Standard Tune Up/ Check Up Routine?

Just throwing this out there to get some opinions on what I should be checking up on to keep the Commando running strong. I'm going from "Dropping it off at the shop" to "Do it all myself". I just rewired the bike myself by making a handmade custom harness and Installed a Sparx 3 Alternator and a Tri-Spark Ignition. It's a '70 Commando.

My short term goal is to take it on some long road trips. My long term goal is (If I can master the bike) to take it across the country (US) from East Coast to West Coast. It may be a few years before that happens so I want to get a check-up/ Tune up routine going.

I know some basics but just wanted to hear what other riders are doing to keep them smiling on the road.

Many Thanks in Advance for sharing your thoughts !

Brian

Definately start with a manual and go through the maintenance shcedule at the front. (Haynes do a weekly, monthly etc thing).

Hey, sounds like we are in the same boat as far as learning this commando thing. How hard was it to rewire your bike? My wiring is pretty suspect and I have thought of rewiring myself but I am not a electrical guy. Did you use some kind of a kit or guide? Did you do a positive or negative ground? I may just buy a new ready made harness but they are kind of spendy. I like the idea of doing it myself just so I could learn more about electrical work and increase my ability to trouble shoot in the future. Thanks, Gabe

cdafirefighter said:

Hey, sounds like we are in the same boat as far as learning this commando thing. How hard was it to rewire your bike? My wiring is pretty suspect and I have thought of rewiring myself but I am not a electrical guy. Did you use some kind of a kit or guide? Did you do a positive or negative ground? I may just buy a new ready made harness but they are kind of spendy. I like the idea of doing it myself just so I could learn more about electrical work and increase my ability to trouble shoot in the future. Thanks, Gabe

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Hi Gabe. Wiring bikes isn't that hard and there are good diagrams available for Commando. Whether or not to use the stock harness depends on how much you want to keep the electrical system stock. If you install an electronic voltage regulator you will end up with a lot of extra wires with the stock harness. This is what happened to me. I rewired my bike several years ago, and if I were to do it over again, I'd make my own harness. I have wired several bikes from scratch now and it's not too bad. Some folks on this forum also advocate the use of relays for horn and headlight, especially if you plan to upgrade the headlight to halogen. If you want to upgrade the voltage regulation AND install some relays, I think you will almost have to build your own harness. Some places like Old Britts have planned to manufacture a harness for Commandos but I don't think they have released anything yet.There is lots of experience and great advice on this forum. Lots of people to help if you decide to do it yourself!!!