68-69 Commando S

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Of course, I realise value is subjective but a market does exist so I have to ask. The seller has a price, just doing my homework with people in the know. I wouldnt be buying the bike to flip it, it's a good deal, I've always wanted a Norton and I'm looking to expand my mechanical knowledge outside of Japanese bikes. 3k is about what I expected.

Now, about all those extra parts you've got...
 
68-69 Commando S


Just checking my image uploading. Thanks for the tip!
 
NPeteN said:
As the bike stands, what are we looking at regarding a number figure?
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The title/frame/engine/trans numbers are the critical factors when determining value here.
The first thing I would look at is the title and the steering neck numbers.
If the numbers are mixed up and the frame numbers don't match the obvious model - what you have then is a pile of parts.
$2500 - $3500 would be my guess.
 
DogT said:
Wiring in the headlamp looks original.
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Headlamp isn't (H4 not BPF).

DogT said:
I don't think that 14xxx number is real for that frame. It's certainly an early S type frame, the centerstand mounts on the frame, not the gearbox cradle which would be 71 and newer, I think. Headlamp halo is also a give away.
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141046 could be an early Roadster with an 'S' exhaust system.
 
Dutch said:
That front wheel sure looks like it doesn't line up with the rear.
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Yes it does look a bit funny in that photo. I would have noticed any frame or fork damage, the bike was ridden with no issues and put away in 1985, heated basement. I'll check lines when Im back.


L.A.B. said:
Headlamp isn't (H4 not BPF).



141046 could be an early Roadster with an 'S' exhaust system.
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I'll make sure I get all numbers.
 
The original headlamp will say Lucas on it (outside on the front) and will have a hole in it in the top for the 'parking or running' light. I'm not up on bulbs, it just plugged in the headlamp, LAB will know better than I. Yes if you can get anything off the plate on the headstock that would help muchly. It's stamped so there should be something there, even a date. And engine number on the exhaust side which will be hard to see because of the pipes and also the top of the gearbox. How are you going to deal with no title if I may ask? 135088 is supposedly the last S type but as LAB says, it could be a 70 Roadster with the S pipes on it. Doesn't matter. Only difference from 70 Roadster and S was the exhaust and associated parts. If the price is right I'd buy it, especially if it's under 3-4K but I'm not up on current prices. All the extra parts I have are old ones that I replaced, you wouldn't want them.

The engine color is right, they were originally silver colored for that year/model, so it may have never been apart. The mik will be fine as long as you're not going to race it, from what I hear, I have no experience there, still using my Amals. Old Britts will have some parts for the early bike, but mostly just maintenance things like washers, etc. You can download the spares book here. http://www.eurooldtimers.com/eng/manual/76-norton-750-commando-1968-1970-.html

85 is about when I put mine away, but I put it in a humid barn so this one is much better as far as the chrome etc. Good luck.
 
Great, thanks again for the info and resources. Is there a decent link to a downloadable service manual or should I count on having to order a hardcopy?
My state doesn't require a title to register a bike older than 1972, just went through it with a 71'CL450. Vermont will just about give anyone a registration which can then be turned into a title in your state.
Here are the details for anyone interested.
http://www.chinonthetank.com/2014/04/get-a-title-with-a-vermont-registration/

I will check for everything mentioned and certainly get back here with my findings and a potential project thread. Thanks Dog.
 
Thanks for all the reference materials everyone. Literature is key. So, the deal was too good to pass up. I'm now the owner of this bike. Both the neck and engine numbers match 141046.
Looking forward to getting situated here and creating some sort of project thread for you guys. I'll do some digging around on the site for info here and there. Thanks for helping me through the discovery process everyone.
 
Not difficult to get rid of $10K for a restoration. That’s with you doing most of the labor. Multitude of upgrades that make a Commando a damn nice bike.

When you consider that bike is 40 years old there is hardly a thing that won’t need to be replaced, refurbished or at least checked.
 
Yes, I am familiar with the process. I suspect things may be more pricey with the Norton but I am well accustomed to the pitfalls . I've got you all to guide me through anyhow! Must be worth something I'm sure...
 
NPeteN said:
Thanks for all the reference materials everyone. Literature is key. So, the deal was too good to pass up. I'm now the owner of this bike. Both the neck and engine numbers match 141046.
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141046 is a number that is well into the 1970 model year and after the "published" serial number for the last "S". Could be a '70 Roadster, but I would bet it is a late 1970 'S". I don't put much stock in 135088 being the last 'S".
 
Ron L said:
141046 is a number that is well into the 1970 model year and after the "published" serial number for the last "S". Could be a '70 Roadster, but I would bet it is a late 1970 'S". I don't put much stock in 135088 being the last 'S".
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Yes, seems things we're often played fast and loose with #'s back then. I've heard plenty of stories about mismatched title years and VIN numbers on Brit cars from the era. Wouldn't be surprised if a set of S pipes made it onto a late # frame as you've said.

Dutch said:
For a small fee you can contact - https://www.vmcc.net/
They will look up the factory records and show how that bike was configured when it left the factory.
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Thanks for the tip, I'll be focusing my wallet on the mechanical bits first, paperwork comes after.
Thanks again all.
 
Paper work and factory config is irrelevant. Dealers would switch them out for what customers wanted.
It's the process or road traveled, not the price.
 
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