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After one year of restoration work, I just got my 1971 Fastback back out on the road. Great low end torque, and a fine handling machine.I find English bikes are an acquired taste. I am more used to 70s vintage and modern Italian bikes, whose handling, braking and power generally outstrips the Commando. That being said, the Commando has a certain character not found in the Italian bikes (and, at the risk of stating the obvious - Japanese and German bikes) that is very appealing. Sure, it wags its head when going down the freeway and can shake it pretty good at under 30 mph at times. It vibrates like hell at under 3000rpm as any proper British parallel twin should and marks its spot (pretty good at times - a Honda owner once asked me if it was shot), but these are just minor annoyances given the smooth power delivery over 4000rpm, fine handling, soulful stacatto pop of the exhaust and exquisite styling. Most Japanese or German bike owners will never understand the attraction of the Commando, though our Italian bike owner cousins will give us an understanding and sympathetic wink....
After one year of restoration work, I just got my 1971 Fastback back out on the road. Great low end torque, and a fine handling machine.
I find English bikes are an acquired taste. I am more used to 70s vintage and modern Italian bikes, whose handling, braking and power generally outstrips the Commando. That being said, the Commando has a certain character not found in the Italian bikes (and, at the risk of stating the obvious - Japanese and German bikes) that is very appealing. Sure, it wags its head when going down the freeway and can shake it pretty good at under 30 mph at times. It vibrates like hell at under 3000rpm as any proper British parallel twin should and marks its spot (pretty good at times - a Honda owner once asked me if it was shot), but these are just minor annoyances given the smooth power delivery over 4000rpm, fine handling, soulful stacatto pop of the exhaust and exquisite styling. Most Japanese or German bike owners will never understand the attraction of the Commando, though our Italian bike owner cousins will give us an understanding and sympathetic wink....
