New member, Commando 750

Hi There,

I'm new to this forum, but it is certainly interesting and informative. I've just picked up a 1972 Commando 750 Interstate from the UK and brought it down into France (Swiss border area). I've had Brit bikes before, Tiger Cub, Triumph 350, BSA A65 (pretty fast but too much vibration - feet fell off the footrests), then onto Guzzi Spada, MZ 250 (twice), Enfield Model G & 500 Bullet, Suzuki RG500 (frighteningly fast) and gone back to a British twin with a third MZ TS250 as backup.

A question, much asked by others, but what oil does one use in the French/Swiss area? There is a pretty evenly split opinion when searching this and other sites regarding monogrades versus quality synthetics. I don't remember seeing monogrades here in the tri-border area of France, Germany & Switzerland.

Also, is it OK to use unleaded fuel or would additives be required?

Best regards, Phil.

Norton Commando's have valve seats that are made from valve material no need for fuel additives.
Oil? for the engine 20-50 motorcycle rated cheap as you can find. Transmission, Belray Gearsaver 80-90. Or a synthetic equivalent.
Primary oil I like ATF "F" type but 20wt non detergent low ash oil (made for small airplanes) works well.
Forks again I like ATF "F" type but a 7-10 wt synthetic fork oil works too.
Prepare for opinions to appear.

norbsa48503 said:

Norton Commando's have valve seats that are made from valve material no need for fuel additives.
Oil? for the engine 20-50 motorcycle rated cheap as you can find. Transmission, Belray Gearsaver 80-90. Or a synthetic equivalent.
Primary oil I like ATF "F" type but 20wt non detergent low ash oil (made for small airplanes) works well.
Forks again I like ATF "F" type but a 7-10 wt synthetic fork oil works too.

Click to expand...

"....made for small airplanes..."

Nifty bit of advice, that.

I've been reading a lot of vintage bikers using ATF "F". Just curious as to the reasoning. There's so many target specific oils/synthetics out there (a marketing scheme?).... would enjoy reading the philosophy/science backing up that approach. Not challenging the suggestions in the least, just curious as I truly don't know.

Prepare for opinions to appear.

Click to expand...

Wonderfully understated.

wrench

In the primary20 wt non detergent compressor oils work too but it comes by the gallon or five gallon quantities . (The stuff I use is Exxon aviation oil EE65 Ashless dispersant)by the quart.
ATF is made to work well on clutch plates Type "F" has a little extra additive. It can get cool than hot still working the same. It's cheap. So cheap you can change it as soon as color changes. I like it in front forks because it tells you it's time for an oil change by getting a little stiff. Both of the places I use it require frequent oil changes.
Of course any oil will work better than none. Clean oil is better than dirty oil. Oil filters are a fine thing going with detergent oils perfectly.

norbsa48503 said:

In the primary20 wt non detergent compressor oils work too but it comes by the gallon or five gallon quantities . (The stuff I use is Exxon aviation oil EE65 Ashless dispersant)by the quart.
ATF is made to work well on clutch plates Type "F" has a little extra additive. It can get cool than hot still working the same. It's cheap. So cheap you can change it as soon as color changes. I like it in front forks because it tells you it's time for an oil change by getting a little stiff. Both of the places I use it require frequent oil changes.
Of course any oil will work better than none. Clean oil is better than dirty oil. Oil filters are a fine thing going with detergent oils perfectly.

Click to expand...

Thanks Norbsa. Makes sense. I also like the fact that the ATF 'lets you know' when it's time for a change. Good stuff.

Cheers.

wrench

I think that it's important to use an oil that one feels confident in.

I suspect that most Commando owners in Europe use specialist oil suppliers.

Motorex are Swiss. I've used their monograde 40 in the past with good results. They market a 'Legend' range for classics and seem to have a good name in modern bike racing. It might be worth asking if they distribute locally to you or else think about buying a larger quantity.

http://www.motorex.com/index.cfm/fuseac ... 18-443-772

(I have no connection to them and local supply means I use the Belgian Denicol brand).

Thanks to you all.

I've managed to find some supplies locally. ATF for the primary chain, and Monograde 50 Midland Swiss Oil http://www.oelbrack.ch/de/ml/Motorr_524.asp for the engine and gearbox. As used in the older Harleys which are popular round here.

I've ended up ordering EP140, for the swinging arm, from the UK. Also ordered some ST90 for the MZ.

The one lucky part is that the oil filter is the same as on a 2CV, so this is easy from the French supermarket.

Best regards, Phil.