What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?

SteveA said:
Yep, I had that with an AGV which had been fine on other race bikes, it was only an issue on the Norton, I actually replaced that with a Shoei!

The Shoei had seen 5 years use, one of the best helmets I ever had, it got wrecked at Pau anyway. It was difficult to find a 'race' helmet (D ring and no tinted inner visor) here in France that I could afford because I had to replace a road helmet as well (that was an Arai jet style and I loved that one too, but a bike was knocked over on top of it!).

The Scorpion is French made and the cheapest 'race' helmet on sale in France and apparently the same structure as the one used by current MotoGP series leader....seemed fine in my try ons, but you have to ride to be 100% sure. Difficult one to get to properly 'try' a race helmet, particularly when it was special order white!
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Scorpions are supposed to be pretty good.

I love my Arai RX-7V. Best helmet I have ever had, and I have literally had hundreds (I used to get them thrown in when I was a buyer of used bikes- I gave everyone I knew a couple, only keeping the cream - my favorite "vintage" helmets were Simpson and a Kiwi K21).

I had to replace my white one after a crash earlier this year, and got another one. Since it was an insurance claim I popped for one of the 2020 IOM graphics.

For try ons, I usually go sit on one of their more aggressive sport bikes in the shop to see what things look like.
 
got up early took 80 mile ride in countryside lots of fields with baled hay rode with a friend on his T140.. weather was glorious mid 70sF sunny both bikes ran great only 1 fool in car started to make left turn in front of me wife of driver smacked him on head he braked......thanks lady whoever you are
 
I got the electric polisher going on my tank/side covers.... almost forgot how shiny the lacquer can be.... and then I stroked her gently for a bit with a soft cloth.
 
As autumn colours are most vivid now, I enjoyed a run around the lake here then to town and had a beer at the brewery. These rideable days are numbered and itwas surprising to not see any other motorbikes out. It is also the time to listen to the motorcycle and take note for the winter lay up maintenance and inspection.
 
Same as Bert. Enjoyed the ride down along the Platte RIver here in Nebraska. Also enjoyed seeing peoples eyeballs pop out when they see something other than a Harley...not hating Harleys just common around here.
 
Wiped clean all dirt . Lubed Iwis chain. Tightened front Iso bolt up. Grease to brake lever pivot and fulcrum point. Drove downtown with wife for Sushi and back. Pulled plugs , a bit rich so brought out both richness screws a tad. Rain so put cover back , on to sleepy time.
 
Well, I took my 850 out for a ride on Saturday to the family cabin to meet my wife and wouldn't you know it. It started pouring outside while we were inside the cabin sorting through stuff to shut it down for the season. Actually, her folks are tearing it down next year to build a new house on the lake. Well, considering I've never ridden in the rain or on wet roads I was nervous when I saw the situation outside. I waited for the rain to stop and, when it did took my chance and headed back home. I took my time and all back country roads anyway so it wasn't too bad. The spray was something of an interest. One thing about bikes is there are no windscreen wipers. Same as a road bike I suppose but much faster speeds and when the water and bugs hit your face it kinda hurts! Great first time for me though. Bike got dirty and I'll give the old girl a washing tomorrow when the sun is supposed to peep out again.

One question though. Is the timing side cover supposed to get hot to the touch after riding? I have a Pazon ignition system in there. It's not red hot or anything but you can't leave your hand there too long or you will get burned. I'm just wondering if that's normal.
 
Starvingphotog said:
One question though. Is the timing side cover supposed to get hot to the touch after riding? I have a Pazon ignition system in there. It's not red hot or anything but you can't leave your hand there too long or you will get burned. I'm just wondering if that's normal.
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As the timing cover is fastened to the crankcase plus there's hot engine oil swilling around inside the timing chest then what you experienced was probably normal.
 
Went out in the garage and looked at it longingly. My youngest daughter marries this Friday evening and further festivities planned for Saturday so a self imposed motorcycle moratorium is in effect till Sunday in order that I may more likely be able to walk her down the aisle ...
 
Richard Tool said:
Went out in the garage and looked at it longingly. My youngest daughter marries this Friday evening and further festivities planned for Saturday so a self imposed motorcycle moratorium is in effect till Sunday in order that I may more likely be able to walk her down the aisle ...
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I think you should take her down the aisle on the Norton. Now that would be something to remember!
 
Saber said:
At least get some photos of the bride on the Norton.
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Will try - In the meantime here she is 16 years ago..(edit - white wedding gowns and oily Nortons might be a tough sell )
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Well Rick. Come on now. This is your little girl's wedding day. Clean 'er up and shine that Norton up like it deserves for the wedding. Are you kidding me? Black and White wedding photos of your daughter with the Norton will be priceless! Definitely ones that will be more memorable and find a place atop the mantle piece compared to the run of the mill usual wedding shots. Are you picking up what I'm putting down. These will be the most fun photos. Also if you plan to be sober, you and your plus one should ride the Norton to the wedding. Man it would be awesome if the groom rode and the pair could take off after the wedding on the Norton, even if only for the shot and symbolism and then get off later down the road and pop into their car to go get the photos done. Man, this is exciting for me for some strange reason. Greatest of luck with everything Rick and send us pics from the event, with the Norton. Oh, and one last thing. Get a today shot of her by the Norton 16 years later. The exact photo. Maybe in her wedding dress! She'd love it!
 
Starvingphotog said:
Well Rick. Come on now. This is your little girl's wedding day. Clean 'er up and shine that Norton up like it deserves for the wedding. Are you kidding me? Black and White wedding photos of your daughter with the Norton will be priceless! Definitely ones that will be more memorable and find a place atop the mantle piece compared to the run of the mill usual wedding shots. Are you picking up what I'm putting down. These will be the most fun photos. Also if you plan to be sober, you and your plus one should ride the Norton to the wedding. Man it would be awesome if the groom rode and the pair could take off after the wedding on the Norton, even if only for the shot and symbolism and then get off later down the road and pop into their car to go get the photos done. Man, this is exciting for me for some strange reason. Greatest of luck with everything Rick and send us pics from the event, with the Norton. Oh, and one last thing. Get a today shot of her by the Norton 16 years later. The exact photo. Maybe in her wedding dress! She'd love it!
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Spoken like a true ‘old guy into motorbikes’!

However, I think that the one part you’re missing from your scenario above is: Does the Bride to be have any desire for motorbikes (and consequent oil stains on dresses etc) to play any part in HER big day…?

As a father of two daughters, although it’s still a long way off, I am in no doubt whatsoever that my shed doors will remain firmly locked on their big day !!
 
Haa haa! you're absolutely right there Fast Eddie. Thanks for the reality check! In my defense though, I did do a few wedding photo shoots in NC and the GTA where props like this were total fun and ended up being the cool shots, in addition to the generally accepted wedding poses. But hey, you're absolutely right. It is HER day. Not us Old Guy into Motorbikes' day:)

My daughter is only 18 but one day I think I'll be in Rick's shoes and wondering whether I would take my own advice I dished out above. I probably will give it a go anyway:)

Rick it'll be a blast of a day. Fingers crossed for the best day ever!
 
Fast Eddie said:
Spoken like a true ‘old guy into motorbikes’!

However, I think that the one part you’re missing from your scenario above is: Does the Bride to be have any desire for motorbikes (and consequent oil stains on dresses etc) to play any part in HER big day…?

As a father of two daughters, although it’s still a long way off, I am in no doubt whatsoever that my shed doors will remain firmly locked on their big day !!
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Thanks for coming to my defense Nigel ! As I am sure you are becoming aware of, my vote doesn’t count for much in these affairs .LOL
 
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