Looking at a Restored 72 750 Commando

tundra07 · Mar 23, 2012

Hi Everyone,
I am new to the Forum and am looking at a Restored 72 750 Commando.
I was hoping some of you could give me some pointers on what to look for as far as ensuring the restoration was done properly.
The Odometer reads 20,000 miles but has a few hundred on it since restoration.
What would be the approximate value of this bike in good condition?

Thanks

Powereng03 · Mar 23, 2012

Hi

Do you have a link to a craigslist/ebay/kijiji page for us to have a look at it??

bwolfie · Mar 23, 2012

There are soooo many things to look for. And "restored" throws a whole other variable. The more info and pictures you have the better answer you will get.

concours · Mar 23, 2012

First, what is YOUR skill set? Can you rebuild an engine? Sandblast? Paint? Wiring? It's relevant because you can look at things and tell if it's a GOOD, mediocre, fair or piss poor job. Poorly done, you'll be doing much of it over again. Well done, it's a GREAT way to buy a vehicle, because it takes WAY more money to restore a vehicle than you can sell it for, (MUCH of the time). As for engine/trans... RECEIPTS for parts and machine/assembly work. DO A COMPRESSION TEST. Check voltage running, make sure it charges. Inspect the wiring visually/functionally. I inspect classic vehicles professionally, and let me tell you, things are RARELY what they are claimed to be (refreshing when it is!) and so many times, well meaning beginners ruin things without even knowing it. Search and read this site... "layshaft bearing" "oil pressure" "tank" "combat" learn about the variables.. Good Luck! :mrgreen:

tundra07 · Mar 23, 2012

Thanks for the responses, This is the info I have so far:

Rebuilt Engine, Tranny (with complete set of gears), Modified Oil Pump, Rebuilt 32mm carbs with brass sleeves
New swing shaft, bushings and front shocks.
Current Boyer Ignition upgrade
Micro Adjustable type Iso system
Sprockets modified for O Ring Chain
Recent Rear wheel, Brake Drum, wheel bearing seals and seat
Tank has been sealed (not sure about what type of sealant)
Unfortunately I have no pics to attach yet.

Although I know very little about the British bikes I would consider myself mechanically inclined with a good eye for paint, body work and any cobbling that may have been done.

1up3down · Mar 23, 2012

WIthout pictures and more information it is very difficult to answer your question as to what it is worth.

It would be helpful to know if it is a standard 1972 750 or a "combat" 750, can you find out?

Just taking a guess: IF it looked cosmetically pretty good but not really good, and assuming it starts pretty easily like within a couple kicks, and if it shifts through all gears on your test ride, well it is likely "worth" around 5K.

That seems to be what an average running Combat is going for, maybe a little more.

On Ebay, it could bring 7K if was very clean and had documentation showing all the recent improvements, upgrades,
and who might have done what work to it recently.

So, how much is the seller asking as is?

We need close up pictures and need to know if it starts and runs good on your test ride!

tundra07 · Mar 23, 2012

Yes it is a Combat, asking price is 7K.
I am hoping to have a look at it soon andwill take pics then.

Johnnymac · Mar 23, 2012

Find out about the sealant.... My 72 Combat was sealed with Kreem... I spent close to $1000 to repair the damage to my bike from that crap.

gory · Mar 23, 2012

is it the same one from this thread? price is identical, description sounds similar - believe it was on the West Coast
post144905.html#p144905

bill · Mar 23, 2012

in order #1 a lot can be done wrong or right with this part. what was done as to sump mod's oil pickup and breather system and this is just some of it??? same on the gearbox, which layshaft bearing was installed a cheap ball or the better roller???

#2 modified oil pump. what did they modify on an oil pump???

#3 there is more to fix here then new swing arm bushings and shaft. was the cradle fixed where the pin runs through it and how??? also what was replaced when the forks was rebuilt???

#4 a sealed tank is trouble waiting to happen. if it is a steel tank you MIGHT be able to salvage it , if it is fiberglass it is trash!!!!
you need to see if it was a REAL Norton PRO or some hack that did the work and what all was replaced before you pay that price.

tundra07 said:
Thanks for the responses, This is the info I have so far:

#1Rebuilt Engine, Tranny (with complete set of gears),
#2 Modified Oil Pump, Rebuilt 32mm carbs with brass sleeves
#3New swing shaft, bushings and front shocks.

#4Tank has been sealed (not sure about what type of sealant)
Unfortunately I have no pics to attach yet.

Although I know very little about the British bikes I would consider myself mechanically inclined with a good eye for paint, body work and any cobbling that may have been done.

gtsun · Mar 23, 2012

What does the seller mean by " Modifide oil pump"...??? I'm not aware of any oil pump mods (are there any )unless he just
means that it was laped before being re installed. 7K is a good chunk of change but it's worth it if it is what they say it is. Certainly they should show proof of that with reciets and you should find out who did the work & talk to them. If it was not done by a Brit bike shop that knows Nortons you could be in for some suprizing mo
ents. Good luck.

JimC · Mar 24, 2012

AMR of Tucson, AZ does an oil pump mod. They use "O" rings to seal the shaft to further keep from wet sumping. This is in addition to a check ball and spring on the output of the pump.

bill · Mar 24, 2012

yes I know of there mod BUT the point is for him to gather as much info as possible as to what and who did what

JimC said:
AMR of Tucson, AZ does an oil pump mod. They use "O" rings to seal the shaft to further keep from wet sumping. This is in addition to a check ball and spring on the output of the pump.

rvich · Mar 24, 2012

If you are not familiar with British bikes, it would be real helpful to have someone go with you to look at the bike that is familiar with them. Both of you look the bike over, then go have a beer, coffee, or whatever and talk about the variables and the different stuff you both noticed. I would sign up, but the odds that the bike is in Alaska is pretty remote!

Russ

DogT · Mar 24, 2012

Best of all worlds, hook up with someone that knows Commandos and have him look at it. It might surprise you that someone is in your area.

Dave
69S

JimC · Mar 24, 2012

yes I know of there mod BUT the point is for him to gather as much info as possible as to what and who did what

Windy,

I totally agree. If I didn't know who did the work I would consider that everything probably needs to be redone and price the bike accordingly.

Looking at a Restored 72 750 Commando

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