your thoughts...

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I am looking for your thoughts on this commando before I make the 3 hour drive to go look at the bike. As far as I can see the only thing that looks off is the "850 Commando" on the side panel. Does anyone else notice anything about it that I might be missing? And what are some questions I should ask when looking at the bike.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/3195537200.html
 
Do not pass go, do not hesitate, somebody is gonna snap that up at 4k! I would.

PS...I think it is actually missing the sidecover.
 
It's about 4 hours for me. You better get goin. I would be getting very excited if I were you.
Absolutely worth the relatively short drive. I drove 11 hours one way to turn one down.
We'll need a clear title.
Those are my thoughts.
 
Why are you not driving to get it right now, go quickly. That's a fair price as long as it's titled.
 
Check the frame tubes for ripples / kinks ( front downn tubes & maybe around steering head .)

Pulling the top bung on the primary , leave in 2nd .Put a boot on the rear chain run, off on . Primary tension shouldnt vary more'n a iota .

Check . ' :p ' Does It Come with a Owners Manual '

And , check for oil leaks . :!:

If there are NONE , Check for RUST .

Also see that it doesnt catch fire when you turn the ignition on . 8)

If youve not riden a Commando . Shift with youre toe , tenderly.Not a clod hopper .
Back brake if stood on , at 5 mph should arrest progress ( decluch )
Front brake with two strong fingers out at the ball , Will almost work at 30 mph .


Best Test , Go around a clear sweeper at 40in third , Slip shift into second half way round lent over , and bring throttle up good.If its not doing 60 by the count of two , ask for a discount .
 
You have 4k in parts alone, right Brent?
So your late on your mortgage payment, so what?
I'd snap it up quick.
 
I'd grab it, but not for more than 3,500. You'll need that other 500.00 almost immediately.
 
BTW uhaul motorcycle trailers are $15 for 6 hours! That bike looks like a no brainer, i plan on spending $4k on my dads just to get it tip top again
 
Boy oh boy that a reasonable ticket into another life style to entertain ya the rest of your life. Plan on putting in another $4000 before its roadworthy and cute as can be. 850's ain't as light sharp steering as the 750's or as much pull to top end but Matt ain't kidding about 850's pulling hard and cornering well. Its simple to get factory brake to be more powerful than the tire can take w/o pulling fingers apart, give me a ping when you're ready. At that price it will find a new home soon. Quandry then becomes, do ya just ride it with minor spiff ups or go through it to have new bike to start the service clock ticking. Once fully fettered though they can be daily commuters to cross country cruiser. Most wear prone item will be the rear tire as hard not to use Norton Torque in real life and times. Just think how the rest of us feel when arising and seeing what's in our garage we can't keep our eyes or hands off.
 
I live in Alaska and I would consider going to get it if I thought I could beat this crowd to it!
 
Go take it for a ride, The pull of a Norton will have you pulling out your wallet. Make sure you bring the cash with you. Just do it

Phil
 
I was a bit silly to believe the Ebay add for a Commando is "as good as new"condition, it was 200 miles away..so i bought it blind, handing over a paypal deposit.
When i spent 3 1/2 hours travelling there the first thing i noticed was a oil pool under the engine..not a big pool but enough to get me down on one knee.
To my surprise there was a huge weld ,and not a very nice weld at that..someone had done a porous weld then ball pained it to death .
Oil was dripping as i watched!
The guy emerged from the door,as the bike was in the gutter outside his house, i said wheres the as good as new one,? He replied "Cracking bike that mate" the kick start was about to fall off, and under the fork gaters was rust.
I left it there, still dripping oil....he relisted it with the same "as good as new" discription..and it sold!
All that glitters eh?
 
Wow that sucks! Sorry but I was just on Craigslist & there seems to be quite a few for sale these days. A customer of my friend that restores Indians ran over something and slightly cracked the bottom of the case just enough that it weeps over night about three drops. He wanted to use JB Super weld or have it welded in place! He finaly realized the cases would have to be split as even if you could clean the exterior oil and drained it the heat from welding would pull the oil still inside into the metal & contaminate the weld. Funny, he was selling the bike when he cracked it too but was a good guy and told the prospective buyers. Well keep looking you will find a good one & enjoy it.
 
Got one a few months ago, it's a MK111 with 6000miles, lasty time it was taxed was 1978! been stood in a collection untill the poor mans wife ran off, he unloaded lots of "frozen in time machines" to pay her off! The bike is in great order, having the rubber renewed! The engine screw's/bolts have never been disturbed since it was built in 1977..carbs need tuning ...no smoke but leaks oil from the taco drive..seal conversion on its way :D
 
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