New Member

HMNYC · Oct 26, 2016

Hello all. I just picked up my 1973 Commando today. This is my first classic bike and I am looking forward to getting stuck in!

Mike

CanukNortonNut · Oct 26, 2016

Mike,
Welcome to the forum from Canada. You will find the forum very useful for all your Commando questions.
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN

Nater_Potater · Oct 26, 2016

Welcome! That's a nice looking bike you got there.

Nathan

Mr. Rick · Oct 26, 2016

Looks like a very-well preserved example. Congratulations and welcome!
A new left hand grip, and it'll be just like new!

CanukNortonNut · Oct 26, 2016

Mr. Rick said:
Looks like a very-well preserved example. Congratulations and welcome!
A new left hand grip, and it'll be just like new!

You can use a bar end mirror and then no one will notice. :lol:
Cheers.
Thomas
CNN

Craig · Oct 26, 2016

Welcome Mike .... good for you ! ..... that is a very nice looking Commando ,treat it well and and it will respond with lots of good ride days ....
Craig

MikeM · Oct 26, 2016

That looks like a great starting point.
Shouldnt be too painful.
Very nice machine.

lcrken · Oct 26, 2016

Nice bike. Should give you a lot of riding pleasure just as it is. If you decide to make "improvements", you'll find many enablers here. It's an affliction many of us share.

Seriously, welcome to the forum.

Ken

MS850 · Oct 26, 2016

Welcome, dont be afraid to ask for help, its a good group.
Like I have found, there are no dumb questions. :roll:

HMNYC · Oct 27, 2016

Thanks all. This forum is such a great resource. I hope to contribute something of worth in return even if it's just amusement. First step is to change all the fluids ( I went with Redline 20W50 motor oil and Redline Shockproof transmission oil) and and then take her for a ride. I am planning on leaving the bike cosmetically as is but to get it running as well as possible.

Mike

Nater_Potater · Oct 27, 2016

HMNYC said:
First step is to change all the fluids ( I went with Redline 20W50 motor oil and Redline Shockproof transmission oil)...

Out of fear of starting another poop storm, I'd recommend going with F-type ATF in the primary, whether stock bronze or aftermarket clutch plates.

HMNYC said:
This forum is such a great resource. I hope to contribute something of worth in return even if it's just amusement...

Amusement? You can't begin to imagine...

Nathan

N0rt0nelectr@ · Nov 4, 2016

Welcome to the group. Nice looking bike.
You will find years of experience and knowledge with the good people here.

John in Texas

gtsun · Nov 4, 2016

Welcome from the "Left coast".. I suppose from the NYC in your name you may be from the "Right coast?"

grandpaul · Nov 4, 2016

Welcome to the forum, Mike.

Heck, you may as well save some time and tear it down to bits NOW, then start buying a few thousand dollars' worth of improvement stuff!

You have all winter to get 'er done..

arbrnrngr · Nov 6, 2016

grandpaul said:
Welcome to the forum, Mike.

Heck, you may as well save some time and tear it down to bits NOW, then start buying a few thousand dollars' worth of improvement stuff!

You have all winter to get 'er done..

That's what I was thinking. Best way to get to know her is to put your fingers all over every part. See how she responds to your touch. Once she's back together, ride her hard, then before you put her away, check for loose bolts, fluid leaks. Fix and repeat.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Nov 6, 2016

arbrnrngr said:
grandpaul said:

Welcome to the forum, Mike.

Heck, you may as well save some time and tear it down to bits NOW, then start buying a few thousand dollars' worth of improvement stuff!

You have all winter to get 'er done..

Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking. Best way to get to know her is to put your fingers all over every part. See how she responds to your touch. Once she's back together, ride her hard, then before you put her away, check for loose bolts, fluid leaks. Fix and repeat.

I would think that instead of tearing it down to a pile of bits it would be best to ride it. Get a feel for it and change what you don't like. I have purchased a bike that had been taken apart to "restore" only to find nothing major wrong with it. Many times you can get a "feel" for how a bike has been maintained by looking at obvious things such as breaks, bearings, oil and tires. If the previous owner took care of those things the odds are pretty good it is a sound bike and shouldn't need much.
Just opinion.
John in Texas

New Member

Similar threads