Value of my Norton?

Jmitchell · May 16, 2012

I picked up a 1975 Norton Commando 850cc about a month ago with good intentions to restore it. I have other vintage bikes and now I am 2nd guessing if I want to keep it or trade it for something fun for summer to enjoy with the kids. The problem is if I want to trade it for a older speed boat or motor home, I'm not sure what the value of the Norton is therefore, I do not know what I can trade for. My question to anyone is:
If I put up pictures of the bike on the site can someone tell me "about" the trade value of the bike? Its in very nice shape and everything is there (I Believe) except for the tank and side panels.
Thank you in advance for your response!!
John

Mark · May 16, 2012

I would suggest checking ebay and seeing what they are selling for.
that's what people are willing to spend.

bwolfie · May 16, 2012

Posting Your location in the world will also help with finding a value.

Jmitchell · May 16, 2012

The bike is in the U.S. (Rochester Michigan)?

swooshdave · May 16, 2012

Jmitchell said:
If I put up pictures of the bike on the site can someone tell me "about" the trade value of the bike? Its in very nice shape and everything is there (I Believe) except for the tank and side panels.
Thank you in advance for your response!!
John

We sure can try.

grandpaul · May 16, 2012

I'll give you $350 for it, sight unseen!

hee hee

DEFINITELY need photos.

Also, can you kick the engine over and get good compression resistance?

Rust?

Title?

Jmitchell · May 16, 2012

The bike is at my dads house in Muskegon, MI. He told me that it has so much compression that at first he thought the engine was froze up. As far as rust there is hardly any rust on the bike. The guy that I got it from started taking it apart several years ago and never did anything with it. It ran when he parked it and he told me the trans was fine. It has 2 seat. I'm not sure if they are both Norton originals. The orignal owner is in the process of getting me the title.

swooshdave · May 16, 2012

Jmitchell said:
The bike is at my dads house in Muskegon, MI. He told me that it has so much compression that at first he thought the engine was froze up. As far as rust there is hardly any rust on the bike. The guy that I got it from started taking it apart several years ago and never did anything with it. It ran when he parked it and he told me the trans was fine. It has 2 seat. I'm not sure if they are both Norton originals. The orignal owner is in the process of getting me the title.

Norton are notorious for firm kick starters. Separates the boys from the men.

Title will be crucial.

Jmitchell · May 16, 2012

My dad must be in the boy category!

1up3down · May 16, 2012

Without pictures or knowing more details,

on Ebay a decently good condition Mark3 in which the electric starter actually works, and is in pretty good overall cosmetic condition with a nicely running motor is going in the neighborhood of 6-8000 dollars.

I am trying to answer your question as to GENERAL value.

Now everyone will likely tell me I am full of it.

htown16 · May 16, 2012

I'd say somewhere around 2000. If I understand the description right. Complete except tank and sidecovers, engine turns over but not running, would need a complete restore to be back on the road. Getting a steel tank and side covers could easily run over 500$.

htown16 · May 16, 2012

Oh yeah with the title.

Jeandr · May 16, 2012

They ALL gave you very bad advice, I will get rid of it for you, for free, even if it is at least a 1,000 mile drive, I am willing to do it to keep you sane.

Jean

swooshdave · May 16, 2012

Jeandr said:
They ALL gave you very bad advice, I will get rid of it for you, for free, even if it is at least a 1,000 mile drive, I am willing to do it to keep you sane.

Jean

One of the, if not the most generous persons on the forum. :mrgreen:

Jmitchell · May 16, 2012

I don't think at this time I will let it go for free but I like the humor. I think from everything I've read and seen the part are worth over $3000. I would sell it for $2,500 if someone is interested or want to trade me for a older ski boat, motor home, or newer motor cycle.

Josh Cox · May 17, 2012

Hello,

How about photos to: joshua_cox1@westnet.com.au

Cheers

Josh

JimC · May 17, 2012

With the right advertising you might be able to double the price you would get from the whole bike you described by selling it piece by piece. Nortons are definitely a case were the sum of its parts are greater than the whole.

gtsun · May 17, 2012

NO DO NOT piece it out! We hang people for that around here. Sounds like you could put it up on Fleabay (as a whole) and get twice what you said you would sell it for or put it with pictures in the forums "For Sale" section. Trust me it will sell.

Norton-Villier · May 17, 2012

jimC, I cant believe you said that

Phil

JimC · May 17, 2012

Sorry. If I didn't want to or was unable to restore it, I'd put the whole bike up for sale. If I didn't get my price I'd part it out. Where do you think used Norton parts come from? I, for one, am glad some choose to part them out. I've been able to get some good used parts much cheaper than new. I've also sold the original parts that I've upgraded.

Value of my Norton?

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