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Commando

Posted by Brickboy on February 28, 2025, 7:00 pm

I've often wanted a Commie, particularly a MK3 leccy start.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226621271482?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1VYl3irQRA2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=S23USsL6RuW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

This one is just down the road from me so I'm off to have a look. But, I do have a few wonderings... it appears never to have been rebuilt so presumably the sludge trap is an unknown quantity. The seller certainly has strong ideas about its value - I'd suggest maybe £6k would be about right if it runs as well as it looks.

Anyone like to suggest whether I'm a million miles out, or better still, what I need to establish about it when I'm looking?

I'm 60 in 6 weeks, a nice present is tempting, although I was thinking of a hydraulic bike bench which would probably cause less stress!!

Re: Commando

Posted by Andy C on February 28, 2025, 7:23 pm, in reply to "Commando "

Well according to the owner he says it has been well looked after.

Looking at the notes it looks like it has had a few sprag clutches, plus loads of other stuff.

I think his expectattions are on the high side, your estimate of 6K is probably nearer.

No idea about what to look for - never had a commando.

You are right a hydraulic bench would probably be a lot less stressful, and possibly more reliable

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Commando

Posted by Stuart on February 28, 2025, 8:08 pm, in reply to "Commando "

Hi Simon,

>what I need to establish about it when I'm looking?

Things I know of:-

. Original was a "Prestolite", originally intended for starting boat engines. Originally as fitted to Notruns, it had only two brushes(?), makes it more of an assistant to the kickstart; 4-brush conversion makes it better.

. Original starter cables were weedy, even weedier than T160 ones. I upgraded my T160's cables to slightly thicker Vehicle Wiring Products 170A 196/0.40 decades ago, no electric-starter problems.

. Standard disc-brake calipers.

Ime, if at all serious about acquisition, you could do a lot worse than talk to the guys in Andover Norton.

Hth.

Regards,

Re: Commando

Posted by geoff the bonnie on February 28, 2025, 9:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

What i have noticed is the huge effort when i see anyone kickstarting one. If you pay a visit, give it a try on a cold engine

Re: Commando

Posted by JERRY on February 28, 2025, 10:39 pm, in reply to "Commando "

That price is too high.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Commando

Posted by laverdabru on March 1, 2025, 5:20 am, in reply to "Re: Commando "

Having had a 750 in my youth, occasionally day dreamed about getting another Commando. But usually end up getting another Jap four for circa 25% of the price

.
That one seems well cared for. But it should be, given it's mileage. As for the price, I'd guess it's just a starting point for negotiations. Doesn't seem that far off given the prices asked in the bike press. Unless modified, the 'leccy start on these is best regarded as a starting assistant with a warm engine, IIRC.

Re: Commando

Posted by geoff the bonnie on March 1, 2025, 9:27 am, in reply to "Re: Commando "

The sellers estimation of its worth at 15,000 is quite a daydream. It would be the most expensive Commando sold if it did fetch that.
In recent years, many have been advertised at around 7500 but the prices are now down.

Re: Commando

Posted by Brickboy on March 1, 2025, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: Commando "

I pondered that too. In the end I decided that for 1.5 sprag clutches I could get that nice hydraulic motorcycle bench...

Re: Commando

Posted by nek on March 1, 2025, 11:41 am, in reply to "Re: Commando "

deluded,pure and simple.

"I bought it for £9900, 9 years ago, and would have like to think it would have increase to about £15,000 by now"

another speculator. I suppose thats what he told his wife when he paid over the odds for it @ 9K, which I reckon even them was twice its value, its an old motorcycle for gawds sake, not a Van Gogh.

Re: Commando

Posted by Brickboy on March 1, 2025, 11:59 am, in reply to "Re: Commando "

Ah, yes, Nek - I hadn't thought of that angle. I imagine that does explain the mad ideas about its value.

Tbh, although I wanted a Commie for about twenty years, I think the moment has passed. The Ajay has caused enough irritation to get it to be a really nice bike. I don't think I fancy any more just now. And a big, fast, badly braked old bike? Well, I'd rather have a slick, modern-ish one if I want to go faster.

Re: Commando

Posted by laverdabru on March 1, 2025, 2:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

I meant the £7k...not the £15k!

Re: Commando

Posted by NVNL on March 1, 2025, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Commando "

Simon, I had a leccy start 850 for a while some years ago and just couldn't get to like it, lovely engine, unnerving brakes (easily remedied) but a very odd bicycle due to the isolastics - according to the Older and Wiser you can set them so the bike feels suitably taut at low speeds and somewhat vague at seventy or vice versa.

Personally I favour suitably taut at any and all speeds and no vagueness.

When was the last time you rode one?

R

Meriden to the core.

Unlicensed chainsaw wielder

http://thebridgeclubfive.blogspot.co.uk/?view=flipcard

Re: Commando

Posted by Brickboy on March 1, 2025, 3:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

That was one of the issues... I've not ridden one for twenty years and then I realised that I prefer the slow plod of a 50s heavyweight single to the rush of a twin, especially one with humorous brakes.

And anyway, I don't want another 4 months of fettling a 'nicely sorted' bike so that it actually is - if you get my drift!

So, the third bike won't be a big Brit twin.

Re: Commando

Posted by JERRY on March 1, 2025, 3:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

That's a shame Simon as I have a nice A65 Firebird for sale.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Commando

Posted by ChazzyB on March 1, 2025, 3:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

Funny you should mention that, I was just going to suggest it. ;-)

To advertise here, please call...

Re: Commando

Posted by nek on March 1, 2025, 3:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

My experience with Commandos and especially Interstates self destruct main bearngs put me off them for life. AS for the handling with all that junk on the back his front wheel must have been off the road most of the time,eitthat or he never exceeded 35mph.
Pig with a limp comes to mind. Perhaps he should sell it to that mate of Geoffs?

Re: Commando

Posted by Brickboy on March 1, 2025, 4:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

I'm afraid two A50s have put me off unit twins!! The A10/7 is a much nicer looking bike imo

Re: Commando

Posted by NVNL on March 1, 2025, 4:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

How about a nice LE?

Unlicensed chainsaw wielder

http://thebridgeclubfive.blogspot.co.uk/?view=flipcard

Re: Commando

Posted by Brickboy on March 1, 2025, 4:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Commando "

I'm 6'4" you know!!

Re: Commando