New Member with a 1971 Roadster

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SEd27 said:
The centre stand has seen better days and is cracked in half.
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Pretty sure your earlier stand setup is mounted to the frame, known to be a weaker setup. After that the stand was engine cradle mounted which isn't a huge deal to go there.
 
84ok said:
Pretty sure your earlier stand setup is mounted to the frame, known to be a weaker setup. After that the stand was engine cradle mounted which isn't a huge deal to go there.
Click to expand...
Up to ‘70 center stand mounted to the frame. ‘71 onward mounted to the engine cradle. For your ‘71 you can use any year design up to ‘75. The 850 type have more bracing.
 
illf8ed said:
You do have the ownership document? So many of these are sold with “bill of sale” only. I vowed not to buy another one of these then did it again last October.
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Yes, have full registration in my name. Other ones I looked at were bill of sale only
 
illf8ed said:
Up to ‘70 center stand mounted to the frame. ‘71 onward mounted to the engine cradle. For your ‘71 you can use any year design up to ‘75. The 850 type have more bracing.
Click to expand...

Good to know. Will try tracking down a later model stand
 
illf8ed said:
Up to ‘70 center stand mounted to the frame. ‘71 onward mounted to the engine cradle. For your ‘71 you can use any year design up to ‘75. The 850 type have more bracing.
Click to expand...
See, make any mistakes & someone not only covers it but often with more good information.
 
I had an '80 Yamaha XS650 that was beautiful and in excellent shape. I would just look at that beautiful bike and then take it for a ride. After 1 hour (or less) my butt was totally numb! The vibration was awful. I would ride it home and park it. A week later I would again look at that bike and think, it is got to be ok this time. Out for a ride and butt numb and hurting. Never failed to do that no matter how much I "willed" it to be a great riding bike to go with it's looks. Then I bought a Commando and OMG what a huge, huge difference in ride. That is the best thing along with the handling of the Norton that you are going to experience. As to the center stand the best deal I have found out there is a new one (later model) from RGM in UK that is listed for $68 bucks US. AN is $100 bucks US. Both of course plus shipping. I to did a resto with 12 boxes of parts, bike completely apart including engine for last 18 years. Once done it is beautiful and just like my earlier '71 Commando (this one is a '74). You can see it on Mike Tyler's you tube site. Type in "you tube Mi Ty" to get there. Mine is Dennis's Commando restoration including some rides I set up for our local Norton club, ONE (Oregon Norton Enthusiasts). Good luck and enjoy the journey! It is worth it.
 
Welcome!

+1 on a upgraded head steady.

+1 on LED bulbs for the anemic charging system.

Seriously consider a new set of Amal Premiers.

If you dont go to front disc (and I have a Brembo on mine, which is great but you will need new fork slider, rim and hubs, etc) the RGM MZ Gold shoes are very good. Transformed my rear brake from NOS Ferado shoes. Be sure to arc them in.

I wouldn't do powder coating. So many bad tales on Commandos.
 
I've got 40 year old krylon on mine and it looks even better with oil and road grime to enhance the finish. No wash just wipe to keep it even. Still no rust.
 
dennisht said:
I had an '80 Yamaha XS650 that was beautiful and in excellent shape. I would just look at that beautiful bike and then take it for a ride. After 1 hour (or less) my butt was totally numb! The vibration was awful. I would ride it home and park it. A week later I would again look at that bike and think, it is got to be ok this time. Out for a ride and butt numb and hurting. Never failed to do that no matter how much I "willed" it to be a great riding bike to go with it's looks. Then I bought a Commando and OMG what a huge, huge difference in ride. That is the best thing along with the handling of the Norton that you are going to experience. As to the center stand the best deal I have found out there is a new one (later model) from RGM in UK that is listed for $68 bucks US. AN is $100 bucks US. Both of course plus shipping. I to did a resto with 12 boxes of parts, bike completely apart including engine for last 18 years. Once done it is beautiful and just like my earlier '71 Commando (this one is a '74). You can see it on Mike Tyler's you tube site. Type in "you tube Mi Ty" to get there. Mine is Dennis's Commando restoration including some rides I set up for our local Norton club, ONE (Oregon Norton Enthusiasts). Good luck and enjoy the journey! It is worth it.
Click to expand...
Can I sell you a Yamaha seat cushion? :)
 
dennisht said:
I had an '80 Yamaha XS650 that was beautiful and in excellent shape. I would just look at that beautiful bike and then take it for a ride. After 1 hour (or less) my butt was totally numb! The vibration was awful. I would ride it home and park it. A week later I would again look at that bike and think, it is got to be ok this time. Out for a ride and butt numb and hurting. Never failed to do that no matter how much I "willed" it to be a great riding bike to go with it's looks. Then I bought a Commando and OMG what a huge, huge difference in ride. That is the best thing along with the handling of the Norton that you are going to experience. As to the center stand the best deal I have found out there is a new one (later model) from RGM in UK that is listed for $68 bucks US. AN is $100 bucks US. Both of course plus shipping. I to did a resto with 12 boxes of parts, bike completely apart including engine for last 18 years. Once done it is beautiful and just like my earlier '71 Commando (this one is a '74). You can see it on Mike Tyler's you tube site. Type in "you tube Mi Ty" to get there. Mine is Dennis's Commando restoration including some rides I set up for our local Norton club, ONE (Oregon Norton Enthusiasts). Good luck and enjoy the journey! It is worth it.
Click to expand...

Its funny, my XS doesn’t suffer from the usual parallel twin vibration woes.

It’s a little Buzzy, but nothing near what some guys have reported.
 
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Here's what the yamando dude sez
https://www.bikeexif.com/vintage-yamaha-race-bike
“The solid mounted XS race engines create a vibration so extreme, they actually make the bike a challenge to handle, and in the end will rob you of speed through cornering and straight acceleration. And all the while, you’re losing feeling in your hands going down the track.”

“This problem only gets worse when the XS engines are modified to create more horsepower which of course equals more vibrations. So much so, it’s very common for XS engines to literally shake the bike apart, even through your lock wire and gallons of Loctite.”
Click to expand...
 
I purchased a new black Roadster in March 1972 with engine number 20m35 152681. The red plate had September 1971 as the manufacturing date. Unfortunately I sold this bike. Forty years later I now have another 1971 Roadster under refurbishment.
 
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