What To Build

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Scout63 said:
Build what you want and slowly source a seat, tank and side panels for the other model (Interstate and roadster). That’s my plan. Once my build is done I’ll be looking for ways to keep up this stupid spending pattern. Or maybe even go whole hog and source proddy racer and JPN bodywork and bars. Kind of like a swatch watch collection only way more expensive and nerve racking to store in the garage.
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Speaking of stupid spending patterns, I can’t believe the cost of Commando parts. This is news to me.

When I was building my BSA B44, I could get almost any part for under $100. I’m checking prices on Commando parts and I’ll go broke before the bike is done.
 
Yep - $$$ - way upside down on my projects - they are hobbies and not investments but I seem to apply my renegade strategy to both - buy high /sell low
 
Norcoastal said:
Speaking of stupid spending patterns, I can’t believe the cost of Commando parts. This is news to me.

When I was building my BSA B44, I could get almost any part for under $100. I’m checking prices on Commando parts and I’ll go broke before the bike is done.
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This is why buying a complete bike is much cheaper in the long run, albeit without the fun of sourcing all of those parts.
 
Try restoring a Vincent. The two struts that attach the seat to the frame are $1,000.
The stock clutch is $2500.
And so on.
But when you are done, it's worth a lot, as much as 75% of the amount spent, providing your own labour is free and your skills are decent.
With a Norton, the parts cost is much lower and so is the selling price.
The same 75 percent +- rule applies.
With a BSA 441, I'll bet the new parts are similar in cost to the Norton, although the used would be less as it's a less useable machine.
I'm not sure what 441 s bring in the market, but if they are anything like the unit BSA twins, 75% of cost ( doing a proper full resto) is almost unattainable, 50% is realistic.
Best not to think about it!

Glen
 
Richard Tool said:
Yep - $$$ - way upside down on my projects - they are hobbies and not investments but I seem to apply my renegade strategy to both - buy high /sell low
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No kidding, but I’m with you, it’s more fun than the cost. I don’t look to make money, just enjoy myself.
 
lazyeye6 said:
This is why buying a complete bike is much cheaper in the long run, albeit without the fun of sourcing all of those parts.
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You're 100% correct, what I learn by researching parts and what I learn from asking questions on this site is invaluable.
 
worntorn said:
Try restoring a Vincent. The two struts that attach the seat to the frame are $1,000.
The stock clutch is $2500.
And so on.
But when you are done, it's worth a lot, as much as 75% of the amount spent, providing your own labour is free and your skills are decent.
With a Norton, the parts cost is much lower and so is the selling price.
The same 75 percent +- rule applies.
With a BSA 441, I'll bet the new parts are similar in cost to the Norton, although the used would be less as it's a less useable machine.
I'm not sure what 441 s bring in the market, but if they are anything like the unit BSA twins, 75% of cost ( doing a proper full resto) is almost unattainable, 50% is realistic.
Best not to think about it!

Glen
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Yeah, don’t think too much, you’ll drive yourself nuts...
 
I do have a title, that’s a great deal. Don’t have the dough and it’s in the other side of the country.
 
I'm hardly one to let that kind of stuff stop me from trying!

Regardless that unit has sold. But the point is that you could look for a similar project that is missing its title on your coast. They come along. Depending on the state, not having a title can be a real problem. You want to make sure it isn't stolen but it does lower the price to be without paper.
 
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