Thank you both for your sage advice. My friend Gino, who used to race and has a multitude of Guzzi and Nortons made the same comment when I first asked his opinion. "Heavy and without the sweetness of handling and engine that a well set up Commando achieves", but spoken in Scot's colloquial, with Italian flare! Colourful!
Aftere another dry night and the temperature hovering around the 5°C to 7°C mark, even though the ruddy gritters still chuck the brine about, I might venture out for a canter on the 450 today, I must be daft!
Good health, Bill