Waking up a 69 Commando

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Thank you for the kind words. I was thrilled when it started and just sounded so good.
When I came back in the house with a huge smile my wife just wanted to know if it was always going to be that loud.
"Is that something you can fix?"
 
Good deal. I had to use a fresh battery when I first started mine too, but all I had was a car battery. I had been trying to start it with just the MC2 and although I was getting spark I guess it wasn't enough.
 
Yep, a dead battery will make it a non-starter with no spark! ;) Even a point-type ignition needs 8-9 volts to run. Glad that's all it was! :)
 
My bike has the center (centre?) stand but no side stand. That makes life a bit more complicated because I need to remove the c/stand to work on it.
Is this the standard mount for the side stand? My searches have only shown the bolt on style of mount.
If this is the correct mount, could someone point out to me the correct stand?
Thanks!
Waking up a 69 Commando
 
These early models had the engine ground wire attached between the nearby engine stud and a side stand bracket stud/nut, however, if there's an engine ground elsewhere (head steady?) then the original ground wire isn't required.
 
The BSA prop stand is part 83-1560. But I've never had one in my hands or know if it really fits, but from the pictures it looks like it might.
 
Just to be clear -- having the side stand mount welded to the frame is correct?
 
Yes, post #45 photo is correct for the original side stand frame mount, and post #46 shows the correct stand and parts now available.
 
I am totally clueless as to the routing of the spring for the center stand. Perhaps Japanese shop manuals have spoiled me because nothing I have found on-line shows clearly how to route the spring and staring at it doesn't help me either.
On a positive note - she starts with one kick and just sounds great!
I'm really enjoying this bike ----
 
I cd take and send pics of the '74, but I think it's a different design/setup.
LMK if you want one anyway.
 
Head of the bolt goes towards the inside. Bend goes over the bolt head. Might need a smaller headed bolt.
Waking up a 69 Commando
 
Thank you for the image. My bike came with a spring attached to the frame but not to the stand.
It may not be the correct spring or hooked up in the wrong place.
The way yours is connected make sense to me.
 
Lots of those center stands got tossed, as did mine. You may indeed have the incorrect spring. It's a tight fit, like the chainguard. Anyway, you can always lean it against a tree, lamp post or building. I actually think the bolt is a special thin headed version but I'm almost sure I'll get called on that one. I got mine from RGM with the spring, nuts, bolts and washers and the 'locating spring'. Wait 'till you try to put that on. I never got mine on.
 
I have a South Bend lathe in my shop so if a narrow head bolt is required - that's easy.
It kind of looks like that may be the answer - if so I'll make more than one . . .
 
In 1970 I went to pick up my brand new CB750K1 at Anderson’s Honda in Pontiac, MI. (largest Honda dealer in the world). The salesman (Don G) looked at my check for $1660.00 and told me to wait a minute. He rolled up a brand new Norton Commando and said for the same money I could have that. My mind was made up and the four cylinder bike came home with me. I’ve never regretted that decision - it was my first motorcycle. I had a lot to learn and the concept of just climbing on and pushing a button, plus disc brakes were a big deal.

Here I am 48 years (and 90 motorcycles) later I get to make that decision over again. Kick start and twin leading shoe drum brake were the big deal this time.

Funny how time changes things.
 
Talk about funny. My first bike was a BSA 500 single in the early 60's, Monterey, CA (a 50's version from Raber's). So the bug had bitten. Then in the 70's I wanted a bike and got a CB450. I hated that bike. It ran fine, but it had no personality, handling and was top heavy to boot. Sold it and got the 70S in 72. It was like night and day to me, no ringie dingie, but I'd been spoiled by Brit Iron early on. I can't say 90 bikes though, only 3. And it's time to get rid of the last one, age is catching up with my back sorry to say.
 
Amazing that you kept that same bike all those years, and it worked for you!
The truth is that K1 Honda would have worked for me for all that time, and would be very cool today.
 
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