Different length of seats

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GraemeH

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I just bought a seat second hand. It doesn't nearly fit my bike (1971 Roadster) - way too long and fixing lugs nowhere near where they should be. I realise I can more the railing back but this is so much longer than my previous seat. Is this for a later Commando or what:

seat.jpg


I also got a rear brake lever and noticed it is about 2cm shorter than the one I have. Any explanation for that?

brake lever short.jpg


Thanks
 
Is the interstate tank longer than the Roadster? Wouldn't that alter considerably the sitting position - a few cm rearwards?
Just noticed even the grabrail is longer.
 
GraemeH said:
Is the interstate tank longer than the Roadster? Wouldn't that alter considerably the sitting position
Click to expand...

Yes and yes.
The grabrail is different althogh they did introduce a universal grabrail but this is no longer available. Your 1971 model wouldn't have had one.
 
The grab rail is movable within limits, you can loosen the 4 bolts on the rail clamps and slide it forwards or backwards. The amount of movement is set by the rail distance apart. But regardless you have the wrong seat and you need a roadster seat. The interstate seat is further back due to the length of the interstate tank but the foot pegs were not moved making the seating position odd and uncomfortable for some, rear-sets fix the issue,
 
I don't have a tank yet for the bike I am building so could in theory get an Interstate one, but I don't think I would like the sitting position. The Roadster is perfect for me.
 
Thanks for the above info.

Anyone got a comment about the differing brake pedal lengths, surely not just bad quality control? The one I just got is about 2cm shorter than the one on my bike, which is bent so could be even longer if straightened.
 
Could be quality, could be a copy made by non original maker or bent when the bike was dropped. These footrests, brake pedals etc were made from Mallable Cast Iron, so initially cast and then heat treated to drive off the carbon until it dropped to the typical level of mild steel. They can be heated to red and then bent despite being a casting as their properties are like steel, they can also be welded. But the heat will turn the chrome blue and will need rechroming.
 
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The interstate seat is longer and wider than the Roadster seat the mounting lugs are also in a different position, but they are also more comfortable on long traveling, I run a interstate seat on my Wideline Featherbed frame, just changed the mounting brackets to fit, but I had it for two up riding I brought a solo interstate seat with the hump at the back from Burtons British Bikes as well a new cover for the other interstate seat, very comfortable seat for all day riding and long travels, have never had a sore bottom since I brought the solo seat very comfortable.

Ashley
 
GraemeH said:
I just bought a seat second hand. It doesn't nearly fit my bike (1971 Roadster) - way too long and fixing lugs nowhere near where they should be. I realise I can more the railing back but this is so much longer than my previous seat. Is this for a later Commando or what:

View attachment 130771

I also got a rear brake lever and noticed it is about 2cm shorter than the one I have. Any explanation for that?

View attachment 130772

Thanks
Click to expand...
Hi Graeme,
Since you need a tank and seat, you might consider the Fastback option. I believe the tank is 3.9 US gallons.

Ed
 

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