Topic: For any Norton guys out there

[drones76]

I went with a friend that had a tip on a bike that has been sitting in a shed for 20 years.  The last registratrion was 1989.  Original owner.  Cosmetically the bike is in very good shape.  Carb boots are crumbly.  Tires are rocks.  The engine turns over.  It is a Commando 850.  '74 or '75.  Original tools, manuals bill of sale and all paperwork.  21k miles.

Engine cranks over.  Gas tank will need to be relined. 

Any ideas on what a reasonalble offer would be?  Of course this is without knowing what may be going on internally.  The owner said he thought $2500 sounded fair.  We did not expect it to be in such good shape and is only prepared to offer $1600.

Just looking for anyone with experience with these bikes.

Thanks

jon

[Old Scrambler]

That's a very fair price for an original bike in nice shape........invest about $500 - $800 in tires, lubes, chain, tank liner, carb tune (probably need carb gaskets) a battery and you have a running bike worth $3500 on any day and $6,000 on a good day.  Nicely restored Class 2 & 3 bikes sometimes go for $8000.

[BeSeeingYou]

$2500 for the bike in the picture.  Hell yes that's a good deal.  For me the Norton's are the best and most rideable of the British bikes.  Back in the 1980's when we  were doing cross country trips my three riding buddies had Norton Commandos.  If it is not already equipped get the electronic ignition kit and it will be much more reliable.  My one friend who still has his Commando also did the Mikuni carb modification a few years ago and he says the bike runs better yet.  The carb mod may not be for the purist but along with the electronic ignition these two things will make the bike a more reliable runner.  Just don't throw out the original parts and don't do anything that can't be brought back to original.

[tango911]

id get that in a hearbeat for 2500.   i picked up a honda dream for 2k early summer in that condition.  would of paid more too.

[paulages]

$2500 is a good deal. I got mine for $2K, but it needed a new head gasket. It also had the fiberglass tank which fuel had eaten through. You'll want the Caswell liner, which worked quite well for me.