My First Commando...

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Tornado

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...Six sleeps from the delivery of a '73 850 in HighRider config. Been studying the Haynes book (which I pulled off Amazon.ca for $6.49 CDN Shipped?!?!) and have the Owners service Guide/Riders manuals in PDF format.

Been reining in the temptation to buy lots of stuff ahead of time...not sure of precisely what is on bike (single carb but looks to be Amal...dual carbs were promised with the sale). Not sure what cable lengths to get until I inspect fully...I did order the UK roadster bars, oil filter and rear brake cable to give me something to play with as I go through all bike systems. Roadster replica seat on order (sale price from Walridge Canada too good to pass up).

Need to swap out the abhorent 16" rear wheel so will be trying my hand at first ever wheel build. Any rec's as to stainless/polished or chromed spokage?
 
...Six sleeps from the delivery of a '73 850 in HighRider config. Been studying the Haynes book (which I pulled off Amazon.ca for $6.49 CDN Shipped?!?!) and have the Owners service Guide/Riders manuals in PDF format.

Been reining in the temptation to buy lots of stuff ahead of time...not sure of precisely what is on bike (single carb but looks to be Amal...dual carbs were promised with the sale). Not sure what cable lengths to get until I inspect fully...I did order the UK roadster bars, oil filter and rear brake cable to give me something to play with as I go through all bike systems. Roadster replica seat on order (sale price from Walridge Canada too good to pass up).

Need to swap out the abhorent 16" rear wheel so will be trying my hand at first ever wheel build. Any rec's as to stainless/polished or chromed spokage?


What size rear wheel are you contemplating?
 
Trying to go to stock 19" as a first effort as I want o experience the ride as it came from the factory before deviating too much. I've read that the 18" setup is preferable...b/c of better rear tire wear and sizing options.
 
...Six sleeps from the delivery of a '73 850 in HighRider config. Been studying the Haynes book (which I pulled off Amazon.ca for $6.49 CDN Shipped?!?!) and have the Owners service Guide/Riders manuals in PDF format.

Been reining in the temptation to buy lots of stuff ahead of time...not sure of precisely what is on bike (single carb but looks to be Amal...dual carbs were promised with the sale). Not sure what cable lengths to get until I inspect fully...I did order the UK roadster bars, oil filter and rear brake cable to give me something to play with as I go through all bike systems. Roadster replica seat on order (sale price from Walridge Canada too good to pass up).

Need to swap out the abhorent 16" rear wheel so will be trying my hand at first ever wheel build. Any rec's as to stainless/polished or chromed spokage?

I'm just wondering; do you know if this a factory Hi-Rider, or someone's attempt at making a Hi-Rider model?
 
What size rear wheel are you contemplating?


It's been reported here, by someone supposedly in the know, the reason the Commando had 19" rims on both ends was due to supply costs. Regardless, check the tire manufactures recommendations for rim width. I think you'll find most tire manufactures consider a WM-2 (1.85") too narrow for a rear tire. Personally, I like a 18 x WM-4 (2.50") for the rear.
 
If you read the history of Commandos they were designed to run 19" rims back and front its was part of the over all design changing to 18" rear was not part of that, I have the orginal paper work that came with my new Commando and its all there black and white about tyre fitting etc, but of coruse they where also designed to wear K81s rubber but we all know things change after over 40 years of owning, myself have always stuck with 19" rims.

Ashley
 
I’ve known a few people who have ridden both and So far most have said they handle better with 19’s front and rear. I like the look of a bigger tire which means you have to go to an 18 but personally I have never ridden on one.
 
Don't know if it's true, but back in the day, (1966?) the questionable integrity of 18" tires was thought to be a risk at over 100mph. Supposedly there was no 18" tire as safe as the 19s. Didn't Tridents come with 19" rear wheels also?
 
I've ridden the same Commando with both 19" and 18" rear rims. No discernible difference. Possibly, an expert road racer might be able to tell the difference in handling. Of course, there is always the placebo effect. If you study the sizing specifications from tire manufactures you will find 18" tires with almost the same circumference as 19" tires.
 
I've ridden the same Commando with both 19" and 18" rear rims. No discernible difference. Possibly, an expert road racer might be able to tell the difference in handling. Of course, there is always the placebo effect. If you study the sizing specifications from tire manufactures you will find 18" tires with almost the same circumference as 19" tires.

Indeed, my 18 rear roadrider has exactly the same circumference as my 19 front roadrider.
 
Don't know if it's true, but back in the day, (1966?) the questionable integrity of 18" tires was thought to be a risk at over 100mph. Supposedly there was no 18" tire as safe as the 19s. Didn't Tridents come with 19" rear wheels also?


Sure did. I struggled like a bitch, unsuccessfully, to get an 18" tire on that 19" rim on my first rear tire change of my Trident. Quite a motorcycle, by the way, the Trident was. Unfortunately, it had to compete against the Honda CB 750. No contest. Too little, too late for the folks from Meriden.
 
Don't know if it's true, but back in the day, (1966?) the questionable integrity of 18" tires was thought to be a risk at over 100mph. Supposedly there was no 18" tire as safe as the 19s. Didn't Tridents come with 19" rear wheels also?

Yes but most Triumphs had WM2 at the front and WM3 at the rear whether 18" or 19" and a wider tire at the rear. My 850 MK IIA has WM2-19 front and rear and if I remember right that is what most Commandos had. It has the same Avon tires front and rear. The rear seems too narrow to me even though it rides fine. I do corner harder on my Trident as it feels more stable - I have no idea if that's tires or just that I've ridden them much more or what.
 
Do what santa claus does,... Crack open a beer and make a list. When the bike comes, do a careful inspection while you drink and make a list of all the stuff you know you need. Then make a list of questions to ask, topics to research, and parts that seem like good modern options. (tires, electronic ignition, headlight bulb,... there's a long list actually)

Things like tire sizes and rims deserve some research. Buying the old design stock steel WM2 rims and classic Dunlop K81's is that "classic" factory configuration you seek, but IF I had to buy a new rim and tire for my commando I wouldn't buy that combination. I'd buy wider light weight alu rims and Avon roadrider tires... This is one of those situations where you have to buy both the new rim and tire anyway so don't buy old technology. If you have to buy a new hub too, you might look at buying one of Don Pender's cush drive rear hubs as well. The stock commando hub, rim, and tires were OK in 1970. The newer set up rewards you with a more ridable bike.. good luck
 
Thank for all the responses. I've posted a shot or two of the High Rider I got from seller in another thread ("Talk Me Down..."). As far as I've been told, bike has had two owners (supported by registered owners report), and seller is #2 and only had it a couple of months...he runs a classic bike museum and got the bike as part of a collection from original owner. 8300 miles on clock (though unclear if clock is original). Was refurbed by an HD dealer in the '90s...some non stock parts.
Seems used wheels go for quite a bit of cash on fleabay...but tend to come with hubs...something I'd not need so could sell later. New OEM or aftermarket rim(s) might be the better option...need to research sources/prices.
 
Thank for all the responses. I've posted a shot or two of the High Rider I got from seller in another thread ("Talk Me Down..."). As far as I've been told, bike has had two owners (supported by registered owners report), and seller is #2 and only had it a couple of months...he runs a classic bike museum and got the bike as part of a collection from original owner. 8300 miles on clock (though unclear if clock is original). Was refurbed by an HD dealer in the '90s...some non stock parts.
Seems used wheels go for quite a bit of cash on fleabay...but tend to come with hubs...something I'd not need so could sell later. New OEM or aftermarket rim(s) might be the better option...need to research sources/prices.
L
Thank for all the responses. I've posted a shot or two of the High Rider I got from seller in another thread ("Talk Me Down..."). As far as I've been told, bike has had two owners (supported by registered owners report), and seller is #2 and only had it a couple of months...he runs a classic bike museum and got the bike as part of a collection from original owner. 8300 miles on clock (though unclear if clock is original). Was refurbed by an HD dealer in the '90s...some non stock parts.
Seems used wheels go for quite a bit of cash on fleabay...but tend to come with hubs...something I'd not need so could sell later. New OEM or aftermarket rim(s) might be the better option...need to research sources/prices.
 
I sent my bare hubs to Don P. Madass on here ... he built me alloy rims with stainless spokes etc including all new bearings In 19” for a very reasonable cost even with the shipping .... the bike had come with 18” rear , after 2 years I have to say like the look and performance over the previous setup at the back
Craig
 
Legend has it the Commando being 1st road bike to sustain over 100 mph, new construction 19" tires were the first size sold to tolerate this. Harleys, Commando kissing cusins, sustain the market for our size hi quality tires.
 
I sent my bare hubs to Don P. Madass on here ... he built me alloy rims with stainless spokes etc including all new bearings In 19” for a very reasonable cost even with the shipping .... the bike had come with 18” rear , after 2 years I have to say like the look and performance over the previous setup at the back
Craig
Thanks...can you help me reach this Mr. Madass?

Cheers!
 
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