RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

Lot of work went into making that old thing look new and improved. Good on ya.

If Big D does a video for Youtube on the first start, it would be nice to see here.. 👍
 
Lineslinger said:
How did you get the bike from that little roller table to a real motorcycle lift?
Click to expand...
I was able to get both wheels and the handlebars mounted with the wheels hanging over the table sideways.

Then I jacked the lift under the front wheel and me and a buddy rolled the rest of the bike onto the lift.

Oversimplification, but it was not bad at all.
I liked the table before that and the lift has been great since.

Not sure where I’m going to store the lift after next week though…

It has helped me load some heavy items in the back of my truck though.
 
Very Nice and well done.

1. How is the termial block mounted in the Battery box?
2. It appears you have mounted the rear chain oiler. From experience, you will probably regret this.
Makes a big mess on the rear wheel. Unless it is disabled and for original looks.
 
MichaelB said:
Very Nice and well done.

1. How is the termial block mounted in the Battery box?
2. It appears you have mounted the rear chain oiler. From experience, you will probably regret this.
Makes a big mess on the rear wheel. Unless it is disabled and for original looks.
Click to expand...
I used a scrap 2”X2” aluminum angle that goes across the top of the battery to hold it down. It is a 1/4” thickness so I just drilled and tapped into it to hold the blocks down.

I also drilled holes to accept some JBolts that I fabricated out of 3/16 rod.

I had to angle the leg behind the block so I could reach the nut on the J Bolt.

IMG_1093.jpeg


I powder coated the angle/mount black and put a vibration isolation pad under the battery. (This pic was mid wiring so it is much cleaner now)

I may regret the chain oiler but it’s not a hard change if it’s an issue. Also, I’ll be getting a new chain if it gets ridden much and that’s when I would make the chain. (That is the original chain)
 
Very nice and tidy.
The chain oiler is 50's technology, before the chain spray lubes.
And way before O/X ring chains. Those are a whole nother kettle.

I just use chain spray....
 
Bike looks really nice. Headlight wiring looks neat and tidy. Any concerns about using Wago connectors. I’ve been told they shouldn’t be used in situations subject to vibration.
 
WEM said:
Bike looks really nice. Headlight wiring looks neat and tidy. Any concerns about using Wago connectors. I’ve been told they shouldn’t be used in situations subject to vibration.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
No concerns here. They meet IEC 60068-2-6 vibration standards which is much better than the stock bullets.
 
I also picked up my Uncles old matching helmet this past weekend.
Does anyone know if there are places that will refit the padding?
It is a little brittle...

RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
 
RussellTx said:
One other item to note.
I picked up an Ultrasonic Cleaner that worked really well. It holds about 5.5 gallons and is good for small to medium parts.

I tried it with Dawn and Distilled Water for general cleaning and that was ok to get the dirt off but when I loaded it with Evaporust it worked extremely well!
For stubborn rust without the ultrasonic cleaner, I would need to soak items for 24 plus hours and then it would start to hurt the paint in some applications. With the ultrasonic cleaner, I would run it in 5 minute spells and it would be good on even bad rust in 3-4 5 minute runs. For minor rust on bolts or metal parts it was good to go after 5 minutes with some brushing after.

For example, I was able to remove all the rust from the back of the side plate in about 15 minutes.
I think a mouse had homesteaded in there for a bit...

Wish I had started that much earlier in the project.

View attachment 122006
Click to expand...
That appears to be a great idea! ultra sonic unit did you use?
 
Question now that I'm at the end of my project.

Do all the old parts that I replaced, like the old wiring harness and various other bits just go in the trash bin or is that looked down upon?
This is my third major project and I just can't keep holding on to all this stuff that I'll never use...

Right now, I just need to decide if I just toss everything as I clean up or make a pile and then try to figure out what to to with it all.
My brain says toss it, but it just doesn't feel right.
 
RussellTx said:
Question now that I'm at the end of my project.

Do all the old parts that I replaced, like the old wiring harness and various other bits just go in the trash bin or is that looked down upon?
This is my third major project and I just can't keep holding on to all this stuff that I'll never use...

Right now, I just need to decide if I just toss everything as I clean up or make a pile and then try to figure out what to to with it all.
My brain says toss it, but it just doesn't feel right.
Click to expand...
I have the same problem. My work bench is an "L" that is 10' x 8'. The 8' side has been of no use almost since I built it because it's covered by old parts I'll never use! I bet I have 150 pounds of nuts and bolts alone. One time I gave a guy 20 pounds of nuts and bolts to take to the recycle center - I think they gave him less than $3. Once in a great while someone will need special hardware part the front ISO bolt or the rear ISO stud so those I try to keep separate but I won't ever use them for my builds.

I finally convinced myself to immediately throw away any harness from a bike I'm taking apart to rebuild. I used to separate, clean, and inspect all the wires then put them in a box to sit on the shelf unused!
 
RussellTx said:
I also picked up my Uncles old matching helmet this past weekend.
Does anyone know if there are places that will refit the padding?
It is a little brittle...
Click to expand...
I have that helmet's near twin!!! It came with that Blue metalflake '74 that I refurbished last year...
 

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