Glen - thanks for posting this. I have an almost standard BMW R75/6 at the moment, and I cannot help but make comparisons with my Mk1 850, which was almost standard when I got it.
As standard, and not with all the upgrades and modifications that are considered normal practice with Commandos, a contemporary BMW is a much better built machine than a standard Commando, with a more comfortable riding position. Once you sort out all the bugs on a Commando, which involves taking it apart and building it properly, with great care and engineering knowledge, and with the 'usual' modifications, you can end up with a machine that is equal to or better than a standard or lightly modified Beemer.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at both the handling and performance of the 75/6, as I didn't expect either to be that good. It doesn't wallow, even with the original shocks (which will be replaced), the steering is neutral and it carves a nice, tight arc in corners. The performance is surprisingly good for its time, too. But the old Beemer weighs a ton, and the lack of torque and that slow, clunky gearbox eventually get to you. There's not much you can do about either, whereas there is a lot you can do with a Commando.
Even with the factory option of a second disc up front (new fork slider, disc and ATE caliper, at vast expense) the BMW's brakes are only barely adequate. God knows what the single disc felt like; probably as frighteningly awful as a drum brake Commando.
With the knowledge base that has been accumulating over the years, we can build Commandos that look reasonably standard but are far better in so many ways than the factory ever turned out.
I view my Beemer as filling the gap until I get the time and can justify the expense of owning another Commando. A standard Commando wouldn't do it for me, so I would have to put a lot of time and effort into building it. I guess people love their Beemers because they are comfortable old things with solid build quality which keep going mile after mile. But are they exciting and fun to ride? When you park them up outside the pub, would you gaze at them in the same way as you would a fresh, tidy Commando? Is the Beemer a more satisfying machine to own and ride? My answer to all those questions is No, and at the end of the day, these are the deciding factors.
Dave