RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

RussellTx said:
Question now that I'm at the end of my project.

Do all the old parts that I replaced, like the old wiring harness and various other bits just go in the trash bin or is that looked down upon?
This is my third major project and I just can't keep holding on to all this stuff that I'll never use...
Click to expand...
Take some photos and offer them up here, and on the FB Commando group page.

There's always somebody that'll take a few bits that happen to be just what they need...
 
grandpaul said:
Take some photos and offer them up here, and on the FB Commando group page.

There's always somebody that'll take a few bits that happen to be just what they need...
Click to expand...
I was walking around in my garage today saying to myself, "man I have a lot of crap. I need to get rid of this stuff."

I feel what you are stepping in. ;)
 
RussellTx said:
I also picked up my Uncles old matching helmet this past weekend.
Does anyone know if there are places that will refit the padding?
It is a little brittle...

View attachment 122016View attachment 122017
Click to expand...
AHEM. If you value your head and contents - get a modern helmet. I know of no one who will replace the styrofoam. Styrofoam goes bad in 3 years or so.
 
Took the bike into Big D Cycle last week for them to do the Startup and checkout of the motor they rebuilt.
The original seat and paint cleaned up nice!

IMG_1187.jpeg
Image 10-20-25 at 11.45 AM.jpg
 
nortonmargie said:
I know of no one who will replace the styrofoam. Styrofoam goes bad in 3 years or so.
Click to expand...
Rubbish. Styrofoam has a very long life span if protected against the elements. I think the OP referred to the fabric and soft padding which lines the inside. These parts do indeed deteriorate. Having said that, even a complete old helmet may not offer the same protection as a new one.

- Knut
 
mdt-son said:
Rubbish. Styrofoam has a very long life span if protected against the elements. I think the OP referred to the fabric and soft padding which lines the inside. These parts do indeed deteriorate. Having said that, even a complete old helmet may not offer the same protection as a new one.

- Knut
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1350630703000402. See attached article: styrofoam degrades due to environmental factors, such as your sweaty head. Stop making excuses for being cheap and buy a new helmet.
 
So is it still in startup jail?

I cracked an orange Bell Star on the asphalt while wearing it and riding my P11. Long day that was. Also explains a lot about my charming interweb personality. 🤣

I still wear an old Arai helmet. Not much worth saving inside it when I'm wearing it. And P11's are good low siders. Getting hit head-on might not work out too well, but that is true with or without a helmet on.
 
RussellTx said:
......Not sure where I’m going to store the lift after next week though…
Click to expand...

I always leave one bike parked on the lifting table, that way the lifting table doesn't occupy too much space of its own.

very nice looking bike, the fireflake blue is a great colour
 
nortonmargie said:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1350630703000402. See attached article: styrofoam degrades due to environmental factors, such as your sweaty head.
Click to expand...
The environmental factors cited are continuous exposure to very high humidity. This is rarely the case. A sweaty head will certainly not affect the styrofoam, because (a) the fabric lining will absorb moisture and prevent direct contact with the styrofoam, and (b) nobody wears a helmet non-stop for weeks. Moisture accrued will dry out when the helmet is off overnight, for instance. I would be more concerned about pre-compression strain caused by thermal cycling. Helmets should be stored in a thermal stable environment, i.e., not in the attic or in the garage.

Ouch. I just discovered why I need to dispose of 2 helmets ..... :oops:

- Knut
 
mdt-son said:
The environmental factors cited are continuous exposure to very high humidity. This is rarely the case. A sweaty head will certainly not affect the styrofoam, because (a) the fabric lining will absorb moisture and prevent direct contact with the styrofoam, and (b) nobody wears a helmet non-stop for weeks. Moisture accrued will dry out when the helmet is off overnight, for instance. I would be more concerned about pre-compression strain caused by thermal cycling. Helmets should be stored in a thermal stable environment, i.e., not in the attic or in the garage.

Ouch. I just discovered why I need to dispose of 2 helmets ..... :oops:

- Knut
Click to expand...
I don't know about everyone else, but I wear a helmet and I hate wearing a helmet - even my modern helmet with airflow. Why? Instant sweat, even in cold weather! I'll have to look for one with "the fabric lining" that somehow deals with my soaking wet head! Full-face helmets - you could not pay me enough to wear one!
 
I was the same way about full face forever, till I had a person properly fit me with an Arai.
Game over, Now the 3/4"s fell odd.
Proper fit is Everything...
 
marshg246 said:
I don't know about everyone else, but I wear a helmet and I hate wearing a helmet - even my modern helmet with airflow. Why? Instant sweat, even in cold weather! I'll have to look for one with "the fabric lining" that somehow deals with my soaking wet head!
Click to expand...
Look for a balaclava made of wool! :-) Wool is very good for absorption and evaporation.

- Knut
 
mdt-son said:
Look for a balaclava made of wool! :-) Wool is very good for absorption and evaporation.

- Knut
Click to expand...
I'm very allergic to wool! Would be a terrible thing to add to my sweaty head!

BTW, I mentioned my really old Bell Helmet earlier - the best money could buy long ago. It was plastic lined with Styrofoam and the chin strap was riveted to the plastic. No fabric of any kind! No ventilation of any kind.
 

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