Would this thing make it around a corner?

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That is pretty cool (it could be anyway).

When I'm done my MKIII, I totally want to build a chopper with a Commando engine.
 
Not that I plan to go for this thing...have barely the means to keep what I have, on the road, but it does look like a good start for a project. My question was whether it would be driveable. I have never had the pleasure of trying a machine that low to the ground, and I have a bit of a question whether such a low, close to the gorund frame would make it down the road without grinding the frame on the asphalt. I constantly gring the edges of my boots and even occationally do a bit of metal too, and mine is just as high as yours and it still has problems on real tight corners. What will happen with this frame the fellow has up for sale, or do you drive such a thing only in a straight line? Maybe one of the chopper boys can enlighten me...Thanks!
 
If the ISOs are fitted the chain would keep jumping off that's for sure.
Cash
 
Yeh, they go around corners, kind of. You certainly can't ride one like a Commando.
You have to develop a whole different style of riding. Freeways, sweepers etc are all fine. The local neighborhood, grocery store etc a bit of a challenge. Have to slow way down and go around corners sort of straight up. Biggest worry is being rearended by some bloke not paying attention because the brake light is usually obscure.

People can critique choppers and make fun but it's still riding and it's still fun. Just different.
 
All points taken...I have no problem with choppers, would actually like to own one too, but can't have everything, and if I have to choose, I will take my commando,...but choppers are visually interesting.

What about this chain jumping thing, please explain.

My original question was if this frame would scrape, this frame looks awful low, like it needs no sidestand, if you get my drift. Is this lower than normal, or am I just in possession of untrained eyes, as we see not that many choppers here and I have little to base my opinion on. The last one I got a good look at was a 60's BMW with extended forks and an almost naked appearance with a tiny tank and so much room around the motor. Cult stuff. Used to call those things "Rubber Cows" as the suspension was not what you would refer to as stiff.
This frame on ebay would make a nice project...maybe we will get to see the results someday in the forum... :wink:
 
hewhoistoolazytologin said:
What about this chain jumping thing, please explain.

The Commando swinging arm and rear wheel are connected directly to the engine/gearbox cradle, so no matter how much movement the Isolastics allow, the drive chain tension isn't affected which is why they did it like that, (as I'm sure you probably know) but cash's point being that with rear wheel fixed to the frame then the chain tension could alter enough for the chain to jump off the sprockets.
Whether the tension would change enough to cause the chain to jump off I don't know, after all, I think there have been other rubber mounted engine bikes that had a conventionally mounted swinging arm and rear wheel?
 
Never had a chain "jump off" the sprockets on any of the Featherlastics. Although it might happen if the sprockets were badly worn. The chain guides are installed to keep the chain from whipping up and down, creating a significant vibration.

Don't see much point in a "chopped" Norton though. The essence of a Norton is good handling.

Leave the choppers to HD
 
I think it was Unclebunt who built a Commando ridgid chopper in the 70s had that problem. If I'm correct it was the torque more than the vibes than jumped the chain. Perhaps that's why you don't see many and that one is for sale.
Cash
 
I just recently saw a beautiful chopper in a magazine using a 750 Commando engine. The thing was absolutely stunning. I wish I could remember who built it or which magazine it was in so I could throw up a link to the picture.
 
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