Advice on price on the Commando (2013)

Hello to All

I bought a 750 Commando and have now discovered that the engine and frame numbers indicate that I have an earlier Mk.lV 745cc engine from 1972 in an 828cc Mk.l frame from 1973. This checks out with the VIN plate showing 1st. Jan 1974. So, the original engine, which would have had the same number as the frame, has been replaced at some stage. And this is according with and correct with the log book which has been updated with the replacement engine at some point. I am based in the U.K and I really like the bike and would like to keep it, but would ask if this would effect the re sell price and I paid 6k for the bike.

Thanks Jason

Jason1966 said:

This checks out with the VIN plate showing 1st. Jan 1974.

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I take it you mean the registration document (V5C) is dated (first registered) "1st. Jan. 1974" and not the actual date stamp on the frame certification plate, as a 'day' date stamp on the plate would be unusual?

Jason1966 said:

I am based in the U.K and I really like the bike and would like to keep it but would ask if this would effect the re sell price

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Well, yes, and no.
Collectors or investment buyers will probably regard a non-'matching numbers' machine as being worth something less than top money. Other future prospective buyers may not really be bothered-or may not know-until they do their homework, but what's the problem? If you intend to keep it, and ride it, then the resale value shouldn't really be all that important-unless you are an investment buyer? :wink:

Thanks L.A.B, for the heads up.

And yes the registration document (V5C) is dated (first registered) "1st. Jan. 1974"

And no I am not an investment buyer but you never no in the future if I fancy a change of bike.

Thanks Jason.

The fact that the engine and frame are not matching, and engine numbers indicate it's made at a different time than the frame, would negatively effect the value if you ever sold the bike. % of value drop could vary dramatically depending on who buys the bike of course. Lets put it this way, it definitely will not increase the value of your bike.

Collector talk be far differing from rider talk methinks.

Torontonian said:

Collector talk be far differing from rider talk methinks.

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Quite!

In the UK at least, 850s seem to be slightly more desirable than 750s, and matching numbers are clearly more 'desirable', based on discussions with those who know, and sell to collectors.

My take is the value also has a lot to do with what the current condition is, and the quality of the work done on it in recent times; i.e. its rideability

The value associated with matching numbers seems more relevant to rare bikes, IMHO, and Commandos aren't really that scarce?

Pose value at the Sunday brew-stop has prolly more relevance than what it looks like in a glass cabinet - they're not Vincents or MVs :roll:

I saw a youtube clip from an Aussie documentary about Ducatis, and the subject 750ss was 'too valuable to actually start up' so they had a 750GT ride past instead!
FFS, what's going on!?

To my mind, what makes Commandos so desirable is the fact that they're still fast and reliable enough to be practical in a way that very few other classic bikes can achieve, so if it looks good as well...

Thanks to all for the advice

P.s I ride my bike in all weather all year round and I am no collector :shock:

Hi,
But the numbers of the gearbox  is that of the engine, frame or other than both?
Ciao.
Piero

Jason1966 said:

Thanks to all for the advice

P.s I ride my bike in all weather all year round and I am no collector :shock:

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Sad truth is Commandos are ridden less each year and moving to collector status. I wouldn't worry about it if you are enjoying riding the machine at the present.

I'm told that if your numbers don't match, the local supermarket can refuse to sell you Grey Poupon

B+Bogus said:

Quite!



Pose value at the Sunday brew-stop has prolly more relevance than what it looks like in a glass cabinet - they're not Vincents or MVs :roll:

I saw a youtube clip from an Aussie documentary about Ducatis, and the subject 750ss was 'too valuable to actually start up' so they had a 750GT ride past instead!
FFS, what's going on!?

.

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I can't speak for the Ducati people but the Vancouver Vincent Section are riders.
Last week on tour of Vancouver Island.
Two bikes, four people, some luggage and a whole lotta torque.
Hadn't been out on it for awhile and I had forgotten how good they are.

Honestly, I have never understood why matching part numbers matter?
If a gearbox or a crankcase were originally built at the factory with questionable parts or was unfixable and the owner made the decision to replace those parts with better, more perfect, parts I would view that as a positive. So educate me as to why all the part numbers have to match to be seen as more valuable?

If your bike looks good and runs well 6k is a good price I'd say. It increasingly hard to find a one that's both for much less than 8. You're going to end up spending money either way it's just the nature of these bikes and the owners who (my self included) worry and fret over every little thing. Mission shift is strong. I don't think yourll ever lose money on that and it will grow. The Norton buyers guide doesn't give a huge credence to matching numbers unless it's a rare model.

Enjoy your new bike