Early Commando Rear ISO's

Hi everyone!

I have successfully dealt with replacing the rubber donuts along with installing threaded adjusters on 72-74 Commandos.

However I am now working on a 69/70 Commando and the owner has purchased a new rear ISO for me to install.

But looking at what needs to be done just to provide access it appears the early type oil tank and oil lines are blocking working from the right side. Has anyone dealt with this that can tell me if for example unbolting the oil tank and simply moving it allows access, any suggestions for dealing with this special earlier year Commando issue?

The early isolastics have a sleeve which needs to be removed if you are installing the Vernier adjustable (one-piece) ones. This can be a real bear as they are usually corroded, so I always remove the engine cradle. Takes more time to dismantle, but saves time in being able to mount in a vice or even a press to remove the sleeve. I suppose you could try to compress the rubbers enough to get them inside the sleeve, but that would make the mounts stiffer and the vibration worse.

Are you dealing with the Fastback oil tank or "S" type tank?

Must be the FB type I don't remember the central oil tank being in the way of the iso. Also my S type didn't have a sleeve, it was pretty much like the front one, just longer and in a tighter area, but I had mine completely apart when I did it. Seems to me I have instructions for doing the rear iso on the bike if you want me to find them. But this is prolly also for the roadster or S type.

I replaced my 70 Commando rear ISOs with the engine in place. Not the easiest of jobs but can be done with bikes that have the large central oil tank. Helps if you remove the top head steady and jack up the engine.

Plenty of information on here - just search remove rear ISOs e.g.

getting-the-rear-iso-rubbers-t5020.html#p45731

Way back when I purchased a set of early isolastic rubbers that were mounted in a steel sleeve. I have never seen this style before or since.
John in Texas

Factory service manual states:

"Renewing Isolastic Mounting Rubbers
Pre 1970 models not covered by this manual used mounting bushes with outer steel sleeves which often proved extremely difficult to remove. 1970 and later models use bonded mounting bushes which are lubricated at the time of assembly and which present no such problems."

I have done 3 cradles from '68-69 and all three had steel sleeves. All were a pain to remove.