help with pricing

Hello Forum,

I am a recent devotee to the motorcycle scene having purchased a Harley 3 years ago and never having ridden on the street before.

I am now ready to buy a "real" motorcycle (the Harley while pretty, is a tractor but I knew that going in). I have a chance at a very nice un restored 1974 Norton commando in roadworthy condition very gently used. It has fairly low mileage (maybe 30K).

What should I pay? Asking price is ~$6000 cdn.

Any help greatly appreciated - going on Monday to "look" at bike.

thanks

R

sounds good 2 me

A running motorcycle is worth twice what the same machine is non-running. At least you can tell what to fix up. The '74 is about the most desirable Commando IMO. What's the exchange rate of $6K Canadian for U$D?

When I was into pontiacs years ago the national Pontiac club had a service where someone interested in an old poncho across the country that would hookup the local Pontiac guru to give the prospective buyer the real dope on the car. Hell it didn't have to be crosscountry could'V e been in your own city. They didn't charge for this. Seems like the norton guys could come up w/ something similar. I bought my '72 a year ago having never ridden or owned a mc before. I was ripe for the taking. Luckily I got a reasonable deal. It's such a subjective transaction and usually there's an emotional component involved. t it's nice to have a steady hand beside you or someone you can trust

And there's so many conditional variables That are difficult if not impossible to quantify without close personal inspection. I would ask these questions: What's the mileage? How new are the tires? What shape are the chain and sprocklets in? What is the cosmetic condition, paint, chrome etc.? Then you would have to be more specific; How's the plating on the fork tubes? What does a compression/leakdown test reveal? Does it start easily? Smoke? How does the clutch/shifting action feel? any leaks evident after a good run? All of these and more can contribute to or detract from a bikes value, and all that's before you factor in anything emotional.

Hey Guys,

Canuck bucks are about par with the almighty yankee dollar right now.

Some more specifics

20K original miles
new carbs and boyer ignition
manuals
nicely re done seat
starts first kick (okay, second)
tanks looks new (but isn't)
rest looks v. gently used
likely needs tires


anything else I should look for when I go?

thanks a mil

P

The bike sounds like its been cared for, the price seems very reasonable. The only thing I can suggest, is do you feel the owner is genuine and honest about the history of the bike? If yes, then buy it. Having a Commando is life long relationship, there is no better all round traditional British big twin and this may be the best opportunity to get one.
Good luck and let us knwo how it turns out.

Mick

Hi Roque

20,000 miles sounds pretty good.
Maybe too much to ask but if the seller is the original owner their description of it use and maintenance history is valuable however if it has had previous owners then it brings up a lot of unanswerable questions.
Any chance you could take a whole bunch of pictures with lots of close ups and post on this sight prior to making a decision.
This site has some real experts who just looking at it could get a sense of its history.
The compression/leakdown, smoke from exhaust tests would certainly be valuable.
Cold starting on the first or second kick a definite plus.
If it's been repainted I would take it to mean it has not been totally pampered.
Good luck and keep in touch.

Bob

A steel tank is a real bonus. Fiberglass tanks have become a problem due to modern fuel.

I would look the bike over for signs that some mechanic might not have loved the bike as much as they should have. Rounded off bolt heads, chewed up screw heads, broken fins on the head,cylinders or exhaust nuts are all an indication that somebody's mechanical skills might have been lacking. Check to see if the numbers match on the frame, engine and gearbox. If the numbers don't match, why? Again, did somebody know what they were doing when they did the work? Does the frame show any damage?

If the bike looks like it has been loved that is a good start. I would still be prepared to eventually take it apart and check it all out for yourself.

Every time somebody posts like this it makes me want to go buy another bike! Dang!

Russ

You should post where you are or add it to your profile. Rgrigutis has a good idea and there is probably somebody in your area that would go look with you...just make sure they leave their wallet and checkbook in the car!

I haven't posted my location yet because i want this bike and know someone else will see this forum and bid against me!!!!

I happen to have a friend who is a top notch mechanic and ground up bike builder coming with me to view the Norton.
(I am no slouch in the taking things apart category either)

thank you all for your input - its nice to have on hand so many Norton familiar people.

I can't wait for Monday!!!!!!!

$1750 69 non-runner just popped up on the local craigslist.