1975 Norton Commando 850 - 26 Original Miles

There was a batch of untouched crated Commandos for sale a few years ago

I think they sold for around 18K ?

If it was me, I would bring it to the Barber Vintage Festival this year, they have an auction there and the bikes can be viewed and purchased before the actual auction. There are people from all over the world there looking to buy. Your Commando with 26 miles would be inquire. I don't know the auction terms, a call to the Museum would probably be a good start. Who knows? Keano Reeves might just walk in with 30k cash. Many well heeled classic bike enthusiasts go to the Barber.


Good luck, MF

seadog57 said:

I am looking at purchasing a 1974 roadster with 4600 miles on it. It was "restored" in 06. It was recently ridden 10 miles. It was basically "furniture" in the guys house. I believe in "Ride it don't hide it". I plan on upgrading it. From what I've read, I'll be installing the electronic ignition and coils, and the barnett clutch plates. Is the new wiring harness and headlight harness a good idea? I also plan on installing the neoprene rocker gaskets. What else would be recomended to do? I appreciate any input. thanks

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With only 4600 miles, what is wrong with the points??? Mine had 4200 miles on it when I found it in a barn and it starts first or second kick with the points. And just remember, points will always get you home, same can't be said for electronics. If you want to upgrade something, stick in the hardened anodized slide in the carbs. Maybe upgrade the layshaft bearing. otherwise leave it alone.

Mine had the Barnet plates in when I got it. they didn't work worth a shit. could not get the clutch to operate properly so bit the bullet and bought the stock bronzed plates. Has worked perfectly every since.

I can't tell you how many guys I've riddent with that 'improved' their commandos or triumphs and I enjoy the hell out of watching them kick and kick and kick to try and start them when my old bird that is box stock fires right up.

Get it running first as it is, fix only what is broken, and see how it works. you might be amazed. once you have it all sorted mechanically and working great, then tear down and make it pretty. Only thing I had to do was paint the frame and polish things to dress it up (after I washed off 25 years of dust and bird shit). She's been a gem since, and that was 6 years ago.

rpearson said:

Does anyone know the estimated value of a 1975 Norton Commando 850 Electric Start. It has only 26 miles on it (all put on at the factory) and has never been titled (have the MSO).

It is in mint condition.

Let me know if you would like more information. Thanks!

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My MKIII has only 5 miles on it. They must have been satisfied by the test run. It was $2250 but it got weathered one winter a few decades ago and the crisp new is gone... though the tires still have nubs. Yours may be worth double that, Mine will come apart before I use it to do a cam change and the usual other upgrades and refreshing of aged rubber. It's been a great research vessel for the last few years...an unmolested new bike.