68-69 Commando S

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Thanks Jerry. Isn't my project quite yet. I will be sure to update everyone tomorrow with some photos and further information. Thanks again
 
About 60 miles west of DC. I've got about $8K into it not counting the $750 I gave for it. Mine looked worse than your photo, but I was the second owner in '72 so I had it a while.
 
NPeteN said:
Thanks Jerry. Isn't my project quite yet. I will be sure to update everyone tomorrow with some photos and further information. Thanks again
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I'd be interested in learning the serial number - my "S" - 133110 was built in June - 1969
 
https://postimg.cc/gallery/2dvlj2q4o/


Hey everyone, I'm back. Saw the bike this morning and took some photos. Still not sure why my postimage links aren't working. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong as I'd like to share as many photos as possible.
Frame number is 141046 which is out of range for an S. And I believe the engine number is 24257. The engine stamp was hard to make out, those number sound right?

Single mikuni carb conversion done some time ago as well.
 
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Check to see how the rear mudguard is attached to the frame. The earliest ones had a strap between the shock mounts (mine Apr '69-132031). Later ones had a bracket off the end of the large frame tunnel. Then there's 2 types of oil tanks, the breather just goes in either the 'top hat' that sticks up at the top of the tank or it goes in beside that 'top hat' thingie. These things don't matter though. The rear mudguard should be a 'C' section curve, not a 'D' curve and should have a bend for the tyre pump. Also be aware you'll be hard pressed to get anything much larger than 310-19 under that front mudguard/stays unlike the '71. The S was made with a smaller curve front mudguard to prevent the guard from fouling in the S exhaust under hard braking. If you put the S exhaust system on a 71 there's a possibility of that.

Just read your post, that number is way out of the S model range. Is it a bitsa? Check all the numbers, engine, frame on the headstock and top of gearbox. What does the title say if any?
 
Looked at the pics. Sure looks like an S model, pre 71. Need to check the numbers for sure. There should be a plate on the front headstock where the triple tree rotates with a number and date on it. The engine number at the top side of the crankcase, not the prefix should match and the number on top of the gearbox should be the same unless something has been replaced. Title?
 
No title. Plate on the triple tree was worn away, only visible number was 141046. Didnt record the number on the lower triple tree. Wish I'd known about the various number locations. Good to know moving forward. I will check all when I'm there next, thanks DogT. Ive got a handful of additional photos I'll uplaod.
 
68-69 Commando S


Hey, isn't that Clint Eastwood's bike?
68-69 Commando S
 
The pics are visible if one left clicks on them and chooses 'view images'. You just have the link incorrectly set up to see them in the browser. It's definitely an early S model, or at least the right vintage. Central oil tank as opposed to side oil tank. The single carb is probably a Minikuni not a pair of Amals. Not sure the RS choke/lever is right. LS looks roughly right. Seat is totally wrong. Looks like the horn has been replaced by one up front on RS? Points cover missing? Rims look serviceable. Most things look pretty normal for the age, maybe even a bit better, mine was much rustier than that when I started. If it were my project, I'd break it totally down. Some would just get it running. Up to you. Looks like a years project if you have plenty of time.
 
I'm on my phone, so no wonder about the photos. Thank you for the assessment. Carb is a mikuni, I assume a vintage "upgrade" at some point. The seat appears to be a period aftermarket accessory, made in England and is leather. Should have snapped a photo of the tray.
My plan for the bike would be a reassembly outside of the engine. Not a full on restoration, yet... don't have the money currently. Basically replace rubber, cables, electrics if necessary. Replace the tank etc... All of which I would love to share with you fine folks.

Is there a way to correctly upload photos while still using my phone?
 
Engine number is on the other side, that's the casting mark. Wiring in the headlamp looks original. Front brake mechanism looks right. Rear drum looks right. It really doen't look that bad except for that seat. I remember from your original picture, the prop stand didn't look right. It should be off a gizmo that's an integral part of the frame. I can get a picture.
68-69 Commando S
 
Yes that was my take away also. Well preserved and complete. Needs refreshment. I'll check the stand. What would your rough valuation be?
 
Amal Choke/Air control. I guess that carb doesn't use that.
Evaluation totally dependent on how far you want to go. Forks and all safety items for sure. Isolastics, new headsteady. You could get it on the road for a few grand if the engine/gearbox/drivetrain runs and is acceptable. But it wouldn't look a whole lot different than it does now. May need the rear swing arm upgrade, not expensive. EI would help, most likely if it's got points the advance unit is worn out. I replaced or rechromed everything that needed it. The aluminum parts will polish if you have the time and inclination. I don't think that 14xxx number is real for that frame. It's certainly an early S type frame, the centerstand mounts on the frame, not the gearbox cradle which would be 71 and newer, I think. Headlamp halo is also a give away. Early front forks are different for that headlamp mount.

There are no directional signals on this bike. Controls are only hi/lo and horn. Headlamp on is switch on shell. Looks like maybe a kill switch added. Switch on side panel is ignition on/off, that's it.

I have a color picture of Clint just like that.
 
Excellent. Thank you for the input. This would be a long term project for me as I have several other bikes I can ride in the meantime, plus we are heading in to winter. Should have done a better job grabbing numbers, I'll do some research regarding what to expect when I'm back.
As the bike stands, what are we looking at regarding a number figure?
 
If you mean 'what should I pay?' it's only worth what it is to you. Then there's the issue of what will he/she take? Completely negotiable. I was with a guy that bought one, I'd say in similar shape, in Manassas maybe 5 years ago and I think he gave about 4 grand, but I'm not sure. You probably won't make a killing on it, and you'll have more in it than it's worth nearly for sure. It's a hobby, not a business. I'm going to say you'll have to put 3 grand in it as it stands to get it safe and on the road. But it won't look much different than it does now. I'll sell you mine for $10K and it works fine. Needs a new gas tank. That includes all the tools and extra parts. It's also about 5 years older than that picture.
 
NPeteN said:
Is there a way to correctly upload photos while still using my phone?
Click to expand...

Click on the individual image and look for 'Share', click it, then look for the 'Hotlink for forums' option, copy and paste into your message. Repeat for each additional image.
 
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