Starting from scratch... Almost

Dear fellows Commandist,

I currently have a bare 850 mkI frame that I intend to build as a near-Ludwig-light-style bike. The engine will be my Maney/schmidt , but for the frame part I am starting from the only frame.

I'd like to start with the front forks. I have identified so far 3 or 4 options :

- The original one (of course),
- Ceriani 35 repro (waaaaay too expensive),
- Paioli 35 as found on the Duc' pantah,
- Yam Xj 650 ( a bit too japanese perhaps ?) , the cheapest option it seems,
- Marzocchi 35 as found on the Guzzi T3,

Any thoughts on this guys ?

Regards

Xavier

Stick with the stock forks, new bushes and seals etc and Lansdowne dampers.

You'll get a really good level of fork performance for very little outlay (comparatively speaking).

Hi Xavier.
Easy, for a Norton Commando improve and use the Norton Commando part.
For a hydrid, use the other stuff.
Ta.

The is also Maxton and the front brakes also offer a lot of options for improvements.

weight-commando-front-forks-t22406.html

Salut Xavier,

I know from experience that a Norton fork improved with Lansdowne Dampers hydraulic components is a very good choice.

Laurent

Thanks for these replies. I have currently a set of landsowne damper in my other Commando working fine.

I'll need to buy the entire front forks from AN, so was looking for all the possibilities. Cheapest option I saw was the Xj ones. I have no idea of the Maxton price.

One thing for sure : front wheel WILL be symmetrical :lol:

If that is the case, you may want to consider Maddass' kit - might be good bang for the buck, symetrical, good brake upgrade, good bloke, etc.

http://www.tritonmotorcycleparts.com/29 ... tid=146825

More info on Maxton - http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files/ceriani.htm

Bonne chance!

The Commander or whattever , used XJ900 front end & Wheels . ( pukeing icon )

The Formular 750 space frame & monocoque used AJS MX triple clamps & Staunchions ? & magnesium sliders .
which might almost be procureable .Coustom High Tensile Steel Staunchions would be tougher than mild steel .

NVT Triumph / BSA front ends are a ' bolt on ' for Twin Disc front end as per T150 I.o.M. job .

Hobots coustom alloy injun plates are a commercial item , so could be got somehow .

Early this century a young whippersnapper rode his ride to work 750 Commando in the CMRC NZ thingo , & cleaned up .
Was Honda NS ??? ( the 250 prod thing ) suspension swing arm wheels brakes etc , one a home made alloy
cradle . V smooth through the undulations & steady throotle left the bone jarrers for dead . Monoshock rear end .
Classiest thing was , in the ' NEW ' G.P. muffler can era , the Dunstall type pipes with the two upswept muffler cans .
Just like Rossi .
Was a 20 od year old bloke . Black Roadsert tank etc . A classic ' back room ' Kiwi ten dollar Custom . No shiney paint.