New Member, with questions.....

MarshalNorton · Sep 25, 2010

Exhaust brackets may have been reconfigured as exhaust down pipes look like they're for an interstate set up and someone finished off with peashooters insead?
I guess its whatever you can get your hands on at the time when it breaks. :roll:
Mostly right ride all cosmetics except head issue pointed out by better eyes then mine.
Marshal

Josh Cox · Sep 25, 2010

Don, Chainsaw ?, here is the prototype ( warning adult content ) http://www.redtube.com/6568

Thanks gents, its a bitsa as I expected:
Grab rail - gone
headlamp ears - will replace
Halo- looking for one, where do the two bottom mounts screw on the halo ? ( guard ?, has anyone got photos ?)
Switch unit - am just going to put a ducon on
chain guard - as is
tails light and fairing etc etc - will replace
Shocks - will leave
Points cover - will replace
Head - time will tell ( the engine case are from a 71, have the original cases, the breather thread has been damaged, easy repair, helicoil perhaps, what thread/size is it ?)
Exhaust rings - will leave them
exhaust - thanks LAB, if I can fit the correct brackets, I will ( not to keen on replacing the whole exhaust as it is near new )

Is the ammeter normal ?.

Ron L · Sep 25, 2010

Josh,
An Atlas head usually has 5/16 head bolts on the four outer fastenings and as mentioned before (Commando uses 3/8), the rocker feed is on the top rather than the side. The 5/16 bolts are no big deal and obviously if they are 5/16 then the barrel must also be tapped 5/16 (therefore Atlas). What I am curious about is how the top head steady is mounted. There should be no room fit the head steady from a Commando and the Atlas steady is a single bolt and a bar to the frame while the Commando head steady uses three bolts across the top of the head to bolt a wide plate.

One of the neat things about Commandos is the interchangeability of parts to make your favorite "bitsa". My Interstate is my favorite one to ride and it was built totally from leftover parts. Some are home built parts, (some are even Ducati), most are '73, '74, or '75 parts.

DonOR · Sep 25, 2010

"Don, Chainsaw ?, here is the prototype ( warning adult content ) http://www.redtube.com/6568"

Josh I can only caution you about having too many projects going at once. quality over quantity... go for the saw :mrgreen:

Josh Cox · Sep 25, 2010

thanks Ron,

My crtieria for this project:

1) look good,
2) reliable,
3) pulls like a 14 year old ( the BSA is 20 HP ),
4) British twin,
5) Older than me ( I'm a 1973 model ), and,
6) fat old tattoed biker chicks must think I'm cool when they see me out riding it.

Here is the original cases, "S" indicates a scrambler ?.

Josh Cox · Sep 25, 2010

Josh Cox said:
thanks Ron,

My crtieria for this project:

1) look good,
2) reliable,
3) pulls like a 14 year old ( the BSA is 20 HP ),
4) British twin,
5) Older than me ( I'm a 1973 model ), and,
6) fat old tattoed biker chicks must think I'm cool when they see me out riding it.

Here is the original cases, "S" indicates a scrambler ?, DogT, is your a 1970 model ?.

ILLF8ED · Sep 25, 2010

The "S" just means the points are driven by the end of the camshaft rather than earlier in the magneto position.

rvich · Sep 26, 2010

You didn't ask, but here is my philosophy on restoration. When you find the matching numbers, never molested bike (car or boat for that matter) then you would be an idiot to customize it. But when life hands you a bitsa, then you have been freed to do whatever the hell you want to it. Enjoy. Those fat biker chicks will think it is cool so long as you don't paint it pink.

Russ

slupdawg · Sep 26, 2010

I don't know how many parts on your bike are genuine, but if the nuts on that squirrel on your avatar are the real deal, I have to go in my closet and cry now.....

DogT · Sep 26, 2010

When you get to my age, you will be able to tell how cold and deep that water is in your toilet, maybe I shouldn't go here.

Dave
69S

frankdamp · Sep 26, 2010

A pink Commando? The mind boggles! Mind you, all I ever saw at the factory were the silver ones with the green "turn signals". The first two prototypes that I did most of the tests on had a horrible orange fiberglass tank that looked like it came off a pregnant camel. There were no stands on those bikes either. When we stopped for a break, we had to find a tree or a lamp-post to lean them against!

When MotorCycle magazine tested the first demo bike, they said "how come the prototype testing didn't show up the early grounding of the center stand?" You can't test what isn't installed! I guess the Plumstead production-development guys figured that one out. Wolverhampton was finished with the Commando by then.

DogT · Sep 26, 2010

Frank,
You guys got a 'break'. Boy, here in the US, they don't know what a break is unless you are in the union which hardly exists.

Dave
69S

grandpaul · Sep 27, 2010

DonOR said:
I like it Josh, but whats the chainsaw for?
cheers, Don

Seat latch was rusted frozen.

Josh Cox · Sep 28, 2010

DogT,

There is a product that can help gentleman such as your good self

( warning adult content ): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvDzE6oDWM8

Josh Cox · Nov 2, 2010

Is this the correct chain guard ?
http://www.norvilmotorcycle.co.uk/060456.htm

DogT · Nov 2, 2010

Josh, that chain guard is for the pre-69/70, or the Fastback before it was called that. Burton Bike Bits has the 69/70 correct one for a good price, UK made too. I was satisfied with mine, it could have been a bit cleaner job, but if you don't take it off to look at the chrome inside it looks fine. I got it for about $140USD delivered. 06-1272 is the correct one. http://www.burtonbikebits.net/chainguar ... _engla.htm about half way down the page. I think Norvil has one but it is not chromed.

That utube was funny.

Dave
69S

Josh Cox · Nov 12, 2010

Just bought one, thanks DogT
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... K:MEWNX:IT

DogT · Nov 12, 2010

Josh, I saw that metalmorphic SS guard a year or so ago, and could not find it when I was ready to buy. A bit more pricey than the Burton, but for SS you do pay a bit more. Someone in Texas had bought one and suggested it back then. Free shipping is a deal.

Dave
69S