What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?

gortnipper said:
When i was a buyer of used bikes for a bike shop in Southampton in the early 90s, I was.commuting between Tacoma and Seattle for work every day. Mostly on bikes awaiting shipment to the UK.

One day was riding a Yanaha Seca II (I liked that bike) and two vehicles ahead on the freeway was a pickup with a rack, and an 8ft aluminum ladder on top.

I saw it starting to dance on the rack as the driver gained speed out of.traffic, so i slowed right down. The guy in the early 70s Firebird in front of me didn't. He ended up spinning out and t-boning the concrete barrier when the thing finally flew off dead in front of him.

I parked on the shoulder behind him to see if he was OK, and he was. Asked him if he wanted the ladder. He didn't, so left it on the side of the road. I had to stop traffic so he could reverse out and leave.
Click to expand...
Good real story .
 
The rally over, I headed home today. Norton sounded great for 20 + miles, then started barking and coughing like it was about to run out of gas. I pulled over and started poking around the bike. The tank was half full. I run clear gas lines and they were both full. The spark plugs were both hot. I had the idea that one or both Amals had a blockage someplace and started pressing on the ticklers. The left tickler took a few presses before gas started to come out. The right tickler was pretty normal. I started the bike up again, one push on the electric start, and rode a few miles to a gas station. Filled the tank, then rode the 45 miles home with no problems.

When I get a chance, I plan to pull the float bowls and clean them up.
 
Similar incident for me returning from the rally. Having left Portsmouth dock and making my way up the A3M I needed to adjust my right mirror. Bear in mind it was pitch black and riding in traffic at 60 + I used my left hand.

Right at that moment the engine lost all power! WTF? Indicator on I proceeded to pull over (no hard shoulder) thinking, f&ck, I got all the way to Italy and back and I’ll need recovery at 11pm in sodding England!!

Nah, I’d hit the kill switch, duh🤣🤣🤣
 
I installed a new one of these power accessory plugs today. I have no plans of ever using it, but there it is complete with the two-prong insert!


What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?
 
+ on my 850, it's really starting to smoke much more on the left side at initial start up for a ride. The valve guide seal on that side, I suspect, has failed in some way and I'll need to remove he head (first time for me doing something like this) at some point to replace it. I'm thinking this is a winter project. I'm wondering if I should do anything else to it while it's out.
 
Pulled the float bowls off the Premiers, found some dirt on the left hand side. Also found the main jet was partially clogged. Sprayed the jet clear with carb cleaner, cleaned out the bowls, checked the float bowl height, and sanded the float bowl strainers so they lie flat. I pulled the K&N air filter to spray with K&N oil and realized it fit much better if I rotated it 180 degrees. The other way, I was hitting the top tube reinforcement, and pushing the air filter off the carburetors, which might have let the dirt in. Also found that my homemade battery tiedown (nylon strapping and a piece of a truck inner tube) had broken (the inner tube part) I got sail needle, palm and heavy waxed thread out and sewed it back together.

bike back together, I pushed it out of the garage and started it up. Sounded good, revved freely and idled. Turned Nort off, pushed back in garage and went upstairs to cook dinner.
 
The madness that is July 4th weekend is upon us at the Jersey Shore.
Our year round population of 12 k has swollen to 250 k . Every thing and every one stretched to the breaking point coupled with triple digit temperatures. A motorcycle ride around town is suicidal.
A little cooler today so I get my motorcycle fix by given the old girl a much needed bath - polish and wax to follow.
What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?
 
Café au Lait said:
Me too, most comfortable saddle ever which is just as well considering the journey ahead starting Thursday.

Toady I’m making final preparations for Arnie’s 2 week adventure to INOC Rally in Pescara, Italy. Last full wash and chain clean. This afternoon I’ll take him for a full warm up ride before an oil & filter change then I’ll be ready to load up although as last year in France, going super light; 1 50L roll bag and a pair of small panniers + rucksack. Luckily my bike came with a second Corbin 2 up seat😀View attachment 125043
Click to expand...
I couldn't go to Italy this year, but recognise the bike and car. Shame really as I am sure they don't put beans on their breakfasts...;)
 
These have been discounted on Amazon so I snapped them up. Recommended at the past INOA rally as the drop in sealed chain for the Commando. Just reading the maintenance I found it odd that kerosene is not recommended for cleaning chains whereas I always thought it was ideal ?

“You should clean the chain with a mineral oil based cleaner and a soft cloth to remove excess dirt and grit between the link plates and roller surfaces. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, brake cleaner or any cleaner that contains acid, caustic chemicals to maintain your chain!”


What Did You Do With Your Commando Today?
 

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