1975 Norton Commando 850 - 26 Original Miles

Does anyone know the estimated value of a 1975 Norton Commando 850 Electric Start. It has only 26 miles on it (all put on at the factory) and has never been titled (have the MSO).

It is in mint condition.

Let me know if you would like more information. Thanks!

rpearson said:

Let me know if you would like more information. Thanks!

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Where are you from ?

Eastern Iowa

I seem to recall a couple of brand new Commandos being offered at $10,000 some years back?

I would think the main seal, timing seals, isolastic rubbers, fuel and oil tanks insides cleaned, fork seals, on and on, lots and time and some money
to make it right. Everything sitting for34 years, would have to almost strip it for complete checkover.

highdesert said:

Everything sitting for34 years, would have to almost strip it for complete checkover.

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That's what I'm thinking. If you own a museum then buy it. If not, buy a runner.

If I was wealthy I'd buy it and ride it just to make the collectors cringe.

Strictly a collector's item.

JimC said:

Strictly a collector's item.

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A collector of soft camshafts and dodgy layshaft bearings preferably !

Quite a lot of late Mk111s were bought and hoarded in the UK. I don't think that they 've really been all that good an investment (Especially if you think that the owner never had the pleasure of riding).

Top Commando money is usually paid for well put together bikes with sensible upgrades. In this respect, I think that the Commando is almost unique amongst British motorcycles.

Hi all,
My first post here. Drum roll......here it is:


Can only imagine what it will be like trying to get a NC title.

I'd say $5K at least.

Maybe more, depsending on how much the BUYER IS WILLING TO PAY.

NC title legwork is reputed to be NIGHTMARISH, to put it politely.

NC Title laws are Orwellien in nature.
I've heard horror stories of guys taking their bikes down here for a title and getting turned away for various reasons.

An immaculate one owner MKII went for 10K on eBay a couple years back. That's what mine is insured for (I used the eBay listing as documentation). A 75 MKIII "still in the crate" went for 14K last year.

If it was stored appropriately it's worth 10K easily. If it were mine, I'd change the oil put a new battery in it and fire it up without a second thought.

Now I have to ask:

What sort of person buys a brand new motorcycle and then never rides it? Is this a common thing? Or was it the fact that in 1975 people knew the end of Norton was coming and wanted to incubate one of the last bikes produced?

I agree with some of whats been said: doesnt seem like it was worth keeping it in moth balls for 35 years for an extra few grand. Could have been out riding it all this time.

The late 1970s saw the beginings of the 'Classic' movement and many people did realise that we were seeing the last big traditional British four strokes. The 'Silver Jubilee' Bonnevilles of 1977 were similarly treated.

I have a feeling that the last Mk111 batch was UK only. With export machines, they mostly seem to have resulted from unsold dealer stock. By the time the dealer realised it wasn't going to sell, it was at the back of the storeroom and appreciating.

That does seem to be the case now and again of folks buying a model thinking they are Kruggerands. The 76 Goldwing LTD got that treatment as a number were slotted into museums straight away. It is easy to see why somebody would want one of the last "real" Bonnies or a Commando. Typically the first and last of a model appreciate most.
I see Commandos as more like a Mustang, they were fairly high production but sporty and desireable. I think they will hold thier value but you won't get rich on one unless it was a historical machine. (race winner, Etc.)

I am looking at purchasing a 1974 roadster with 4600 miles on it. It was "restored" in 06. It was recently ridden 10 miles. It was basically "furniture" in the guys house. I believe in "Ride it don't hide it". I plan on upgrading it. From what I've read, I'll be installing the electronic ignition and coils, and the barnett clutch plates. Is the new wiring harness and headlight harness a good idea? I also plan on installing the neoprene rocker gaskets. What else would be recomended to do? I appreciate any input. thanks

From what I've read, I'll be installing the electronic ignition and coils, and the barnett clutch plates. Is the new wiring harness and headlight harness a good idea? I also plan on installing the neoprene rocker gaskets.

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Why Barnett plates? At 4600 your stock bronze plates should be fine. Add one of Dave Comeau's clutch rod seals to keep the tranny oil out, use 7 oz. of ATF in the primary and you should be fine for many thousands of miles. If you do replace the plates, the Sureflex plates (metal with inserts, not the full fiber type) are much less grabby than Barnett.

If the harness is in good shape no reason to replace it. If you are adding a 3-phase electronic regulated alternator, a metric bike master cylinder necessitating changing switch gear, then I'd consider building a new harness and adding relays and multiple fused circuits. When you start adding and changing that stuff, the wiring gets messy real fast. Otherwise, pulll apart the bullet connectors, clean them, and use a little dielectric grease when you re-connect them.

With 4600 miles look for oil leaks. It's a Norton so that won't be too hard. Seals may have failed, so check for leaks around the primary side crank seal, re-torque the head, check the exhaust rose nuts for tightness, the isolastic adjustment (shims), and the swingarm bushings (make sure the central fixing bolt is in the spindle and don't use grease in the spindle).

Ride it and enjoy!

79x100, Cookie - Good insights. Thanks!

is the bike for sale?

just 3 quick thoughts to the new owners: buy a worksop manual, join the INOA and get their latest edition of the Tech Digest, and of course pay attention to what the experts on this forum have to say

That is a 4 year old post.