Newbie here. Could use expertise on a vtg. 71 Commando

Hey Gentlemen,

Good afternoon! Newbie here; Chris…!
I’d like to jump in to ownership of a 1971 750-Comando Café style, but I don’t know much about Norton’s to really make a wise purchasing decision. I found an example that I like in a neighboring city to where I live, but want to make sure that it’s all proper before I do. I read a buyer’s guide online, but this is my first poke at it.
I’d like to post a picture on my potential purchase, but can't seem to find where I can do that on this site so that I may open it up for criticism in I may? Could I send you a photo? The example as offered is a 71 750-Camando Café style. There’s a possible need for a tune-up, and a fuel line is leaking, which is something I can take care of. Please tell me of your thoughts and a few things that I should be asking.

Thank you very much Gentlemen,

Chris,

Welcome, Chris,

christian.force said:

I’d like to post a picture on my potential purchase, but can't seem to find where I can do that on this site

Click to expand...

technical-information-how-post-photos-t2357.html#p19893

Welcome. As the owner of a 71 I can tell you that the Cafe thing is mostly a style. Bars, tank, pipes, seat, etc. The basic bike is pretty much the same.
Make sure its all there and in good order. Its a beast to get and keep running. A great machine. I wouldnt give mine up, but it took much time and $ to get it where it runs and rides. Figure how much you want to spend and pretty much double that. Dont get me wrong, I love the damn thing but its a challenge.
Welcome to Norton.

welcome chris.

What's the story? Are you looking at a "restored bike", a "runner", a "complete bike", basket case, etc..???

For the most part the category of bike you are looking at should narrow down the price range into a ball park figure.

IMO, the best bang for the buck is a mechanically correct runner. It's ridable as is, but may need cosmetics like paint or chrome, but you can witness it running. This way you can listen for bad noises when you rev it up... If it runs and idles well, that says a lot. You can pull the plugs and see if it burns oil...etc..

Restored bikes are costly to buy. Most of us who have restored or completely rebuilt bikes could never sell them for what we have into them.... and hence, they don't come cheaply... Nor should they...

Complete bikes that don't run are usually the most overvalued.... The seller thinks you'll spend $50. and have his bike running in no time, so he wants you to pay him like it's already fixed... If it doesn't run, it's less valuable. Period!

Basket cases are for experience builders. If you aren't a "norton guy" already, a basket case gives you no hints as to what parts are good, bad, or missing.

Give us an idea of what kind of bike you're looking at, what's the seller's "story", (only drove it to church, sat in a basement for 25 years, mechanical history,..etc) and what's the asking Price????

Welcome Chris .... instructions on forum for posting up photos ..... good luck and enjoy the buying process
Craig

well, as an owner of 12 motorcycles and 2 of them are nortons, i can tell you you life will change with a norton. get the bike! from what you say about this norton, it isnt anything to be to worried abou....t other than some basic matenance. there will be plenty of help on this forum

Welcome to the forum. You might ask a local Norton owner to give you some help. If you are close I would be more than happy to do so and I expect others on the forum would do the same.
Is it still registered?
Clean title?
How are the tires? I have found that people who care about the up keep of their bikes have good tires and brakes.
Does it have electronic ignition?
Maybe the owner can give you a list of the things he has done to the bike in the way of up grades.

John n Texas