New Commando - New Forum Member

[Dave Swanson]

After many years on the want list (36 to be exact) I will be the owner of a very nice 74 Commando tomorrow. I bought my first motorcycle in 1974 at the age of 19. It was a brand new Honda CB750 that I loved and desired no other till I saw my first Commando that same year. I was awestruck the first time I heard one start up and motor away, never to view my shiny new Honda the same way ever again. Many bikes have come and gone since, and I still have a few in the stable. Maybe a few more than a few, but never a Commando. But I am going to right this wrong tomorrow! It is a very interesting bike with a solid history that I will elaborate more upon after I have it home.

I look forward to being a member of this forum and hope you have patience with my newby questions. I will make good use of the search function though!

 

[daveh]

Lovely bike. Looks like new. Congratulations! How does it ride?

Dave

 

[travelerjerry]

Nice looking find Dave. I wouldn't kick that out of my garage. Had a Honda 450 before my first 1973 Norton. Don't miss the Honda. You'll find a wealth of information in this Forum. Ride safe.

 

[pelican]

looks nice; hope you enjoy it

 

[bmwbob]

So what's the back story on this one :?:

 

[ML]

Now after all those years, don't be tempted to do your teenage dream and stick apehangers and a sissy bar on it! That is one bone stock authentic Mk2A (apart from the mirrors and fork gaiters) and please keep it as it is, its the best of the traditional big British twins. A really nice find, credit to the PO as well.

Mick

 

[Diablouph]

For goodness sake, straighten the left rear turn indicator, (the only thing wrong with the bike). I can guarantee you, it's the first thing L.A.B. will see.

 

[DogT]

That looks better than off the showroom floor. Hope you enjoy it. Welcome

Dave
69S

 

[grandpaul]

Very interesting; I just received an e-mail with what I believe to be photos of the same bike, but sent by someone with a different name in thier e-mail address.

Maybe they just look the same, black, peashooters, cool looking....

Nah...

Welcome.

 

[Dave Swanson]

This set of pictures is on the public domain. I will post a picture of it with my mug (and straightened indicators) after I get it home.

 

[swooshdave]

This set of pictures is on the public domain. I will post a picture of it with my mug (and straightened indicators) after I get it home.

Oh, we'll know it's you. It'll be the shit-eatin-grin that will give it away. :mrgreen:

 

[pete.v]

By looking at your shop equipment in the "Man Castle" post, you are ready to own a Norton.

 

[speirmoor]

Its Beautiful I love it!

 

[swooshdave]

But I am going to right this wrong tomorrow!

Um, not to nag you but IT'S TOMORROW!!!

(that is something my daughter would totally do)
:mrgreen:

 

[gtsun]

Wow! Very nice Dave, and welcome to the party. Your starting with a bike that looks to be in better shape then most after a long long expensive rebuild / restoration. Glenn.

 

[Dave Swanson]

I Got it home and have been spending a little quality time with it! It runs out fantastic! I broke my mold on this one. Usually I buy a sad pile of bits and spend a fortune and hours on end setting it right. This bike is very well sorted from the get go, and in my opinion, very reasonably priced! The second owner (whom I purchased from) had a professional set everything right from the brake bits, carb bits, most rubber bits, Boyer electronic ignition install, Isolastics were renewed, and many other items. Basically, everything that needed attention was set right. The tank and side panels were painted but the frame and much else were left in their original state. I have a complete bill of material for the parts used and it is quite extensive. The only issue I need to sort is the speedo bezel. It is cracked. What is a good source for this?

One of the coolest things about this bike is the provenance! I am now the third owner. The original owner was an American (I believe, could have been a Brit) who bought it in London at Elite Motors. All of the original paperwork, including receipts for down payment ( 20 pounds), final payment (728.75 pounds) , original British registration book, tax disc, all ancillary communications with Elite Motors, Riders Manual, and associated booklets, Lloyds insurance documents, even the original Brit license plates were included! The bike was soon taken on a trip to Germany because the German registration document was included. Then it was shipped to the States.

Pleased to no end here!!

 

[Dave Swanson]

Oh and another thing! The bike only has 5300 original miles! The engine has never been cracked open and it runs like a big Swiss watch! The second owner only put about a thousand miles on it during his tenure of ownership. I plan on many more!

 

[interstateOz]

Very nice mate nice buy

 

[grandpaul]

Very nice bike indeed. Very well cared for, too.

Have fun with it!

(I went back and looked at the photos I recieved, the other bike didn't have winkers)

 

[speirmoor]

Pm sent regarding bezel