Another

I am posting this at Roger’s behest and not to gloat - nor seek commiseration.

Well, my latest acquisition is another Commando. I was on the verge of buying a new small Honda when the prospect of this one came up. My piggy bank is now empty. At the moment it is a ‘project’ and in the queue until I get my ancient Velo finished

It is a 2-owner machine. The second - from whom I purchased it, is a hospital consultant and had owned it since 1978. It is a 1971 model and the first of the ‘new style’ 750 Commandos with the exposed stanchions, indicators etc I suppose BSA/Triumphs were similar in that the traditional style of machines went out in 1970 to be replaced with re-engineered offerings from 1971 (the same year Velocette went out of business!).

In the mid-1990s the bike appears to have gone through a no-expense–spared rebuild. Engine work was done by RGM the Norton specialists, and the bike was rewired and refinished and all moving parts overhauled. There are many enhancements over the original spec e.g. belt drive primary, Koni suspension, upgraded brakes, digital ignition, loads of stainless…. the list goes on. Since then I am assured that bike has only done 300-400 miles a year. As the rebuild was some 20 years ago, superficially I would describe it as ‘fair++’, but I am hopeful that all the mechanical stuff will be OK.

Unfortunately glass-fibre tanks, as with my own bike, were still fitted in 1971 and, as a result of significant deterioration, the bike failed its MOT this year - hence the sale (after he established repair costs). The damage seems much worse than on mine but, now having some experience of repairs, I hope it can be salvaged. Black was never a Fastback colour anyway.

Incidentally, the former owner is still ‘mad’ about bikes and rides to work on a 1950s Norton ES2. He has moved on to making model steam locomotives - where his skills with small drills must be very useful.

My silver Commando will be up for sale in the Spring as my wife wants her conservatory back…..