Balls .
Er , thats why they need a beefier frame , swingarm , gearbox , engine , brakes , forks , and a few other things !
As for HANDLING ? . define ! ( Roadholding , rideability ? , touring ? Blowing off whizz bangs ? )
TYRES I found were major contributors . In the day they reported motorway speeds ( 90 to 115 mph ) the Norton
could weave , two up - baggage etc . And was a trifle twitchy .
But Early Commandos ran 3.00 - 19 Front , and orrible old G P Avons rear . Which ive head are good for lunatics on unsealed roads .
Id found Continetals near leathal . the period tech. report is they were designed to swap ends , rather than wash out the front .
Lower co efficent , or plian lower efficent , at REAR . So the third time it snaps out at TT100 speeds , youve hit the curb .
3.60 & 4.10 ancient roadrunners were good balanced for solo spirited riding .
the 3.00 KR 76 F & 4.10 TT100 rear , were ' keep your eye on the target ' , & pay attention .
Huge 4.10 19 K 70 ( new ) rear , with the 3.60 Road runner front , was good , in rain .
The 112 mph in third meant when you couldnt see the speedo you got there twice as quick , to get out of the cold .
As a general all round set up , for hacking around rather than dragging the pegs , it was generally the more relaxing ,
or shall we say least anxiety inducing . This was with 110 Lb rear springs & new Gas Girling rear shocks , the front was a bit stiff .
To really annoy people , The 61 triumph was better on unsealed roads , And steered darn well - on a leading throttle , or leant on the front decelerating .
I dont recall blacking out the vision on banked bends on the commando . But it were vastly less pulverising than the triumph , with grotty single damped
rear shocks . Shudder Bang . stagger . BUT CARS on Ripples wont steer or brake either , a darn sight worse . at Times . Unless theyre Torsion Bar Front spring
Chryslers !
Therfore , if the backs under control & you can get the front dialed in to match tho Id have it a notch or two more resistant ( Firmer ) for ' doing a Desperate '
on the brakes . If its got any . ( Triumph was efficient to 80 , Norton wasnt entirely efficent , and you sometimes heeled the rear pedal . )
THUS , the EARLIER Commandos are likely better off road ( unsealed ) and in the tighter stuff , whereas the Late frame & triple Clamps , better on the Auto Strada .
if it dosnt blow up . ( fit a bigger oil tank ) . and other things .