Good afternoon

[Smithy]

Hi Ian

Welcome to the forum, we have met before years ago on a Midlands Classic Club trial when you were on an Enfield and I was on a CZ. I think my mate also once sold your brother a Commando, small world isn't it.

I like the look of the MASH but gave too much of my money to Yamaha last year for an SR400. Fabulous motor but the finish is terrible. If it can go rusty or corrode it will. Not good for a 5 grand motorbike.

Ian (aka Oldbloke)

[iansoady]

Yes, remember those trials very well, also your CZ*. Didn't we all gather round to fix a puncture on it on one colonial?

My brother's never had a Commando but I've had two - the later one for 20 years and many happy miles on the French Routes Departmentale.

I agree the Yam looks overpriced and in fact my brother did have one of the earlier incarnations back in the 80s which I was not over-impressed by. The main things putting me off the MASH are what will probably be horrendous depreciation and nagging doubts about build quality. An SLR650 at around 1/3 of the price looks like a much better bet to me.

*I find I remember bikes better than I do people........

[Smithy]

Hi Ian

Wow I am super impressed with your memory, we did indeed have a collective fix of my CZ puncture. I wonder though whose brother my mate sold his Commando to!

[iansoady]

V-Strom now gone and picking this up next week (if I can manage to get on the thing.....):



All looks nice & tidy, no knocks or rattles, and a good price.

[guest564]

I quite fancy one of those myself.

[Smithy]

That looks really nice and I would rather have that than a v-strom. I've looked at SLR/FX/Vigors and fancied them, after all a 650 single is a wondrous thing, but like you I worry that I would find mounting one difficult. Let us know how you get on (literally and metaphorically).

[iansoady]

I used to be able to get onto the Dominator easily enough but that was 15 years ago and general wear & tear are taking their toll (on me). Pete (CrazyFrog of this parish) kindly let me try his SLR for size and although I could get aboard it was a bit of a stretch (I'm 6 ft 2 in tall but inside leg of only 31" so long body / short legs).

The V-Strom was a bit lower and wasn't too hard to get onto. I previously had a Tiger 955i which I lowered by about 25mm - a simple job on those.

I'm waiting for a reasonably dry day this week before I go & get it as my all-weather riding days are probably over......

There are quite a few SLRs / Vigors on ebay but few as nice as this one - and mostly more expensive.

I will report back.

[CrazyFrog]

That really does look like a lovely clean example Ian. I look forward to the update! 

[timbo]

Looks like a real clean one, health to enjoy 

[iansoady]

Now arrived as I chickened out of the weather and got the vendor to deliver it to me. Looks very nice sitting in the garage till I get it taxed - ASKMID is refusing to show it as insured despite the fact it is so I can't do it on line.

[iansoady]

I've now had a brief (25 mile) run on it and really enjoyed it - but the screen I have winging its way to me will certainly improve dual carriageway riding! Runs very nicely but there is a slight stumble coming off the pilot jet. I haven't looked in the carb yet but I understand there are possible mods including bigger main & pilot jets and washers under the needle. If it was an Amal I'd be looking at the slide cutaway but my CV experience is rather limited.

Any information on this will be gratefully received. It may of course just be general muck in the carb. Ten years of EFI bikes has spoiled me a little......

I'm also assembling the parts to lower it courtesy of Tony Calleyne of this parish although that can wait a little while.

[guest1247]

Shout out for Ian.... I have sent you a PM, regards my similar experience.... and more importantly.... how I sorted it.

[iansoady]

Now lowered and carb sorted out (see here: http://www.xrv.org.uk/forums/dominator-fmx/135993-slight-stumble-pickup.html). Starts very well and picks up smoothly although haven't ridden it yet. Also lowered courtesy of Tony so excellent result all round.