“One piece at a time.”

I recently had a discussion with a friend about parts availability for the Norton Commando. I told him that every part for my Commando is currently available and that I could probably build a complete bike from parts. So, my question is, how much would it cost me to build a mk3 Commando purchasing parts from Andover? Maybe someone from AN can enlighten us? Just curious.

Hi Larry, most likely not as much as trying to restore a 2004 Triumph Sprint ST 955i, simply because parts are basically unobtainable now??
I think the Commando would cost heaps more, but at least you can buy the parts, just need a bigger cheque book

Burgs

sorry, I’m too busy to get involved!

Larry S said:

I recently had a discussion with a friend about parts availability for the Norton Commando. I told him that every part for my Commando is currently available and that I could probably build a complete bike from parts. So, my question is, how much would it cost me to build a mk3 Commando purchasing parts from Andover? Maybe someone from AN can enlighten us? Just curious.

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Don't forget to start with the horn

Larry S said:

I told him that every part for my Commando is currently available and that I could probably build a complete bike from parts.

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Close-to, but perhaps not quite "every part" is currently available as a recently manufactured part because although pre-Mk3 crankshafts are available I don't think anyone is currently supplying new Mk3 crankshafts.

I believe the Mk3 rear hub is also currently unavailable as a 'newly manufactured' part.

Larry S said:

I recently had a discussion with a friend about parts availability for the Norton Commando. I told him that every part for my Commando is currently available and that I could probably build a complete bike from parts. So, my question is, how much would it cost me to build a mk3 Commando purchasing parts from Andover? Maybe someone from AN can enlighten us? Just curious.

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Can't say, but I can say that someone in the US starting with a $3200 disaster of a titled, numbers matching, donor 850 (not MKIII), with usable frame, cases, crankshaft, rods, head, and gearbox guts, wheel hubs, caliper, master cylinder, you'll be in about $11,500 when done ($8,300 in new parts). My guess would be around $35,000 to build one if you bought all possible parts new from AN (they are missing a few important parts). I think a MKIII would be more/harder.

Can’t say either but ya might find this interesting, 100% non authentic Harley Pan-head 21,000 ish

Jackman said:

Can’t say either but ya might find this interesting, 100% non authentic Harley Pan-head 21,000 ish

Replica 1948 Panhead Bike Kit Restoration Finish 55-5008 | Vital V-Twin Cycles

Purchase a Replica 1948 Panhead Bike Kit Restoration Finish 55-5008 for your Harley-Davidson or Indian motorcycle from Vital V-Twin Cycles. Your source for V-Twin aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories.

vtwin.parts

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Wow. That’s impressive. Tempting even !

Fast Eddie said:

Wow. That’s impressive. Tempting even !

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They’re impressive I’d like one but probably won’t happen.

I’ve seen them assembled and on display at an antique motorcycle meet one has to look hard to notice their not genuine Harley Davidson , created by Vtwin manufacturing a local company that is huge in V twin parts .

Fast Eddie said:

Wow. That’s impressive. Tempting even !

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I agree
It's not overly expensive either for the amount of work we are talking
I doubt you could register it as new vehicle over here?

Nice video of V twin’s replica , the guy in white is the founder of the company. It’s a pretty good video the bike is really well made probably better than the real thing.

marshg246 said:

Can't say, but I can say that someone in the US starting with a $3200 disaster of a titled, numbers matching, donor 850 (not MKIII), with usable frame, cases, crankshaft, rods, head, and gearbox guts, wheel hubs, caliper, master cylinder, you'll be in about $11,500 when done ($8,300 in new parts). My guess would be around $35,000 to build one if you bought all possible parts new from AN (they are missing a few important parts). I think a MKIII would be more/harder.

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Thanks for the estimate Greg..

Did not the VOC build up a Vin from parts a while ago?

Onder said:

Did not the VOC build up a Vin from parts a while ago?

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Yes they did.

I believe it was mainly done as a PR exercise to prove that they can, and thus demonstrate their spare parts coverage, rather than being an attempt at actually producing a viable saleable product.

Jackman said:

They’re impressive I’d like one but probably won’t happen.

I’ve seen them assembled and on display at an antique motorcycle meet one has to look hard to notice their not genuine Harley Davidson , created by Vtwin manufacturing a local company that is huge in V twin parts .

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A whole bike of V-Twin brand parts would be a nightmare. Quality ranges from passable to catastrophic. Just fitted one of their kicker arms to my Sportster. It bent after three kicks. A maleable casting instead of the original drop forged alloy steel. I should have known better, having used V-Twin parts in the past...

Larry S said:

Thanks for the estimate Greg..

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Another consideration for the US. At least in VA, you could get a "reconstructed" title that might or might not be transferrable to another state. More importantly, VA would assign a VIN based on the year titled and who made it. So, if you did it this year:

1) It would not be a Norton on the title or registration.
2) It would be a 2023 bike
3) It could not have an historic plate for another 25 years.
4 You would pay full sales tax based on the value of a new 2023 bike.
5) Besides normal titling and registration fees there are extra fees for the special title.
6) The country would want their annual Personal Property tax based on the value of a new 2023 bike.

I was offered this route to resolve my latest nightmare with my 74 850 rider, but the VA DMV lady offering it told me all that to discourage me from doing it.

ya, no to V-Twin, aka "Taiwan Ted"
One could probably do the same for Norton using aftermarket parts... how to build an inferior replica:
along with
"EMGO works with several Taiwanese factories and imports their output to the USA and, increasingly, all over the world... About 10 years ago, the company started a catalog specifically for classic bikes... A challenge has been the perception of a percentage of the public that Taiwanese factories produce inferior products..."

Sharing experiences of replica parts.​

"Among many considerations, two are of importance: Quality and if it fits correctly..."

YukoNorton said:

"EMGO works with several Taiwanese factories and imports their output to the USA and, increasingly, all over the world... About 10 years ago, the company started a catalog specifically for classic bikes... A challenge has been the perception of a percentage of the public that Taiwanese factories produce inferior products..."

EMGO Motorcycle Parts

EMGO offers a wide range of motorcycle parts and accessories, including filters, sprockets, mufflers, and more.

www.motorcyclepowersportsnews.com

​

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Ya, I've written a few times here about EMGO. IMHO: Exhaust - excellent, Roadster Tanks - way better than originals, Roadster Side Covers - better than originals but the oil tank cover comes without the built-in standoffs. Most electrical parts - crap. Handlebars - Excellent (can usually find them on Amazon inexpensively).

The big issue is that they sell only to distributors/dealers that can take a container load. The next to last load of Roadster tanks and side covers were split between JRC Engineering and Wassell - both don't sell direct. I bought four sets. When I ran out, the side covers were no longer available except from resellers at extreme prices and there were 5 tanks left so I bought them. I see that Wassell has plenty tanks in stock again and JRC lists them as in stock - still no side covers.

marshg246 said:

Ya, I've written a few times here about EMGO. IMHO: Exhaust - excellent, Roadster Tanks - way better than originals, Roadster Side Covers - better than originals but the oil tank cover comes without the built-in standoffs. Most electrical parts - crap. Handlebars - Excellent (can usually find them on Amazon inexpensively).

The big issue is that they sell only to distributors/dealers that can take a container load. The next to last load of Roadster tanks and side covers were split between JRC Engineering and Wassell - both don't sell direct. I bought four sets. When I ran out, the side covers were no longer available except from resellers at extreme prices and there were 5 tanks left so I bought them. I see that Wassell has plenty tanks in stock again and JRC lists them as in stock - still no side covers.

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If anyone is experiencing issues sourcing EMGO tanks in the UK (possibly EU, not sure about shipping?) give me a shout

I cannot answer directly. As an Order of Magnitude comparison I built a bike with a 'Norton' engine between 2009 and 2015. I had as a start a frame, a rear hub and not much else usable.

I purchased some parts twice and didn't use one. I used engine parts that are more expensive than AN parts, mainly those that were not available from AN in the spec I wanted.

I used Maney cases and crankshaft, Fullauto head, JSM pistons and long rods. Custom made engine plates, fork yokes, fuel tank, manifold and exhaust and front hub. Maxton front fork legs and rear shocks, AP brakes. TTi gearbox, Norman White belt drive. I made a range of spacers, brackets and mountings myself.

My spreadsheet tells me I spent £25K. That was up to testing and racing from mid 2015. You better believe I have spent more since then, it is a race bike, but if it was a road bike, apart from consumable like tyres and chains I would not have spent much.

I didn't think AN currently supplied a crank of any description, the early one on the site looks a lot like a used part?

But suitable stuff is available. Heads are Fullauto supplied via AN or others depending on location as available to them from Johns Sneed. Molnar/TGA are now able to supply an 89mm crank, cases and barrels.

I don't have, isolastics, chrome mudguards, electrical system with lights and generator or an electric start, so add £5K if you are doing this to high spec.

I would say that using AN parts and uprated parts where sensible, today it should be £30K to 35K Order of Magnitude. You will also have a huge bill for shipping and then inspections/registration as demanded locally. (In France I do not think it would not be possible to register it as a new bike because you would not have a Certificate of Conformance)

Donor bike with an existing identity and in as good a condition as you can find is a really, really good idea.