Today has been a good today. Nah, it's been a bloody fantastic day.
Today I got my first (proper) ride on a mk2 850 Commando.
I got the bike a few months ago, a lovely mk2 that had been standing for a while, aware that it would need some attention. I got less than 2 miles on the bike before it started coughing & spluttering due to old fuel gunge & rust particles in the carbs. Then it was time for the exhaust rose nut to pop off because the only thing holding it in was RTV silicone. That was back in May.
Anyway, getting it back to even looking like a bike again has been a journey for me. A massive learning curve laced with equal quantities of frustration and reward. I imagine when a young George Harrison took a liking to the sound of a sitar, swiftly buying one, only to discover that in order to get the best out of it he found he had to immerse himself into a whole new philosophy, well, that strikes a similar chord (sorry) with me picking up a Commando. Probably.
I enjoyed a 45 mile ride out today in the sunshine. Bugger me, what an engine! Most, if not all, of you will already know this, but for me this was a completely new experience. The way the motor pulls out of corners in top or third, is addictive! Talk about traction. Handling too. I renewed the Isolastics as part of the 're-commission' and pretty much took an educated guess on the adjustments, figuring I'd try it, then fettle until it's right, but I seem to have landed on a pretty sweet spot. Only now do I truly realize why you all rave about these bikes. If I was visiting you all at a church, I reckon you'd be declaring me 'saved' and turning the bath taps on.
Thanks to the Pazon, it starts first kick every time. I've also got to mention the NYC sump breather. Astounding! Easy kick over and not a weep of oil from the engine. I got a drip from the oil feed pipe until I realized I hadn't nipped the clamp up enough after sliding it over to gain access to the timing case tube.
Issues? Really only one. The clutch appears to be dragging, but I'll comment/seek adjustment advice on a separate thread, rather than baulk this one up. When I got back, I re-torqued the head and checked the clearances.
All in all, I'm delighted to be the present custodian of this wonderful machine, and hereby do sweareth unto the congregation that I will do everything within my power (wallet) to keep it running at its best, so that future rides can be as rewarding as todays.
One last thing. Thanks, as always, to everyone on this magnificent forum for all the help, advice, banter and camaraderie.
Disclaimer: I know I'm waffling. I promise I didn't park in a field and yam a load of mushrooms earlier today, I'm simply experiencing a classic British bike induced natural high