Daily Telegraph Commando article

I read the on-line edition of the UK Daily Telegraph on a regular basis. The "Motoring" section is updated for each Saturday edition.

Today, there's quite in interesting article on the Commando. Here's the link:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/mai ... rton27.xml

Frank,

That was pretty interesting....I had no idea the engine was such a dinosaur...and I'm glad I got a pre-Mark III version.

Thanks!

I guess just because you write an article that doesn't automatically mean you know what you are talking about.
The stock 850 produces 56 foot lbs of torque vs the 750 at 48. Hardly dull and flabby, this is a 17% torque increase over the 750, which was already a considered a pretty torquey bike.
As far as the weight goes, the only way you could get 45 lbs of extra weight out of a MK111, would be to compare an fully fueled InterstateMK111 to a fully fueled earlier Roadster model, that would do it, the weight being mostly in extra fuel. Otherwise, according to my findings, my friend's 750 weighs about 16 pounds less than my 850 MK111, mostly the electric starter and gear, I think. In spite of the bit of extra weight, my 850 is quicker than his 750, and, after switching bikes, we both agree the extra torque of the 850 is quite noticeable.
According to the owner of British/Italian Motors here in Vancouver, a former Norton dealer and long time Commando rider, the MK111 version was the most durable and best overall version of the Commando, with stronger Crankcases and many other improvements/refinements over the earlier bikes, not that the earlier bikes aren't good as well.

Frank Melling again. I rest my case. My memory of him in the "Motorcycle Mechanics" of the 1970s is that he was always expounding the delights of the latest Kawayamahonduki stinkwheel whizzbang. Now that he's got a contract with a posh newspaper, the digs are less overt but they're there just the same.

I'm glad to know that I've ridden a Parody. Another model to tick off on my list

In any form of competition where capacity was not restricted such as sidecar scrambles, no-one carried on using 750 motors once the 850 was available, preferably with Mk111 cases and crank.

750s have a special feel but that doesn't make the 850 a failed Harley !

Er....haven't we seen this Frank Melling article here before (posted by tpeever) in 'General Bike Theory/Purchasing Questions' 05 Dec??

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_P ... 800&Page=1

Maybe he will write something new (and also a little more technically accurate) someday?

Melling is so two faced, he wrote an article in the Telegraph last july where he and Les Emery were extolling the virtues of the Commando as a bike that amongst others would be ideal for those who had to ride on a restricted licence.
I suppose one day he'll make his mind up!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/mai ... slow29.xml

As they say here, "What the farmer doesn't grow...the farmer doesn't eat."

This guy hasn't even tasted.

Round file it.....not worth getting into a huff about some Bozo who needs to show the world how biased and misinformed he is..... :lol:

worntorn said:

I guess just because you write an article that doesn't automatically mean you know what you are talking about.

Click to expand...

... agreed :lol:

worntorn said:

The stock 850 produces 56 foot lbs of torque vs the 750 at 48. Hardly dull and flabby, this is a 17% torque increase over the 750, which was already a considered a pretty torquey bike.

Click to expand...

... as above ... :lol:

worntorn said:

As far as the weight goes, the only way you could get 45 lbs of extra weight out of a MK111, would be to compare an fully fueled InterstateMK111 to a fully fueled earlier Roadster model, that would do it, the weight being mostly in extra fuel.

Click to expand...

A-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y correct ... 8)

worntorn said:

Otherwise, according to my findings, my friend's 750 weighs about 16 pounds less than my 850 MK111, mostly the electric starter and gear, I think.

Click to expand...

Precisely so. Using a belt drive w/aluminium pulley and clutch basket, removing all e-start parts, generously ventilationg the inner chain chase with cutaways, fitting lightweight aluminium rimsmakes a Mk.III even some pounds lighter than an earlier roadster in stock trim.

worntorn said:

In spite of the bit of extra weight, my 850 is quicker than his 750, and, after switching bikes, we both agree the extra torque of the 850 is quite noticeable.

Click to expand...

850 torque rulez ... :wink:

A

worntorn said:

ccording to the owner of British/Italian Motors here in Vancouver, a former Norton dealer and long time Commando rider, the MK111 version was the most durable and best overall version of the Commando, with stronger Crankcases and many other improvements/refinements over the earlier bikes, not that the earlier bikes aren't good as well.

Click to expand...

True. strongest crankcase and best lubrication system of them all, including a somewhat reinforced frame and a much better gearbox cradle/swinging arm pivot assembly (w/cotter pins).