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If it sat for a long time and he thinks its to loud maybe just maybe the baffles have rusted out or lost their quietness, as for shocks plenty to choose from and some seats can be hard if they sat on the old bottom and if sat for a long time replace those old tyres, but then is the OP committed to a bike that is near 50 years old, might not be for him, the Norton is very reliable if the maintenance has been done and with so little mileage for a old bike is not good they need to be ridden and things go bad when they sit to long, seals go hard, moisture gets into every thing even if stored in a dry place, if it was my bike and its been sitting so long I be doing a complete service on every thing and replace anything that needs to be.

Ashley
 
A Commando should have a “ taut “ feel - Perhaps you might want something a little mushy.
 
Ramon everything said here is true! But believe me if you sell your free Norton in10 years you will regret it! You have been given a fine "classic" motorcycle that was sought after in the 70's. I remember the first one I saw to this day. I was into the rice rockets and never looked back till I realized there was more then a new flashy road burner. I still like going fast but really enjoy a relaxed ride on a vintage bike with a couple friends! Please enjoy it for what it is, if finances are a problem, let it set till the time is right. Plenty of parts are available, but you may never have an opportunity like this again!
 
First, if the bike has only 7000 miles or so, doesn't mean that 47 years later that the stuff isnt worn out. I for one would be looking at the suspension, tires, and well everything to determine whether or not it should even be on the road. If you aren't into "that" then sell it.

Some bikes of that era had the mufflers replaced by megaphone style mufflers with no baffles in them. Yours might be one.
 
Quite frankly OP, if you want to own one of these rides, you will find you have to be totally committed to owning and regularly maintaining it for the truly unique awesomeness of what it is :cool:
If you are not into that, sell it to someone who is.
I really like the bike but you know it is a bit hard for the daily commute. The bike is in pristine condition, only around 7K miles on the clock so not really much wear and tear only what time can do to a 30+ years old machine, I mean some parts have rust but it is removable. I am planning to do it after this winter.
 
Welcome.
The Ducati Scrambler is a bike that EMULATES the time period of the Commando. Only you can decide if owning a vintage bike is for you. How talented a mechanic are you? How much free time do you have? The fact you are asking the question is telling, likely not fully bought in to the neediness of vintage.
The "tight cornering" you mention is only an issue wiggling the bike out of a confined parking space. After that, it corners rather well, for a 50yo touring bike.
The seat cushion is made of chopped foam, to a price point. The suspension, well, how much money do you want to spend?
It's worth what someone will pay.
"Pristine".... pictures please.
I really love riding this bike. It is a real head-turner many times people have asked if I am interested in selling it and from where I got it. I am a decent mechanic. I owned the GS310 and never took it to a workshop but for this machine, parts could be an issue, until now never been in need of any part but it runs on the road so would need some. I checked the local shops and no one has any parts for it.
What I meant by Tight cornering is its turning radius. I used to ride KLX 300 so I guess I need some time to adjust to its turning radius.
Money is not an issue here. I just want to know if it is supposed to be like this or I have some issue with my suspension.
I tried to upload the images earlier but it was showing some weird error that I didn't understand.
I am not planning to sell this bike but would it be worth keeping it for the next 4 5 years? I mean will it inflate?
 
The one part that you got right was deciding not to act on your initial thoughts ...Today i still kick my ass for getting rid of my first car and that is 42 years later.

As for the rest of your concerns .. Your bike should be about you and what works for you . Improved turning radius may come with simply more time on this bike . It's new to you so it will feel different .. Comfort ? What works for one may not work for anyone else . I put a Corbin seat on a new Triumph Trophy ..Big mistake and a wasted $600 . AS for sound ....... In my opinion , that is one of the most exciting things about a Norton .. You can pick one out a long way down the road just by the sound and you'll smile , unlike a Harley . You might want to take a box of donuts down to the local police station and introduce yourself :)

Lastly ..... there is usually a social side to being a bike owner and when you are a Norton owner you are among a group of people who live the same dream dream as yourself .. You'll meet interesting people if rally's are your thing and the support from this site will be strong . There is a wealth of information here from a group who will go out of their way to help .
I have absolutely no intent to sell it but it is hard for the daily commute. Have to travel from Brea to San Fernando daily it is about 50 miles one way so I am thinking about buying a scrambler for the daily travel as it will be a little easy on my back.
Let me try the Donut thing I hope it will do the trick.
 
First, if the bike has only 7000 miles or so, doesn't mean that 47 years later that the stuff isnt worn out. I for one would be looking at the suspension, tires, and well everything to determine whether or not it should even be on the road. If you aren't into "that" then sell it.

Some bikes of that era had the mufflers replaced by megaphone style mufflers with no baffles in them. Yours might be one.
I checked these things replaced the tires, removed some rust from the mufflers and the handlebar, clean the carb, I guess it is Mikuni carb and I am not gonna mess with it again. A local workshop guy suggested using the 2 Amal carb for better fuel consumption and will deliver when called on.
 
One more thing. I used to have some side bags on my GS310 for carrying things like medical kits, tools, rain cover, etc. and I guess I could not find the bags specific for this model so can anyone suggest some universal type of throw over bags that looks good on the bike and serve the purpose as well.
 
Wow, 100 mi a day daily driver on a 47 year old Commando. A tip of the hat to you sir.
Not too many of us doing that these days.
Yes, the Scrambler or any modern day M/C would probably be a better choice.
Then rotate it in once in awhile.

I'm not aware of any Norton vendors in OC.
Moores Cycle Center moved to Signal Hill. https://moorescyclecenter.com
They are mostly Triumph but had some specialty common items in stock.
CBS, Classic British Spares in the valley has some Norton stuff. https://www.classicbritishspares.com
Chassis fasteners, nuts bolts etc, are SAE can mostly be found at industrial hardware shops.
I use McFadden Dale on La Palma in Anaheim.

I've relegated myself to mostly on line sales, as most of us have.
I'm in Yorba Linda / Placentia btw.
 
Wow, 100 mi a day daily driver on a 47 year old Commando. A tip of the hat to you sir.
Not too many of us doing that these days.
Yes, the Scrambler or any modern day M/C would probably be a better choice.
Then rotate it in once in awhile.

I'm not aware of any Norton vendors in OC.
Moores Cycle Center moved to Signal Hill. https://moorescyclecenter.com
They are mostly Triumph but had some specialty common items in stock.
CBS, Classic British Spares in the valley has some Norton stuff. https://www.classicbritishspares.com
Chassis fasteners, nuts bolts etc, are SAE can mostly be found at industrial hardware shops.
I use McFadden Dale on La Palma in Anaheim.

I've relegated myself to mostly on line sales, as most of us have.
I'm in Yorba Linda / Placentia btw.
I am in need of 2 Amal carb, can you suggest from I can buy it? I checked these webs but I guess they are not selling it.
 
Regarding turning radius.
The Commando's fork stops provide a large radius. Probably done so to clear the large Interstate tank.
Only really an issue on low speed U-turns and garage work.
 
Regarding turning radius.
The Commando's fork stops provide a large radius. Probably done so to clear the large Interstate tank.
Only really an issue on low speed U-turns and garage work.
yes and a bit of a hassle to go in and out of traffic jams.
 
Buying new carbs, you'll want the Premiers.
Greg Marsh on this site is a good source for these and many other items.

Do you have any of the original parts?
You'll need manifolds, air cleaner, cables etc.

I may have some used items.
PM me if your interested. We can chat off line.
 
One more thing. I used to have some side bags on my GS310 for carrying things like medical kits, tools, rain cover, etc. and I guess I could not find the bags specific for this model so can anyone suggest some universal type of throw over bags that looks good on the bike and serve the purpose as well.
Will appreciate any suggestions and is it possible to add an electric start to it?
 
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