916 Commando or… ?
Discussion
I have an itch for a nice retro naked to add to the shed. Really like the look of the 916 Commando although haven’t tried one for size yet, but I’m slightly worried it off by reports of reliability, spares availability, etc.
Alternatives might be:
Speed Twin 1200/Thruxton (what’s the difference?)
Indian FTR
BSA Rocket thingy
RE Interceptor
I tried a Z900RS, love the looks, but the riding was very UJM - may as well have been on a Bandit
Anything I’m missing? There are other bikes I like but not retro-looking (which the FTR isn’t either really, but, y’know)
Alternatives might be:
Speed Twin 1200/Thruxton (what’s the difference?)
Indian FTR
BSA Rocket thingy
RE Interceptor
I tried a Z900RS, love the looks, but the riding was very UJM - may as well have been on a Bandit
Anything I’m missing? There are other bikes I like but not retro-looking (which the FTR isn’t either really, but, y’know)
Brave man getting involved with a Norton, don't know the situation exactly but they don't inspire confidence imo. Add to the fact they're running a dated, underpowered twin with fairly unknown reliability I'd steer clear.
Speed Twin 1200 all day long, or the Thruxton if you like the look and can deal with the ergonomics!...6ft plus, take a demo before committing.
Maybe BMW R90T worth a look or a R1250R?
Speed Twin 1200 all day long, or the Thruxton if you like the look and can deal with the ergonomics!...6ft plus, take a demo before committing.
Maybe BMW R90T worth a look or a R1250R?
I bought a new Commando last month, I also considered the other bikes mentioned.,Z900rs, R Ninety etc, but went for the Norton for several reasons. First its a relatively simple bike, no TFT screen, no rider modes, no quick shifter.. all things I don't want. Next its well made, certainly better than any of the other bikes I had considered.. thinks like the welding on the frame, neat wiring, paint, Brembos and of course it has Ohlins front and back. Since its only sold in the UK, its allowed to be louder and the fueling isn't overly lean. It runs fine, no need for a remap or after market pipes.
I'm not concerned about reliability, it has a 2 year warranty, and 40% of the bike has been changed from the previous model. These bikes are being built as a stop gap until a new range is launched at the end of this year, with sales starting in Spring 2025.
I was surprised to be told that my dealer had already sold 34 Commandos this year already, that was in May. While they are not mass produced, they are making quite a few.
Its not as quick as the Triumph, but with 78bhp, it's not slow either, much quicker than say a RE 650. I really enjoy riding the Commando, it's a sort of British Harley, its got a big torquey old fashioned engine, in a chassis build for British roads. It handles and stops as it should.
I'm not concerned about reliability, it has a 2 year warranty, and 40% of the bike has been changed from the previous model. These bikes are being built as a stop gap until a new range is launched at the end of this year, with sales starting in Spring 2025.
I was surprised to be told that my dealer had already sold 34 Commandos this year already, that was in May. While they are not mass produced, they are making quite a few.
Its not as quick as the Triumph, but with 78bhp, it's not slow either, much quicker than say a RE 650. I really enjoy riding the Commando, it's a sort of British Harley, its got a big torquey old fashioned engine, in a chassis build for British roads. It handles and stops as it should.
Out of that lot I’ve only ridden the FTR, but it’s a very nice piece of kit. Lots of low down power which makes you initially think torquey v-twin, but then it spins up and keeps making good power all the way to 9000. Great brakes and good handling and decent spec. Hooligan-tasting, but I’m maybe 20 years to old for one. And my experience with Indians is really good build quality and reliability. I’m seeing quite a few used ones at good prices too. But if you’re thinking new, don’t overlook the new-model Scout; it looks like the previous one but it’s all new underneath and not a hell of a lot slower than the FTR. I rode one after the FTR and expected to be disappointed, but was actually impressed. And the new 101 looks really cool…IMHO.
ETA FTR carbon I rode
…and new 101 looks good I think
ETA FTR carbon I rode
…and new 101 looks good I think
Edited by tvrolet on Monday 15th July 16:15
A mate had one, 2012 I think? Was supposed to have had the issues sorted but it just had various niggles that made him fall out of love with it after 6 months or so. It was only on the road for about 2 months of those 6 as he was waiting for parts to sort stuff out the rest of the time. It looked lovely & I enjoyed the 10 miles or so that I rode it for, but my money would be going on an R9T.
Interesting replies, thanks. baxb's response is kinda what I was concerned about (and Stevemtb’s comment in line with what I’ve been thinking), if the general unreliability thing is widespread, but then chappj’s is precisely why I was contemplating one. On a different level (and different bike), 3 mates have V4SSs but they’re obviously a whole new world of distress 
I hadn’t put the Scout on my list but did see one recently which looked really good.
I was talking to a salesman in a BMW dealership, who kinda knows me via previous purchases, and he reckoned I was too tall for the R9T (I’m 6’3”). Might also apply to the Scout by the look of it.
I guess I need to get out and take some test rides.
I hadn’t put the Scout on my list but did see one recently which looked really good.
I was talking to a salesman in a BMW dealership, who kinda knows me via previous purchases, and he reckoned I was too tall for the R9T (I’m 6’3”). Might also apply to the Scout by the look of it.
I guess I need to get out and take some test rides.
https://youtu.be/B1dyAU7lH_c?si=d3NeQLDY_cKLSMZH
Tim Roadie's review of the latest R9T, he's also 6'3" & seemed to get on pretty well with it. Maybe worth a ride?
If I had room for a second bike it would be a toss up between this or a Thruxton I think...(Or maybe a Monster...!)
Tim Roadie's review of the latest R9T, he's also 6'3" & seemed to get on pretty well with it. Maybe worth a ride?
If I had room for a second bike it would be a toss up between this or a Thruxton I think...(Or maybe a Monster...!)
Had another poke around today. Looked at the Speed Twin 1200, the FTR and the Scout.
Scout I just couldn't see me getting on with. I've never had a feet-forward bike and it just felt too weird.
FTR wasn't exactly grabbing me in the showroom and sitting on it. That said, a mate has one so I can always have a go on that.
Test riding a Speed Twin in the morning. Annoyingly though, the dealer won't let me ride the nice red used one they have in stock "because it's not taxed and you can't test ride it on trade plates". Which I think is technically correct but every other dealer in the world lets you take out a used bike on trade plates. So I'm riding their demo, which is the new updated one. See how that goes.
One of the dealers I was in today said yes to a used test ride, but it would be "accompanied". WTF. They must have had someone do a runner I guess, but the last thing I want is to be led around a short lap of the local roads by a salesman. I want to be able to ride it, accelerate when I want, brake when I want, get off and look at it, play around with things. I'm in my 60s FFS, not some balaclava-wearing youth!
Scout I just couldn't see me getting on with. I've never had a feet-forward bike and it just felt too weird.
FTR wasn't exactly grabbing me in the showroom and sitting on it. That said, a mate has one so I can always have a go on that.
Test riding a Speed Twin in the morning. Annoyingly though, the dealer won't let me ride the nice red used one they have in stock "because it's not taxed and you can't test ride it on trade plates". Which I think is technically correct but every other dealer in the world lets you take out a used bike on trade plates. So I'm riding their demo, which is the new updated one. See how that goes.
One of the dealers I was in today said yes to a used test ride, but it would be "accompanied". WTF. They must have had someone do a runner I guess, but the last thing I want is to be led around a short lap of the local roads by a salesman. I want to be able to ride it, accelerate when I want, brake when I want, get off and look at it, play around with things. I'm in my 60s FFS, not some balaclava-wearing youth!
Biker's Nemesis said:
I rode a 1200 Speed twin last year, I couldn't fault it in any way, great engine, brakes/handling and comfort were really good.
If only Yamaha made it.
If only Yamaha made it.
I think I get what you mean. I've never really "got" modern Triumphs, even tho they make something in every type/style. But the ST seems a decent thing for what I'm looking for. See how it goes tomorrow.
I was thinking of making space for something by selling my 2000 ZX12R A1, but I uncovered it today and started it and, well, that's going nowhere!
-Cappo- said:
I think I get what you mean. I've never really "got" modern Triumphs, even tho they make something in every type/style. But the ST seems a decent thing for what I'm looking for. See how it goes tomorrow.
I was thinking of making space for something by selling my 2000 ZX12R A1, but I uncovered it today and started it and, well, that's going nowhere!
Well, the Triumph didn't really float my boat. Nothing particularly wrong with it but I didn't get the "must have" feeling from it. Only negs were that the brakes really weren't very powerful (radial Brembos, bike had 300 miles showing, should have been bedded in by then?) and there was a comical amount of heat coming off the top of the engine and hitting the backs of my legs.
It was from a Triumph dealer, and when I got back he showed me the only non-Triumph bike they have in stock:
BMW RNineT Scrambler, 17 plate, 14k miles, 2 owners, Akro silencers, brushed metal tank. It's not advertised on their website and they want £6500 for it. I was interested, but they won't let you test ride a used bike! One guy said it was because "trade plates are not for test rides" and the other said it was because they don't want to increase the miles on used bikes. Seems a bit off, if he'd let me out on it and I l liked it he might have sold it.
It was from a Triumph dealer, and when I got back he showed me the only non-Triumph bike they have in stock:
BMW RNineT Scrambler, 17 plate, 14k miles, 2 owners, Akro silencers, brushed metal tank. It's not advertised on their website and they want £6500 for it. I was interested, but they won't let you test ride a used bike! One guy said it was because "trade plates are not for test rides" and the other said it was because they don't want to increase the miles on used bikes. Seems a bit off, if he'd let me out on it and I l liked it he might have sold it.
SteveKTMer said:
I’d be careful about a BMW retro, they are appealing and look great and the engine is brilliant, but the rest of them is very cheap and basic. Mine rusted badly, corroded fasteners and the suspension was very poor.
Interesting, thanks. I had a look round the lower parts of it and it seemed ok (this is because my 1250 GS at 2.5 years and 8000 miles has corrosion on the engine cases and BMW are actually going to replace the entire engine. Yes really. It’s booked in). If I go back I’ll have a better look.
-Cappo- said:
Interesting, thanks. I had a look round the lower parts of it and it seemed ok (this is because my 1250 GS at 2.5 years and 8000 miles has corrosion on the engine cases and BMW are actually going to replace the entire engine. Yes really. It’s booked in).
If I go back I’ll have a better look.
If you're unsure, the answer is always a R1.If I go back I’ll have a better look.
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