Where Would be a Good Place to Look for a Decent MK 1 or Mk 2 850 Commando and What Should I expect to Pay?

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Dan1950

Dan1950

1974 MK II Roadster
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Looking for a relatively unmolested '73 850. Peashooter exhaust and unsilenced airbox. Amal carbs preferred. IOW, as original as possible. Willing to put in a little TLC to get it sorted.

Leary of "just rebuilt" language. Would rather have an "honest bike" that need work than a surprise package. I'm quite capable of doing any work not requiring machine shop services. Very well schooled in all thing Lucas and Amal.

A '74 model with RH10 heads would be a plus.
 
inoanorton.com classifieds is one place. These tend to be in the east coast. craigslist or just google Norton commando for sale
 
Can,
A low price for a complete bike that needs full rebuild is $2500. What we used to call a core bike. I would look for a runner around $6,000. Above at $14,000 is for a collector, not a rider.
 
illf8ed said:
Can,
A low price for a complete bike that needs full rebuild is $2500. What we used to call a core bike. I would look for a runner around $6,000. Above at $14,000 is for a collector, not a rider.
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I was thinking between $5000 and $8000.
 
gortnipper said:
Keep your eyes on the For Sale and Seen On sections of this forum.

www.accessnorton.com

Access Norton Motorcycle Forums

Access Norton Forum, where we discuss the Norton Commando and other Motorcycles. Norton Commando Forum and more
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
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Cripes I wish the sale of my farm had closed. There's a '74 850 Roadster with just over 8155 miles indicated NY state. It has RH10 heads too. $8500
 
Random negative thoughts:
If you intend to do a 100% OEM style restoration thinking you'll save money buying a runner Norton, don't add up the receipts.

That old saying "Buy One That's Done" often rings true because the seller needs to get out from under the hot rod car or bike for one reason or another and is often selling for less than it would cost to put it all together yourself. In the high end hot rod world, the only people making money on restorations are the guys doing it for wealthy customers. I doubt CNW or NYC Norton are selling vintage Norton motorcycles for under 5 figures. I also doubt you can buy a $8000 Norton runner and finish it up all in for less than 5 figures. Plan on spending some money, and getting your hands really dirty.

Price performance, easy riding comfort, and longevity wise a 2022 Triumph Street Twin might be money better spent. Just saying no skinned knuckles and something you could ride off into the sunset on not worrying if half the parts would vibrate off onto the road might be nice. A Commando would draw more "what a cool bike" attention and possibly increase in value, but it will be one hell of a commitment. You might end up wanting to divorce it. ;)
 
Found this one for $8500.
YING said:
I think that you could get a decent runner in that price range
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I might be close to setting up a deal on this '74 Roadster for $8500. 8188 mile indicated, numbers matching, RH10 heads lots of electronics upgrades, clean title and it's in New York State. Not a show bike, it has flaws that might be expected for a 47 year old well cared for bike. Seems like an honest motorcycle. The guy has 7 Commandos and just want to "make some space".

Where Would be a Good Place to Look for a Decent MK 1 or Mk 2 850 Commando and What Should I expect to Pay?


Where Would be a Good Place to Look for a Decent MK 1 or Mk 2 850 Commando and What Should I expect to Pay?


Where Would be a Good Place to Look for a Decent MK 1 or Mk 2 850 Commando and What Should I expect to Pay?
 
Derek Wilson said:
Clean, lovely bike - well worth the money. I can see a few upgrades have already been done.
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Snip from Craigslist;

1974 Norton Roadster #307907 Mfg. 9/73 Custom, Beautiful numbers matching machine in metal flake blue. Tri spark ignition, Dyna coils. Podtronics regulator/rectifier.Oil pressure gauge installed. RH10 Head. Stainless steel rocker feed lines and new fuel lines. Twin pull twist grip. BAP fuel taps. CNW oil tank modification. NOS primary cover. The rear transmission cradle has an vernier isolastic system. Smith’s instruments with polished clock holders. MK3 kickstart lever. Mk3 head steady. Central Wheel rims, 19” front, 18” rear. Hagon shocks. Lucas turn signals and headlight. Two sets of keys. Some of the items listed are new and some are used, which means some parts may need to be adjusted or fixed. This is a used motorcycle so there are nicks, rust, scratches, and blemishes. Tons of records. TMU. 8155 Miles indicated.“Clear” NYS Title in my name. $8500
 
Dan,
From the pictures it looks like the real deal.When I bought mine way back in 1992,I paid $5500 for my bike which was top dollar at the time but in hindsight it was a great deal
Good luck on your search and I think that the one in the pictures is a go
Mike
 
It has been obviously well loved if it has those upgrades. Those are all good, not inexpensive, things.
 
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