Commando help

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profdave

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Jan 23, 2017
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I have been riding motorcycles since 1978, if you don't count the bicycles I attached B&S engines to when I was a kid. My first bike was a '73 CB500-4. I have wanted a 750 Commando since they first came out, but have never even ridden one. I live in Rhode Island and ride 2 other road bikes year round ('02 Vulcan 800, '85 FJ600). I have been looking for one to buy in New England, but nothing is showing up. I found one further south, but don't want to make the trip unless I actually like riding Nortons as much as I like looking at them. I am not one to buy a bike simply because it looks cool and I am also not looking for an investment. If I buy in, I want to ride it...alot.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone in this group knows of a Commando within an hour or 2 or 3 of Rhode Island that I might able to try if I can show the owner that I have the maturity to not mess with his/her bike?

Thanks.
 
Compared to any other large displacement bike I have ridden, esp Honda's, a Norton is far and away the bike to get. You can rest assured you do not need to test ride one to make up your mind. I would say all who visit this forum and ride a Norton will agree with me. Compared to a top heavy Honda that tends not to want to go the way you do ,the Norton is king. They are lightweight, utterly responsive to inputs, and have so much grunt, it will put a smile on your face. They eat up the twisties and all your non Norton fellow riders will be so far behind you, you have to stop and have a smoke while they catch up. Go for it. Search your are classifieds every day and be patient. Buy a rider rather than a bitsa and you will be way ahead of the game.
 
Another thing that you might want to consider is the right foot shift of most Commando's. If that's not a problem for you great, if it is a concern there is always the left foot shifting Mk3. :D
 
Remember that there will be a big difference in test riding a well set up Commando and one that needs work.

Shift and brake are on opposite feet (pre-1975) hand switches are different than a Japanese bike.

If you stalled the Commando in traffic, could you get it re-started?

Typical way to get a test ride on a bike for purchase is to have cash in hand, just in case something happens.

Good luck, try putting a WTB in the sales/wanted forum. It's a good time of the year to buy.
 
Just get one!
Take our words for it, you will never ever regret it. But then again, you may never forgive us for getting you hook on this marvelous obsession.
Key words here are Obsession and Marvelous.
You've been warned!
I purchased a new Ducati once. Never rode one before. For things like this, it's just not necessary.
 
I am already obsessed. Have been since 1969, but did not have the money or parent's permission back then. Just want to make sure that I can physically ride a Commando now. For instance, I considered the 850 in Albany since it is pretty close, but the clip-ons and riding position will not work with some back issues I have. I also want to make sure that I still can kick it over before I make a trip to buy one. I get that it's a long shot to find a bike, much less be allowed to ride it a short distance, but it couldn't hurt to ask.
 
profdave said:
For instance, I considered the 850 in Albany since it is pretty close, but the clip-ons and riding position will not work with some back issues I have.
Click to expand...

You're not forced to keep the clip-ons.
 
I hear that the 750 is more flickable than the 850, though the 850 is the better long-distance tourer with more low-end. A maneuverable bike is what I want, hence the 750. I would welcome any opinions. And I will keep searching for my ride.
 
WTF do you live. Bike depends on terrain. 750 has higher compression and 19 tooth front sprocket and is noisier as a result. Revs higher at 60 mph,. 850 lower comp and not as loud and has 20 tooth front sprocket normal, though most probably have a 21 tooth front sprocket for long distance touring. BACK IN THE 70'S THE 750 WOULD DRAG OF ANYTHING AROUND. It was good to play with the wankers who wanted to drag you off at traffic lights. I'm a 3 wee bit older now and no traffic lights where I live.
Just go and buy a good reasonable COMMANDO. THEY ARE NOTHING LIKE THE MODERN ROCKETS AND NEVER WILL BE.

Dereck
 
Hi, Welcome. Come to a meeting. After the road salt is gone, a test ride is a definate maybe. :p
I was lucky, a friend from Nebraska let me put 75 miles on his interstate in TN. I was hooked.
http://nneno.org
 
Starting the Norton is all in the technique. Once you figure yours out, you'll be fine. They also get lots easier to start if they're warmed up, like in traffic. My second bike was a CB450. I couldn't stand it after my BSA, top heavy, no handling but was reliable. But after the Honda which I had maybe through a summer, the Norton came the next spring. No comparison.
 
Hi Concours. Someone from Nneno already suggested I come up for a meeting. Probably will. Thanks.
 
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