice Cerriani units to me) we can't be sure what was on originally, although it would most certainly have had a front drum brake. The central oil tank and more angular side panels with ignition switch fitted to the left one are also a feature of both bikes and you seem to have these, the rear wheel would have been the bolt-up version rather than the cush-drive, the tank was generally a fibreglass Roadster style and the engine would have had a timed breather and outlet on the left side of the crankcase driven by the camshaft. There are quite a few other detailed differences but I wont bore you with these unless you actually decide to build it to S-Type spec.
I think you have some nice bits on your bike, the Dunstall stuff is well-respected (I myself have a dunstall tank, seat and fairing to install on a future project) the forks are quite sought after and the Interstate tank seems to be the model that fetches the most if you opt to replace it at any time with a 'pukka' cafe-racer style at some point. I would be inclined (no pun intended) to fit rearsets if you want a more comfortable riding position with clip ons, as I find standard Commando footpegs are quite far forward even for standard bars. Good luck with it and keep the photos coming.
Dave
Dave, I'm building an S type replica from some miscellaneous bits and as far as I can ascertain an S and an early Roadster share many of the same details, the pipes are a very obvious exception. both bikes share the early frame which was also common to the first fastback models (not the very first ones with the missing upper cross tube that was recalled due to breakages). This frame has the centre stand mounted on a frame cross tube under the gearbox as opposed to the later models where it is mounted on to the gearbox cradle, the side stand is bolted to a square lug welded to the frame about half way along the left lower frame rail. It would appear that you have this frame. The S-type and Roadster also had the headlight mounted on a ring bolted to the steering head yokes which were also different to the later models, since your bike seems to have non standard yokes and forks (looks like very nice Cerriani units to me) we can't be sure what was on originally, although it would most certainly have had a front drum brake. The central oil tank and more angular side panels with ignition switch fitted to the left one are also a feature of both bikes and you seem to have these, the rear wheel would have been the bolt-up version rather than the cush-drive, the tank was generally a fibreglass Roadster style and the engine would have had a timed breather and outlet on the left side of the crankcase driven by the camshaft. There are quite a few other detailed differences but I wont bore you with these unless you actually decide to build it to S-Type spec.
I think you have some nice bits on your bike, the Dunstall stuff is well-respected (I myself have a dunstall tank, seat and fairing to install on a future project) the forks are quite sought after and the Interstate tank seems to be the model that fetches the most if you opt to replace it at any time with a 'pukka' cafe-racer style at some point. I would be inclined (no pun intended) to fit rearsets if you want a more comfortable riding position with clip ons, as I find standard Commando footpegs are quite far forward even for standard bars. Good luck with it and keep the photos coming.
Dave