1973 Norton Commando Value

[MichaelB]

That's a nice looking bike. Just so you know what you're buying, Vin number prior to 307311 is Mk I aka 1973, starting at 307311 is the MkII, AKA 1974.
Production started in 1973 for the MK II, some got registered as 1973.
I says this because the seat and the Black Barrells dictate Mk II. The Mk I had Silver Barrells and Basket weave seat.
BTW, I bought a new, Blue Mk I in 1973. I also blew the trans case around 1976. So my old one, wherever it is, does not have a matching Trans case.
That is a nice looking bike, may not be as original as the owner thinks, but it is nice.
The VIN will tell the story..

 

[Eric Bauer]

That's a nice looking bike. Just so you know what you're buying, Vin number prior to 307311 is Mk I aka 1973, starting at 307311 is the MkII, AKA 1974.
Production started in 1973 for the MK II, some got registered as 1973.
I says this because the seat and the Black Barrells dictate Mk II. The Mk I had Silver Barrells and Basket weave seat.
BTW, I bought a new, Blue Mk I in 1973. I also blew the trans case around 1976. So my old one, wherever it is, does not have a matching Trans case.
That is a nice looking bike, may not be as original as the owner thinks, but it is nice.
The VIN will tell the story..

The VIN is 303990 - but not sure on the items you noted. The transmission is 321098 which I think dates to 1974 so maybe similar to yours.

 

[Eric Bauer]

If, starts on first or second kick, idles, blipping the throttle has no hesitation, no smoke, and shifts smoothly through all gears, then probably OK. If the tank is clear coated (looks like it), then it is not original paint. The pinstripe as not normal near the read so again probably not original paint. Rebuilt original carbs with 12k miles are not great - if a complete rebuild, including new slides and stayup floats might be ok but most are no doing this today - upgrade to Premier carbs. See if the rims say Dunlop Trade

If I were looking for a rider, I would offer $7000 (I paid $6500 for my rider). $8200 is an eBay price - should be less direct. I have too many so I'm a little jaded on the value. If it's just for you ride and enjoy, then $8200 is fine if it local and you don't have to ship it.

I have a perfect 74 850 for sale at $11500 direct and I just sold a show winning 72 750 Combat for $11500 so that will give you and idea what it will be worth if you buy and make it perfect like my 850 or original and show winning like my 750. What's the difference? The 850 has new rims. spokes, fenders, chainguard, seat, etc. Those are all original on the 750, not perfect, but clearly original.

It fires right up and idles nicely, shifts nicely too. I agree on the carb rebuilds - my Triumph has the premiers and I much prefer. It was just done so at least recent. the rims are both Dunlop trade.I know I'm not stealing it by any means - I just want something cool to ride that I can fix up over time, not worry about and get at least close to my money back give or take a couple grand. I don't want a $12K concourse queen.

 

[Scout63]

Best of luck with the new bike. It looks great.

 

[998cc]

Eric. The Commando should make a very nice addition to your Triumph/Harley family.

~998cc

 

[SteveA]

Around £6000 or 7000€?, go for it.

 

[baz]

I'd definitely buy it mate

 

[Eric Bauer]

Thanks for all your help guys! I ended up picking it up. It really runs! Never ridden a Norton before and it is awesome - quite a lot of power and man is it smooth relative to my triumph at higher speeds. I'm hooked!

 

[998cc]

Thanks for all your help guys! I ended up picking it up. It really runs! Never ridden a Norton before and it is awesome - quite a lot of power and man is it smooth relative to my triumph at higher speeds. I'm hooked!

For a quick 150 mile ride on the back roads of the Sierras, the 850 Commando is my favorite machine. Enjoy!!

~998cc

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks for all your help guys! I ended up picking it up. It really runs! Never ridden a Norton before and it is awesome - quite a lot of power and man is it smooth relative to my triumph at higher speeds. I'm hooked!

Yup, hooked. Welcome aboard. With a Commando in the garage, the other, older ones have a tendancy to sit.
Definitely a riders mahine...

 

[joe czech]

Nice looking bike. Can you ask him where he got that tail bag thats behind the seat?

not to go foo topic, but there's a variety of those bags available - ebay or google search "motorcycle leather bag." I think this one's got may name on it...

BTW, relatively new to the Norton community. pick up a 74 Mk2 last year - DOA, that sat for 6 or 7 years, but very original. so, welcome aboard, and remember, half the fun is in the hunt -

 

[dynodave]

Not affecting Eric's bike, but in reviewing the thread...

I says this because the seat and the Black Barrells dictate Mk II.

The changes noted seem correct, but to me the most important and significant difference of a MKII by far from MKI is the RH10 head.

 

[Bernhard]

What is the fear in having one of those?

Ball looks too small diameter. R GM do one at .375 inch diameter, the same as on Velos. Always check that there is oil in see through pipe below valve for it to work, no air locks.

 

[grandpaul]

It was a carb rebuild, new tires, new battery, fluid change, etc. Not sure if the $2K is real to your point, that sounds like a lot for that but it was done at a shop so who knows. The seller and previous owner (they are friends) have had it for 15 years. I think it looks pretty good. Thank you all for looking, I'm going to go pick it up soon.

I recently sold my MKIII after dressing it as a Roadster (it was an Interstate). Cost me $2,700 to prep for sale after selling the old tank, seat & sidecovers. It got tires, battery, brake hoses, new tank & sidecovers with new paint, new seat, and a bunch of little items,

 

[grandpaul]

Thanks for all your help guys! I ended up picking it up. It really runs! Never ridden a Norton before and it is awesome - quite a lot of power and man is it smooth relative to my triumph at higher speeds. I'm hooked!

Good for you, it was a fair price for the bike running as you say.

Welcome.

 

[Eric Bauer]

Not affecting Eric's bike, but in reviewing the thread...



The changes noted seem correct, but to me the most important and significant difference of a MKII by far from MKI is the RH10 head.

I don't know I've looked around and I'm not sure the black / silver barrel deal is as hard and fast as they say on the MKI 850s

 

[Eric Bauer]

Good for you, it was a fair price for the bike running as you say.

Welcome.

Thank you - I love it. The $2K was real - I spoke to the guy that did it and saw the invoices. New tires, oil change, timing check, new fuel lines / filters, disassemble and clean carbs. New fork oil, new plugs, new battery all that jazz. Paying someone $75 an hour to do it and it doesn't take long. One thing the mechanic mentioned is redoing the isolastic mounts as they are likely original looks pricey. Any thoughts on worth it? It rides smooth to me, or smoother than my T100R Daytona, but that ain't saying too much as I use that to shake paint while riding anywhere other than at 3,500 rpm Quasi joking there

 

[MichaelB]

I don't know I've looked around and I'm not sure the black / silver barrel deal is as hard and fast as they say on the MKI 850s

That is true nowadays as most have been gone through and painted black.
Even the 750's had silver barrels. The exception was the Combat which had black barrels.

The issue is the barrels are cast iron and rust up after time. Most people paint them black on tear down.
They look nice and hold up better.
It really only matters if one is trying to do a 100% concours resto......
Or, spotting the rusty, silver barrels gives some insite if top end has been apart.

Or, the barrels have been painted in place, brushed or sprayed.

Regardless, you have a very nice bike there.
Enjoy it...

 

[jbruney]

I'm impressed. Very nice bike. Enjoy many miles.

 

[Eric Bauer]

That is true nowadays as most have been gone through and painted black.
Even the 750's had silver barrels. The exception was the Combat which had black barrels.

The issue is the barrels are cast iron and rust up after time. Most people paint them black on tear down.
They look nice and hold up better.
It really only matters if one is trying to do a 100% concours resto......
Or, spotting the rusty, silver barrels gives some insite if top end has been apart.

Or, the barrels have been painted in place, brushed or sprayed.

Regardless, you have a very nice bike there.
Enjoy it...

Gotcha, makes sense. I love the rough casting of the head. Cool stuff.