Advice for first time buyer

Hello to all. I recently got the idea to buy an example of the motorcycle of my high school (Class of '72) dreams, the Norton Commando. Just a couple hours ago my local Craigslist popped up a first time listing for a 14,000 mile unrestored '73 850, for $5,000. I am thinking this is a good price for a good daily driver. I responded to the ad and I am wondering what are the five or ten things I ought to look for, if I were to go check it out.

Here are the photos with the ad, and the text of the ad: "This Norton is completely stock with no modifications and 14K original miles. This motorcycle is in good running condition. It has had some extended periods of sitting (garaged) and needs some TLC, but it is as good as it gets at this price."

If it has a clear title I would think this is a good deal and will sell fast.
Of course it will need a thorough inspection prior to riding condition.

Edit: If you go look at it, take a spark plug wrench. Pull the plugs and kick it over with your finger over the spark plug holes. If the kick through blows your finger off the hole, that's real good.

Good luck.

Where are you located? Prices will vary by location but that sounds like a good price in the US to me from what I've seen.

I'm new to the Norton world myself and am still learning but one thing I know you'll want to check is the isolastics on the engine. You're looking for a minimal amount of side-to-side play in the rear wheel. I'll leave it to the experienced (& eloquent) guys to tell you how to best check.

Hello 180,

I would grab it at that price for a good original runner. Check for loud knocks and smoke when its warm. Check it shifts thru all gears.

Good luck

You have my permission.

Hi, welcome to the forum. That's a good price. It may be gone already. Beware the scammers... they use classic bikes for bait as, ahem, sometimes, "elderly" people :shock: :lol: are drawn in and aren't quick to spot a sleazeball scammer. Are you an experienced horsetrader? Cash and expediency rule. Good luck!

does the owner have service records?
is he a fastidious type?
if so...
go for it!

Didn't the 73 850's have silver pin striping?

If it is even close to as advertised and you can get it for 5 K USD, buy it right now!

Dkt26 said:

Didn't the 73 850's have silver pin striping?

Click to expand...

The colored ones did, but the black'n'gold was black'n'gold.

That appears to be an exceptionally original bike.
And should be snapped up at that price ?.
Assuming its as good as claimed.

Rohan said:

Dkt26 said:

Didn't the 73 850's have silver pin striping?

Click to expand...

The colored ones did, but the black'n'gold was black'n'gold.

That appears to be an exceptionally original bike.
And should be snapped up at that price ?.
Assuming its as good as claimed.

Click to expand...

Oh
My black version has silver pinstripes. I just assumed it was across the whole 73 range of 850's
I thought the B&G came on board for the mkii but you learn something everyday.
I always wonder why the mkii is considered more collectible. I would have thought the debut model of a series would have had greater collectability.

If the title is good,and she turns over,sounds like a good deal to me.

Let's hope he has his trailer on, knuckleball of Ben's in hand headed there now. :mrgreen:

tomspro said:

does the owner have service records?
is he a fastidious type?
if so...
go for it!

Click to expand...

While service records would be great to have I would think a moot point now.
Check the overall condition, clear title and free turning engine.
Good luck and let us know.

Like others have aready said it looks and reads like 5K is a good price.
However a bike of this age with those low a miles with lengthy periods of not running will need at least a surface refreshing of carbs, brakes, tires if hard or cracking, etc.
Sounds like engine internals could be ok without opening it up.

My point is are you willing and able to get your hands dirty bringing it up to road worthy condition.
If yes you will find the factory maintenance manual and parts book necessary.
A number of good parts suppliers out there but my personal favorite is OldBritts with a great website and fast friendly service.
Folks on this forum will be very helpful if you have questions and can describe them clearly and pictures usually help.
There are threads already on this forum you may want to look up before asking questions that may already have been discussed such as oil
(Hi Zinc content), tires, Carbs, Isolatsics, Ignitions (points and elctronic) Swing Arm bushes, Lay Shaft Bearing (A biggy) etc.

Working on your bike yourself becomes a bonding experience whereas finding a mechanic you can trust and paying for it isn't as cheap or as much fun.

Welcome
Let us know how it turns out. We're rooting for you.

I would have thought it would be sold by about the time the 3rd reply to this thread was posted.

Drive fast.

grandpaul said:

I would have thought it would be sold by about the time the 3rd reply to this thread was posted.

Drive fast.

Click to expand...

LOL. Yes, if it had been me, I wouldn't even have asked about it here for fear someone else would jump on it!

Some basics. Look at the screws and nuts/bolts to see if it looks like an idiot has been working on the machine. A decent mechanic will not have rounded things off or stripped out screw slots. If you see signs that these are abused then assume they did the same thing to the stuff you can't see.

Russ

No matter what, you're going to work on it sooner or later. Check cables, tires, compression, and shifting. Looks good. How does it sound? It IS a good price if it is rideable right now. Hmmmm, where is it? I may go buy it myself. Pay cash in person. Get pink slip and Bill of sale. Enjoy!

Either he's out buying it or it's gone, the PO still only has 1 post since Friday.

I saw a 69S go for less than 4K about a year ago, but probably not as good a shape (not running) if the current offer is real.

We need to know.