Commando Versus Modern

phil yates · May 17, 2014

Al-otment said:
the Commando will be kept on the road whatever it takes. It's the only bike I own - I don't see the need for another road bike.

I think we (maybe me?) have sorted the chaff from the hay. Those who ride their Commandos and those who don't.
Those who ride their Commandos frequently and those who don't hardly ever.
Those who think their Commandos are the bee's knees and those who think otherwise.

I was wondering who was who in this forum. Starting to get a better picture now.
A surprising lack of input from an otherwise active number of posters.

Might not want to post at all. No argument with that.
Can't even post on the discussion. Hmm, I guessed so.

acotrel · May 17, 2014

If you are brave enough to ride on public roads, you have my respect and admiration. I prefer to cower away in the safety of a race track when I can afford it. I had a road bike here in Benalla for a while, however it always felt like a telescopic gun sight was trained on my back. I don't have a problem riding on public roads if I am not speed limited. If I'm passing the cars, my life is in my own hands. However when they come up behind me, I really hate it, we have some really incompetent idiots on our roads. I noticed the drivers in the UK were a bit better, and I also got the impression that their general education system was much better than ours. What really irritates me is the revenue raising 'speed kills' crap our police are into - competence never gets a mention. I don't want to die under the wheels of a car driven by cromagnon man.

Fast Eddie · May 17, 2014

Commando vs modern !?!

That's an oxymoron to me.

My 1974 Commando IS my 'modern' ride. My other two are from '51 and '59 (although the '59 is a long term basket case).

I friend recently made me laugh when he described to someone he was restoring an 'old' GSXR 750... from 1987 "your old bike is newer than my modern bike" I said!

I have had many modern bikes of course. Most of which are fabulous things. I think it depends on what you use them for, what your mates ride and how good your old bikes are. I had a phase years ago where my old bikes were very seldom used, they weren't so good, and riding with my mates on moderns would have killed my old bangers.

Last year though, I sold my Ducati, nice as it was, its was just too 'modern' for me.

My '51 is the Vin I wrote about in another post. Between that and the '74 850 Roadster, my biking needs are covered. I still often have moments looking at modern stuff, the new Ducati Monster, BMW R nine T, even Nortons, but then I just think, "what will I use it for and how often will I really ride it"? Then my interested has passed!

acotrel · May 17, 2014

What will I use it for ? - always the big question. I'm looking at taking a job in another town 80Km away, and I think a bike might be a good option. There are not many police up that way, although they are still about. I've thought of buying an R1 Yamaha crash from the auctions and repairing it, so I could also use it on track days - the other option would be an ex-police boxer BMW and forget track days.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

acotrel said:
If you are brave enough to ride on public roads, you have my respect and admiration. I prefer to cower away in the safety of a race track when I can afford it. I had a road bike here in Benalla for a while, however it always felt like a telescopic gun sight was trained on my back. I don't have a problem riding on public roads if I am not speed limited. If I'm passing the cars, my life is in my own hands. However when they come up behind me, I really hate it, we have some really incompetent idiots on our roads. I noticed the drivers in the UK were a bit better, and I also got the impression that their general education system was much better than ours. What really irritates me is the revenue raising 'speed kills' crap our police are into - competence never gets a mention. I don't want to die under the wheels of a car driven by cromagnon man.

acetrol
If you are brave enough to ride on a wet race track (which you are) you are a lot braver than me.
I had already figured out your interests as your posts are honest and straight forward.
I don't worry about riding amongst cars, though heavy city like traffic, why bother?
I don't even wear protective clothing, but that's just me. I have mates who would never get on a bike dressed like me.
There are lots of uses for a Commando, frequent or otherwise. None more valid than the other. But sometimes it is interesting to know just who does any of them at all.

Phil

Fullauto · May 17, 2014

Modern bikes. I don't even bother looking at them any more. Apart from the weird ones they all look the same. I also have a '99 Buell X1, as natural a partner in crime to a Commando as there is. I love it. Done a large portion of Australia on it. Now, Commandos are different. I mean that I've never ridden two that feel the same. All have their little quirks that make them just that much different from any other.

The difference between your red and green ones will be interesting to note Phil.

As far as modern goes, I reckon the Commando is right up there in the green stakes. It might chew a bit of fuel and put a bit of gunk in the atmosphere but it's been chugging along for 41 years without being replaced. All of these Hollywood stars who like to think they have green credentials are kidding themselves. I'll bet they trade up to the new Prius every year.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

Fast Eddie said:
Commando vs modern !?!

That's an oxymoron to me.

My 1974 Commando IS my 'modern' ride. My other two are from '51 and '59 (although the '59 is a long term basket case).

I friend recently made me laugh when he described to someone he was restoring an 'old' GSXR 750... from 1987 "your old bike is newer than my modern bike" I said!

I have had many modern bikes of course. Most of which are fabulous things. I think it depends on what you use them for, what your mates ride and how good your old bikes are. I had a phase years ago where my old bikes were very seldom used, they weren't so good, and riding with my mates on moderns would have killed my old bangers.

Last year though, I sold my Ducati, nice as it was, its was just too 'modern' for me.

My '51 is the Vin I wrote about in another post. Between that and the '74 850 Roadster, my biking needs are covered. I still often have moments looking at modern stuff, the new Ducati Monster, BMW R nine T, even Nortons, but then I just think, "what will I use it for and how often will I really ride it"? Then my interested has passed!

An oxymoron yes, to those who don't believe there is any motorcycle more modern than a Commando or any other "old" bike you are interested in. I tend to fall into that category too. I don't believe many modern bikes could suit me as much as my MkIII Fastback. None look as pretty for a start. Others are a lot faster, but not my interest. Around town and on short country rides, there is nothing that matches it for me. Apparently a young (ish) girl came into the local bike shop looking to buy a motorcycle. They showed her a range of modern fully faired bikes. She said no, I want one like my dad had, you could see through it to the other side.

Good on her, she was an individual.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

hobot said:
Gosh about all women have appeal to me one way or another but most women seem to enjoy silky smooth Commando pillion the best but may ask to just leave them alone at idle. Commandos and newer isolastic Harley's pet ya nicely down low.

Like him, love him, hate him, ignore him. I think most people love him. Well, that might be stretching matters. But hobbit is an individual, a most unusual one and people like this are important to the world. Far too many boring "I want to be just like everyone else" types on this planet. Then there are those who think they are being individuals but aren't. Like so many modern Harley riders for example. Well off baby boomers who saw the trend and wanted to be a part of it. Looked like a cool thing to do. So they bought the most expensive Harley they could. I'll bet genuine Harley enthusiasts must cringe at seeing their beloved marque represented by so many non genuine motorcyclists who invaded their privacy and purported to be the real thing.

So many of these riders never dreamed of owning a motorcycle when they were younger. And would sell it tomorrow should the share market go down. Wankers!

JimC · May 17, 2014

They showed her a range of modern fully faired bikes. She said no, I want one like my dad had, you could see through it to the other side.

That's the the appeal for me, as well. I've owned a fully faired bike (BMW K75RT) that was nice for long distance, but once you got to your destination you still missed having a 'motorcycle' to ride.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

Fullauto said:
Modern bikes. I don't even bother looking at them any more. Apart from the weird ones they all look the same. I also have a '99 Buell X1, as natural a partner in crime to a Commando as there is. I love it. Done a large portion of Australia on it. Now, Commandos are different. I mean that I've never ridden two that feel the same. All have their little quirks that make them just that much different from any other.

The difference between your red and green ones will be interesting to note Phil.

As far as modern goes, I reckon the Commando is right up there in the green stakes. It might chew a bit of fuel and put a bit of gunk in the atmosphere but it's been chugging along for 41 years without being replaced. All of these Hollywood stars who like to think they have green credentials are kidding themselves. I'll bet they trade up to the new Prius every year.

I reckon it will be interesting too Fullauto.
There will be differences and it will be interesting to see what they are. But not big ones I don't expect, just subtle ones. Mine goes so well, I only hope the next one matches it. Taking all modern individual motorcycles aside such as Ducati, BMW, Buell, and many others, in my opinion the Commando makes a mockery of so many modern bikes (mostly Japanese). Forty years on, they still can't get the stupid things to steer properly! Can't get the weight down nor make a flat seat for two people to comfortably sit on. There are exceptions, but most of them are retro. I rest my case!

phil yates · May 17, 2014

JimC said:
They showed her a range of modern fully faired bikes. She said no, I want one like my dad had, you could see through it to the other side.

Click to expand...

That's the the appeal for me, as well. I've owned a fully faired bike (BMW K75RT) that was nice for long distance, but once you got to your destination you still missed having a 'motorcycle' to ride.

Or to look at. Just a mass of moulded plastic shit!
Daddy, what's under all that plastic?
Not sure son, something on two wheels!!

Mark · May 17, 2014

Call me crazy, but........ I like all motorcycles!
It's always been more about the ride than the bike.

Al-otment · May 17, 2014

Biggest change in motorcycling isn't the bikes but the riders. Used to be a working class cult but now it's mainly a 'hobby' for well-off collectors of classic bikes and posers on anything from race reps to harleys. Go to a motorcycle rally involving camping in a field, especially in the colder months, and you'll find plenty of genuine motorcyclists and they could be on any bike - it dosen't matter what they ride, the attitude is the most important thing. When the 15,000 mile Andover Norton con rod bolt broke in 2008 (thanks - yeah, I know.... it's the way I fitted it....obviously..... AN told me) whilst I was waiting for recovery out in the countryside six bikes went past on separate occasions and not one stopped. Nice mild spring evening, wouldn't have taken any of them 2 minutes to stop and ask if they could help - not too long ago first bike along would have been guaranteed to stop. Like I say, still plenty of sound people on bikes - just a pity about the others giving motorcyclists a bad name.

Hobot · May 17, 2014

Thank goodness my area is rural enough many folks will stop and check on ya even modern cyclist but mostly don't have a clue or tools to help but get gas, call someone or load up in their truck. I tend to stop when I can and once in a while have been able to help em get to a better spot to be rescued. This kind of gets into how to wave, how often to wave or getting bored there's so many waving or going too fast around a bend to care to let go of both hands. Oh yeah can't forget after your Commando has been looked over with half liking it but other half sneering at its long in tooth appearance, to yell out, Hey Ya Know What Thumb Commensors are known for don't ya?? The step on it for the soft purring puffs,...
"Lowering One's IQ,!" Then roar off nicely just the insult it sinks in.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

Mark said:
Call me crazy, but........ I like all motorcycles!
It's always been more about the ride than the bike.

Well I actually do too. Not all but many. What bewilders me though is the seemingly endless number of Japanese motorcycles that all look the same. There must be something wrong with me (well that's an established fact) but I honestly can't tell one from the other. It wasn't always this way. Once upon a time a Kawasaki looked like a Kawasaki and a Suzuki looked like a Suzuki. And so on.
Now they all look like the same race bike in different colours to me. I can't imagine they feel much different from each other to ride either. Look back through your old bike magazines and see the ads for Nortons, Triumphs, BSA's etc. What great ads with great bikes they were. All individual and all different to ride. Okay, they blew up, leaked oil and bits frequently fell off them. We all have to admit that. But they were real motorcycles and all were different.

I actually had one of these look alike racers many years back, a Suzuki RGV 250. I wanted to see what the 10th generation down Suzuki Hustler was like. The power they had rung out of a little 250 motor was truly amazing. It was a little rocket ship, but only really suitable on the race track where I took it a few times then sold it when I got bored. Hunched down, around town with no wind to keep your weight off your wrists and constantly braking, it soon hurt. And almost dangerous riding position in the traffic as you couldn't look up and ahead. Well that was my experience.

I certainly can't tell anyone what they should or shouldn't like, but I know what a real motorcycle means to me, old or modern.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

Al-otment said:
Biggest change in motorcycling isn't the bikes but the riders. Used to be a working class cult but now it's mainly a 'hobby' for well-off collectors of classic bikes and posers on anything from race reps to harleys. Go to a motorcycle rally involving camping in a field, especially in the colder months, and you'll find plenty of genuine motorcyclists and they could be on any bike - it dosen't matter what they ride, the attitude is the most important thing. When the 15,000 mile Andover Norton con rod bolt broke in 2008 (thanks - yeah, I know.... it's the way I fitted it....obviously..... AN told me) whilst I was waiting for recovery out in the countryside six bikes went past on separate occasions and not one stopped. Nice mild spring evening, wouldn't have taken any of them 2 minutes to stop and ask if they could help - not too long ago first bike along would have been guaranteed to stop. Like I say, still plenty of sound people on bikes - just a pity about the others giving motorcyclists a bad name.

Very very true Al. Motorcycling as an activity is not what it used to be. Once upon a time it was a poor man's means of transport, so to speak. I'm not saying I'm poor and therefore stuck with a motorcycle for transport, far from it. Not many in here wouldn't own a car as well I'm sure. But there was a time when I had no choice, I couldn't afford a car. Nor wanted one to be honest. I loved my Dominator 99 and loved blowing off virtually every car on the road. I was out to show them what a motorcycle was all about, particularly a Norton.

But as Al says, these days it is mostly a hobby for many. They didn't cut their teeth on a motorcycle but can afford to have one in the garage to ride on nice weekends. A bit like a yacht but not as expensive to own. So there is little camaraderie amongst many new style motorcycle owners.

So be it, we know who we are and what we are. The rest of them will never know.

Phil

john robert bould · May 17, 2014

Three Nortons One Rz 500 V 4 two stroke...must admit the yamaha is simply the best...Pig in traffic, flat as a fart below 4000 rpm...drinks fuel 20 to the gallon ...but when the taco starts to read 6000 plus things get a bit exciting...10000 and its completly bonkers...12000 and whooooo! 48000 firing stroke's a minute....you read that right...forty eight thousand! what other 500cc bike did 148 mph in 1983? straight from the show room. But still love the commandos.

phil yates · May 17, 2014

john robert bould said:
Three Nortons One Rz 500 V 4 two stroke...must admit the yamaha is simply the best...Pig in traffic, flat as a fart below 4000 rpm...drinks fuel 20 to the gallon ...but when the taco starts to read 6000 plus things get a bit exciting...10000 and its completly bonkers...12000 and whooooo! 48000 firing stroke's a minute....you read that right...forty eight thousand! what other 500cc bike did 148 mph in 1983? straight from the show room. But still love the commandos.

Yes, fascinating pieces of technology and power output. I only had the little RGV which was like a sling shot. But not usable power for public roads. That's why these ride days on the track have become so popular. You can't use the f…..s anywhere else. Well you can but only once. Then you think about what fun it was, whilst looking through a tiny window in your cell.

I can still go to jail on my Norton but I don't tempt fate. It can trundle around town happily all day at 35mph or go much faster on the open road. It has power output to do either, and feel happy doing either.

acotrel · May 17, 2014

phil yates said:
Mark said:

Call me crazy, but........ I like all motorcycles!
It's always been more about the ride than the bike.

Click to expand...

Well I actually do too. Not all but many. What bewilders me though is the seemingly endless number of Japanese motorcycles that all look the same. There must be something wrong with me (well that's an established fact) but I honestly can't tell one from the other. It wasn't always this way. Once upon a time a Kawasaki looked like a Kawasaki and a Suzuki looked like a Suzuki. And so on.
Now they all look like the same race bike in different colours to me. I can't imagine they feel much different from each other to ride either. Look back through your old bike magazines and see the ads for Nortons, Triumphs, BSA's etc. What great ads with great bikes they were. All individual and all different to ride. Okay, they blew up, leaked oil and bits frequently fell off them. We all have to admit that. But they were real motorcycles and all were different.

I actually had one of these look alike racers many years back, a Suzuki RGV 250. I wanted to see what the 10th generation down Suzuki Hustler was like. The power they had rung out of a little 250 motor was truly amazing. It was a little rocket ship, but only really suitable on the race track where I took it a few times then sold it when I got bored. Hunched down, around town with no wind to keep your weight off your wrists and constantly braking, it soon hurt. And almost dangerous riding position in the traffic as you couldn't look up and ahead. Well that was my experience.

I certainly can't tell anyone what they should or shouldn't like, but I know what a real motorcycle means to me, old or modern.

I totally agree with what you've said. The first road race meeting I attended was the Geoff Duke/Gilera appearance at Fishermans' Bend in 1954 when I was 14. Since then I've really adored road racing. However I find MotoGP leaves me cold. I cannot relate to it and the bikes are boring. I think there very few real motorcycles still in production - the Ducatis are beautiful and the Moto Guzzi almost gets there. The Buell was promising, however the Americans need to be taught how to make a frame.

acotrel · May 17, 2014

acotrel said:
phil yates said:

Mark said:

Call me crazy, but........ I like all motorcycles!
It's always been more about the ride than the bike.

Click to expand...

Well I actually do too. Not all but many. What bewilders me though is the seemingly endless number of Japanese motorcycles that all look the same. There must be something wrong with me (well that's an established fact) but I honestly can't tell one from the other. It wasn't always this way. Once upon a time a Kawasaki looked like a Kawasaki and a Suzuki looked like a Suzuki. And so on.
Now they all look like the same race bike in different colours to me. I can't imagine they feel much different from each other to ride either. Look back through your old bike magazines and see the ads for Nortons, Triumphs, BSA's etc. What great ads with great bikes they were. All individual and all different to ride. Okay, they blew up, leaked oil and bits frequently fell off them. We all have to admit that. But they were real motorcycles and all were different.

I actually had one of these look alike racers many years back, a Suzuki RGV 250. I wanted to see what the 10th generation down Suzuki Hustler was like. The power they had rung out of a little 250 motor was truly amazing. It was a little rocket ship, but only really suitable on the race track where I took it a few times then sold it when I got bored. Hunched down, around town with no wind to keep your weight off your wrists and constantly braking, it soon hurt. And almost dangerous riding position in the traffic as you couldn't look up and ahead. Well that was my experience.

I certainly can't tell anyone what they should or shouldn't like, but I know what a real motorcycle means to me, old or modern.

Click to expand...

I totally agree with what you've said. The first road race meeting I attended was the Geoff Duke/Gilera appearance at Fishermans' Bend in 1954 when I was 14. Since then I've really adored road racing. However I find MotoGP leaves me cold. I cannot relate to it and the bikes are boring. I think there very few real motorcycles still in production - the Ducatis are beautiful and the Moto Guzzi almost gets there. The Buell was promising, however the Americans need to be taught how to make a frame. Can anyone tell me the most sensational race that has occurred in MotoGP in the last ten years ? Surely there must be a modern equivalent of the Ago/Hailwood IOM TT battle ?

Commando Versus Modern

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