What to buy ?

[Ride To Live]

I've just been through test riding and possible purchase of the 961 Cafe, but after test riding it I found it to be very underwhelming. Sòooooooo if I were to seriously consider an older Norton which I have always loved, what bike model & year should i look for ? I would wand left hand gear change, and to purchase something that has all the upgrades necessary to make these bikes as reliable as possible. I would want a bike that hopefully appreciates in value but also one I could ride frequently because I can't be happy just looking at a bike. Can you guys educate me on what to search for an how much I should pay to find a bike in pristine condition. Any & all advice appreciated. I have only ever owned one older English bike, a 77 Bonnie which I loved, never had an issue in the 4 years I owned it, so I assume I got lucky with it and someone had done the necessary upgrades.

 

[robs ss]

Buy a MKIII restored by Colorado Norton Works (cNw)
Only MKIIIs had LH change.
You could find/build a bitsa - any previous year commando (1967 - 1974) with MKIII transmission

 

[worntorn]

The CNW bikes are expensive but tend to hold their value very well.
If the funds are available, it would be a good way to go.
If you decide to sell it at some point in the future, most of the money comes back.
In the meantime you are riding an excellent machine.

Glen

 

[Ride To Live]

Buy a MKIII restored by Colorado Norton Works (cNw)
Only MKIIIs had LH change.
You could find/build a bitsa - any previous year commando (1967 - 1974) with MKIII transmission

Thanks, I just started to wonder if i could get used to a left hand gear change, probably ? I wonder if you could check out a bike on Bike Sales for me, I think it is a 74 model Commando asking $32000 and red in colour. It is a complete ground up rebuild and I love the look. What would you say is a realistic asking price ?

 

[Ride To Live]

What would you expect to pay from CNW including shipping etc ? Also, what is the reliability of these bikes with modern upgrades -- eg; what mileage (not fuel mileage) could I expect to get from an engine, and what kind of servicing is necessary ? Are there any years which should be avoided when purchasing a Commando or any years which are more collectable or thought of as the better model.

 

[NORTSTER1974]

There's a 1973 850 CNW for sale right now on Ebay.US. $16,000 or $16,500 Buy it now. For $32,000 I guess everything would be gold plated at the least. Maybe solid gold. Pre 75, the shifter is on the Right. As far as getting used to the gear change position, it's kind of like deciding which leg to put in your pants first.

 

[Time Warp]

$32,000

That is around US$23000 in Australian currency and that CNW bike would probably cost US$20000 by the time you landed it plus on road costs.
#
The two Commando's on Bike Sales are very expensive at $32500 and $35400 even if they look nice.
The red bike looks very well built but the no air filters and less than 500 kms (300 miles) ridden would put me off.

If you only have one Brit bike under your belt a bike with proven reliable mileage might be a safer bet.

Somethings remain the same, spend lots of money does not guarantee getting it or anywhere near that back.
I have maybe $21000 in my 850 but that includes $7500 in the crank, wheels and cylinder head, I would have thought it might be worth somewhere in the $14500 to $16500 range but might be out of touch with Actual selling prices.

https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/norton/

 

[Ride To Live]

Thanks, so what would you be willing to pay for the red bike ?

 

[Time Warp]

Thanks, so what would you be willing to pay for the red bike ?

I personally only buy old bikes that I will rebuild myself and am not a fan of the painted guards, Corbin seats or 18 inch rear rims as I only like Norton Commando's as they were built or in a close likeness.
Even though that is great looking bike which looks to be built with both skill and pride, it is not my 'cup of tea so can not answer that question.

 

[robs ss]

Thanks, so what would you be willing to pay for the red bike ?

You had noted that the red bike is RH change?

 

[robs ss]

What would you expect to pay from CNW including shipping etc ? Also, what is the reliability of these bikes with modern upgrades -- eg; what mileage (not fuel mileage) could I expect to get from an engine, and what kind of servicing is necessary ? Are there any years which should be avoided when purchasing a Commando or any years which are more collectable or thought of as the better model.

Matt has just advised he's not making any more machines to customer specs - he will be making some to his specs that will be for sale - but that's in the future.
He has "pre-owned" cNw machines (which ones aren't?) on his site listed between $17,500 to $39,000 (USD) - see: https://coloradonortonworks.com/pre-owned-cnw-machines/
My cNw bike cost around $1700 AUD to ship to Australia.
GST is extra, of course, and the advice I received is don't try to be too clever here - heard of machines standing "open" in customs yards while they "investigated"
I have no conflict of interest here but, I can say, his workmanship and attention to detail is superb.
If I wanted another "completed" machine I wouldn't hesitate to look for one of his.
They do turn up, even on eBay, sometimes - so keeping an eye on sales forums is wise.
Regards
Rob

 

[robs ss]

What would you expect to pay from CNW including shipping etc ? Also, what is the reliability of these bikes with modern upgrades -- eg; what mileage (not fuel mileage) could I expect to get from an engine, and what kind of servicing is necessary ? Are there any years which should be avoided when purchasing a Commando or any years which are more collectable or thought of as the better model.

I see he says machine #110 will be on the "pre-owned" site soon
It is a MKIII roadster and looks good, has dual Keihin FCRs and Showa/Twin Brembo front end (I have both on mine and am very pleased) - You can see it here: https://coloradonortonworks.com/110-2/

 

[Ride To Live]

There's a 1973 850 CNW for sale right now on Ebay.US. $16,000 or $16,500 Buy it now. For $32,000 I guess everything would be gold plated at the least. Maybe solid gold. Pre 75, the shifter is on the Right. As far as getting used to the gear change position, it's kind of like deciding which leg to put in your pants first.

Can you give me the link to this bike, i can't find it ?

 

[Ride To Live]

Any response to my questions above regarding reliability etc ?

 

[gortnipper]

Imho, reliability these days is mostly a function of the maintenance/upgrades done by the previous (or current) owner (s).

A good wrencher, and good parts will give good reliability compared to overall shininess.

Then again, these bikes are 50 years old, and are on average not as turnkey reliable (for the most part) as modern bikes.

But there are many of us who wouldnt hesitate to take them out for a week on the road. With tools, of course, and a willingness to improvise.

 

[Ride To Live]

Ok so what kind of things can i expect to have to fix on the road with my tool kit and what maintenance is necessary to keep these bikes running without too many issues ? I seem to remember a problem with the Nortons from my early years having issues with something in the bottom end of the engine ! Can't remember what ? I am also interested in how many kms you can expect to get from one of these engines if looked after ? And, are there any models/years that I should avoid when buying ?

 

[Time Warp]

I seem to remember a problem with the Nortons from my early years having issues with something in the bottom end of the engine ! s that I should avoid when buying ?

You are probably thinking of the Norton knock knock joke which ended with a smoking con rod exiting the cases.

Buy an 850.
If the crankshaft has a reliable source of clean oil.
If the camshaft components get along.
If the valve guides, valve seats and head gasket joint are stable.
If you don't send the tacho needle into a frenzy every time you ride it.
If like any old mechanical thing, if you devote some time to it as upkeep.
You will be fine.

Does 900RS mean Kawasaki ?

 

[Ride To Live]

You are probably thinking of the Norton knock knock joke which ended with a smoking con rod exiting the cases.

Buy an 850.
If the crankshaft has a reliable source of clean oil.
If the camshaft components get along.
If the valve guides, valve seats and head gasket joint are stable.
If you don't send the tacho needle into a frenzy every time you ride it.
If like any old mechanical thing, if you devote some time to it as upkeep.
You will be fine.

Does 900RS mean Kawasaki ?

Yes I own a Z900RS (retro special) copy of the old Z and a great bike to ride. Thanks for the feedback about the smoking conrod, but what about my other questions, lol.

 

[gortnipper]

Riding these old bikes, you have to be a willing troubleshooter. Many things are typically minor, and many are age or vibration induced.

If you can time your own motor, change your battery and oil, set your valve clearances, change cables with confidence and some joy, then you can learn how to figure out the rest.

You would do well to read some of the threads in this forum and the rebuild forum threads. The.latter are more involved, but show a lot. The former will give you an idea of more regluar stuff.

A good CNW or other reputable rebuilders recent work would give you a great lauch pad for reliability.

If you buy just any bike that has not been gone.through thoroughly in recent years, even one that runs well, you need to understand that these are 50 years old and most of the rubber bits and wiring insulation is likely perishing and needs refurbishment.

And that is the start...

 

[Ride To Live]

Thanks gortnipper, I can do most of the stuff on your list myself & I suppose I could learn to do valve clearances if it is mot too involved ? Are there any reputable builders in Australia that you would suggest I am safe buying a bike from ?