Newbie here and a prospective buyer. I now own Harleys and I want to add some Brit MC's to my garage. I'm looking at a 1973 decals say 750 Commando. The present owner claims the engine is an 850. If the engines differ, what distinguishing physical differences are there? Does any part of the VIN depict what engine it is or supposed to be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Jim.
750 or 850 ?
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Guido
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OK Gentlemen, you've helped me to determine the has a 750 engine #220***, please excuse my ignorance but now I'm confused that the VIN on the frame reads (850 9111***). Can this possibly be the original engine ? ? ? Does the "850" part of the VIN mean it should have a 850 engine ?
Many thanks, Jim.
Many thanks, Jim.
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JJGAR said:
Yes, it would've had an 850 engine, originally.
That frame number is more likely to be 850 F111***.
The number stamped on the top lug of the gearbox casing would also have matched the original 6-digit engine number.
There would also have been a certification plate riveted to the headstock originally, and this would be stamped with the same 6-digit number as the engine and gearbox and usually the month/year of manufacture. Presumably the plate is missing?
The F111*** number would date the frame to around mid-1974: http://atlanticgreen.com/commandoframes.htm
Again thanks, LAB. I'm getting info second hand from a very close friend (who knows even less than I about Nortons) as the bike is a little distance from me. Now that I've learned from you that the bike is not original, I'm a bit less interested in owning it. I assume an "all original" is significantly more desirable and thus more valuable. Agree ? It's in great shape, non elec, runs well, tires, chrome, paint all good and the asking is $4,000 USD. I'd love to own it, but hesitant, as you can plainly see.....
I'll inquire about the plate and confirm the numbers on the tranny case just for S&G's.
Many Thanks, Jim.
I'll inquire about the plate and confirm the numbers on the tranny case just for S&G's.
Many Thanks, Jim.
In my neck of the woods, $4k for a complete and going Commando is an absolute bargain !!
Couldn't even buy a basket case for that price.
And in 1973, Commandos came in either 750 or 850 versions, same cycle parts more or less.
Bit of a worry that the owner claims not to know its not an 850 though....
Couldn't even buy a basket case for that price.
And in 1973, Commandos came in either 750 or 850 versions, same cycle parts more or less.
Bit of a worry that the owner claims not to know its not an 850 though....
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JJGAR said:
As these bikes are now regarded as "collectors' items" then if you were to buy it, the fact can't be ignored that as it's not a "matching numbers" machine, that will tend to reduce its value in the eyes of potential buyers when you eventually decide to sell it on, however as Rohan has pointed out $4,000 is probably a fair price if the overall condition is, as described.
JJGAR said:
The whole matching numbers thing is only for those who see the bike (or car or other vehicle) as an "investment opportunity".
If you want to make money there are easier an less risky ways than old bikes. Remember it will always cost more than you think it will an take longer to fix up to before you see a return on your "investment"
But numbers wont stop it running or you enjoying it if you ride the thing which is after all what it was made for.
You can't see the numbers as you ride it so who cares what they say.
JJGAR said:
It sounds like a bargain an if it runs then it is at that price. Here in England then $4000 (US) is about £2600 (sterling) an people ask that (and get it plus more) for a wreck with half its parts missing an whats not missing is worn out.
Take a look on Ebay at whats for sale and what has already been sold to give yourself an idea of what else you might get for your money.
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Guido said:This is a 850 engine.
Note the base of the barrels on the side.
An 850 has thru bolts, a 750 has nuts and studs on the side holding it to the case.
A Mighty Fine looking 850 Indeed!
JJGAR said:
They come up on the British Ebay site regularly which is not a great deal of help to you but it would give you an idea of what to expect.
You could take some pictures an ask folks on here what they think but that takes time an the seller may not want to wait.
Look on the for sale part of this forum and others that are local to you and read parts suppliers websites to get an idea of costs.
Always assume the worst and you will not be disappointed.
Its an old bike that has been put together using different parts so its not going to be wonderful. But then again looking on here at what some have built an you will see what is possible.
Just be realistic about your own abilities and if have tìme money an motivation for the project. Then if you like many of us here become infected with a Norton disease you'll just buy it anyway
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Buy it. If it runs and looks good....it's a steal. Don't worry about the numbers not matching because by the the time you make it the way YOU want it, it won't be a "stock" bike anyway.
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