RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

[RussellTx]

So is it still in startup jail?

Yup, I'll pick it up towards the end of next week or early the next when I get back in town.
They called and said it started up great and they put a few miles on it and are adjusting/checking things as they break in everything. They want to put in a few more miles and I also had them order a MK3 kick starter because after much fiddling on my part, it just clears on the way down but just touches the exhaust on the way up.

They also have a list of a few items I'll need/want to address when I get it back.
I'm glad to have a few sets of expert eyes on the bike since this is my first bike to restore.

Great bunch of guys at Big D Cycles!

 

[grandpaul]

I also had them order a MK3 kick starter because after much fiddling on my part, it just clears on the way down but just touches the exhaust on the way up.

Loosen up all the hardware including the rose nuts.
Tie a bit of string from pipe to pipe, under the engine, and pull the pipes together gently
Test that kicker clears (pull in the clutch, it's easier)
Tighten rose nuts, check kicker.
Tighten muffler clamps and re-check.
Tighten fiddly bits with rubber bobbins and re-check.
Remove string and enjoy.

 

[RussellTx]

Stick a fork in it! It's done!

Got the bike back from Big D last week. They put about 50 miles on it breaking stuff in and checking/tightening stuff. They checked my work a bit and gave me some pointers. I fixed the items they found that they did not fix for me so it's now 100% complete.

Spent several days practicing the starting procedure and parking on the center stand. Gotta say, I hated the damn thing for a couple of days but I can start it cold on the first kick now and get it parked without too much trouble. Super fun cruiser and great weather here in North Texas!

It is going down to my Uncles for Thanksgiving so he will see it for the first time then.
After that, I'll need to figure out what he wants to do with it.

Super fun project and I really appreciate all the support from this group!!

PS. Any tips on Maintenance, Startup/Shutdown, Operation or Parking are appreciated.

 

[Schwany]

Stick a fork in it! It's done!

Got the bike back from Big D last week. They put about 50 miles on it breaking stuff in and checking/tightening stuff. They checked my work a bit and gave me some pointers. I fixed the items they found that they did not fix for me so it's now 100% complete.

Spent several days practicing the starting procedure and parking on the center stand. Gotta say, I hated the damn thing for a couple of days but I can start it cold on the first kick now and get it parked without too much trouble. Super fun cruiser and great weather here in North Texas!

It is going down to my Uncles for Thanksgiving so he will see it for the first time then.
After that, I'll need to figure out what he wants to do with it.

Super fun project and I really appreciate all the support from this group!!

PS. Any tips on Maintenance, Startup/Shutdown, Operation or Parking are appreciated.

Cold starts in the winter can invoke cuss words in my garage if I don't get fire on a first or second kick. I know how to start a Norton, but I built an engine better suited to a roller starter and not my right leg.

I probably won't be agreeing with anybody, but here goes:
Change the oil in 100 miles if convenient.
Install a spin-on oil filter if it doesn't already have one.
Retorque the head after you get back from the ride to your uncle's place, and check the valve lash after retorquing the head.
I turn off the fuel petcocks when I get back home and park the bike in the garage. Park it on the center stand.
Otherwise keep the air in the tires at at least 32psi, check your fasteners, and change oil and filter regularly. I shoot for every 600 miles, but get lazy and sometimes go to 1200.

I'm sure I forgot a few things, but it is an old motorcycle that needs some care and I think you can figure it all out without any help.

 

[grandpaul]

Stick a fork in it! It's done!

Got the bike back from Big D last week. They put about 50 miles on it breaking stuff in and checking/tightening stuff. They checked my work a bit and gave me some pointers. I fixed the items they found that they did not fix for me so it's now 100% complete.

Spent several days practicing the starting procedure and parking on the center stand. Gotta say, I hated the damn thing for a couple of days but I can start it cold on the first kick now and get it parked without too much trouble. Super fun cruiser and great weather here in North Texas!

It is going down to my Uncles for Thanksgiving so he will see it for the first time then.
After that, I'll need to figure out what he wants to do with it.

Super fun project and I really appreciate all the support from this group!!

PS. Any tips on Maintenance, Startup/Shutdown, Operation or Parking are appreciated.

Where's your uncle at? I'm north of Austin.

 

[RussellTx]

Where's your uncle at? I'm north of Austin.

They are just outside of Gustine Texas.
A little over a hundred miles from you.

 

[grandpaul]

They are just outside of Gustine Texas.
A little over a hundred miles from you.

Sounds like a ride!

 

[Saber]

Stick a fork in it! It's done!

Got the bike back from Big D last week. They put about 50 miles on it breaking stuff in and checking/tightening stuff. They checked my work a bit and gave me some pointers. I fixed the items they found that they did not fix for me so it's now 100% complete.

Spent several days practicing the starting procedure and parking on the center stand. Gotta say, I hated the damn thing for a couple of days but I can start it cold on the first kick now and get it parked without too much trouble. Super fun cruiser and great weather here in North Texas!

It is going down to my Uncles for Thanksgiving so he will see it for the first time then.
After that, I'll need to figure out what he wants to do with it.

Super fun project and I really appreciate all the support from this group!!

PS. Any tips on Maintenance, Startup/Shutdown, Operation or Parking are appreciated.

Congrats and good job! Post a Pic of you, your uncle, and the bike.

 

[MichaelB]

Cold starts in the winter can invoke cuss words in my garage if I don't get fire on a first or second kick. I know how to start a Norton, but I built an engine better suited to a roller starter and not my right leg.

I probably won't be agreeing with anybody, but here goes:
Change the oil in 100 miles if convenient.
Install a spin-on oil filter if it doesn't already have one.
Retorque the head after you get back from the ride to your uncle's place, and check the valve lash after retorquing the head.
I turn off the fuel petcocks when I get back home and park the bike in the garage. Park it on the center stand.
Otherwise keep the air in the tires at at least 32psi, check your fasteners, and change oil and filter regularly. I shoot for every 600 miles, but get lazy and sometimes go to 1200.

I'm sure I forgot a few things, but it is an old motorcycle that needs some care and I think you can figure it all out without any help.

1. Check header roses frequently. I'm in the habit of doing almost immediately after a run while it's hot.
I seem to always get a nip.
2. Drain the carbs...
3. If you didn't add a sump mounted reed valve, and it's been sitting, check oil level, if low, drain sump before starting.

Congrats and Nicely done.....

 

[RussellTx]

Sounds like a ride!

I wish!
It will be the zoo that is a family gathering...

 

[grandpaul]

I wish!
It will be the zoo that is a family gathering...

Our typical family gatherings...

 

[Fast Eddie]

I wish!
It will be the zoo that is a family gathering...

We must be related