Best Sources for Parts?

Can someone please provide a list of reliable Norton parts suppliers (preferably in the US)? I'm sure I'm going to have a laundry list of needed parts, everything from clutch levers to side covers to fenders. I notice that some of the well known suppliers I see mentioned often do not have certain parts available. I've also heard that there are some scam artists operating on eBay. Who best to buy from?

Thanks.

Bonwit said:

Can someone please provide a list of reliable Norton parts suppliers (preferably in the US)? I'm sure I'm going to have a laundry list of needed parts, everything from clutch levers to side covers to fenders. I notice that some of the well known suppliers I see mentioned often do not have certain parts available. I've also heard that there are some scam artists operating on eBay. Who best to buy from?

Thanks.

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I like Phil Radford at FairSpares and British Cycle Supply. Phil is very good at patient advice, and he answers his own phone. Avoid eBay.

I"ve heard there's a certain individual near the Chicago area on E-bay that is a notorious scammer, so I'd avoid purchasing from that area unless you're convinced your guy is on the up-and-up. As far as body parts, I'm sure others on the forum have vast experience with who might be a good candidate? For my money, however, I can't tell you how much I've noticed variabilities in cost from one dealer to another. Some dealer may have an electronic ignition, say, for $150. The next guy wants $210. The guy that wants $210 may have a speedo gear box for $50 less than the other guy, though, so there's no rhyme or reason to their costing. Shop around for the best deal and try to avoid crap parts. E-bay is fine for simple aftermarket items and genuine used parts from individual sellers. I've found it's sometimes cheaper to go overseas because of the exchange rate. It doesn't take that long to ship, either.

OldBritts on the west coast is one of my favorites. There are a couple of eBay vendors that are good - CommandoSpecialties and Steadfast Cycles. And Jim Noll (British Bike Connection).

I've used Old Britts, Raber's Parts Mart, Fair Spares, M.A.P. and Clubman Racing Accessories. All are good people to deal with. Some are very knowledgeable. I would caution, parts pushers are not necessarily mechanical geniuses. If it's information you need there are other reliable sources. Leo Goff of Memphis Motor Werks is an excellent source for the Norton engine. No one knows more about motorcycle brakes than Michael Morris of Vintage Brake. Although I've not dealt with them I understand Matt of Colorado Norton Works is second to none. As for ebay, if you know what you are looking for and the seller has 100% feedback of fifty or more items and offers to refund, I would not hesitate to buy. I had one jerk try to screw me with a non-motorcycle ebay purchase. Pay Pal refunded my money within two weeks.

As previously said stay away from a seller with British and Chicago in the name. I had to go to the Attorney General in Chicago to get my money back because he kept sending me the wrong parts and then just quit. It took me about a year and a half. All the others mentioned I have dealt with and are fine. Walridge is good too, but the exchange rate is not so good now, last year it was like getting a 20% discount. Just shop around for the best deal. Nuts and bolts if they are UNF or UNC can be purchased much cheaper if you go to a nut and bolt supplier, especially for the SS stuff. The washers on the Norton are a funny size and must be purchased from the Norton suppliers.

Dave
69S

I've used DomiRacer, Old Britt's, and Clubman Racing, all with good results.

For most of my parts, I have a local guy, Wes Scott Cycles, in Oakland Park, FL. I find it easier to just run over and pick up what I need. I've met a couple dozen other old british bike owners there, too, and he puts together rides every few months.

Last ride, back in May, had about 30 bikes - not a button in the entire group!

I don't see where you are in your post, but I live in San Mateo and have been using Rabers in San Jose since I got this Norton.
It would be nice to have a place near you.

Cookie said:

I don't see where you are in your post, but I live in San Mateo and have been using Rabers in San Jose since I got this Norton.
It would be nice to have a place near you.

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I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. This is a great forum!

Bill T,

I sent Wes Scott an email requesting information on one of his restos. His reply was prompt and very thorough. Speaks well of him. Thanks for letting us know of his existence.

BTW, do you ever visit Gulfstream Park?

JimC said:

Bill T,

I sent Wes Scott an email requesting information on one of his restos. His reply was prompt and very thorough. Speaks well of him. Thanks for letting us know of his existence.

BTW, do you ever visit Gulfstream Park?

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I haven't been to the races at Gulfstream since I was about 14, going with my grandfather - horses and slots aren't my thing. I did go there a few times back in High School - they used to hold concerts there when the horses weren't running (They used to rotate racing between Gulfstream, Calder and Hialeah, so each park sat empty most of the year). Saw Rod Stewart there in '75.

SCCA used to hold Solo events in the parking lot, too. (did that a couple of times 8) ).

Additional thumbs up for Matt Rambow at Colorado Norton Works and Fred and Ella Eaton at Old Britts. I've done a ton of business with each of them and couldn't be more satisfied. Top notch.

I've done very little business with Phil Radford/Fair Spares but what little I did was quite satisfactory also.

Have done a bit with Commando Specialties and British Bike Connection/Jim Noll also, also top notch.

It's really nice that there are so many great suppliers/advisers out there for the Commando. Makes life a whole lot easier. When combined with the also top notch advice and comfort from fellow owners like those here and on other sites. This is still by far the best. Not condescending, just passing on information.

Good luck!

Almost all OEM parts I needed came from oldbritts.com
Great experience all parts shipped correctly by Ella the first time.
Fred was most knowledgeable with all questions.
They have a great tech site.
I wish I could do all those mods they are something else.
Stay away from the pattern taiwan parts. Coils are ok
but the shocks were sucky and the muffler bushing studs had to be hack sawed shorter to work.
They ripped in 2 months of riding and had to be replaced w/ Norton ones from Old Britts.
All the vendors mentioned are excellent.
My exhaust down pipes were from Commando Specialities and I am very pleased.
Ebay is a good source as cited earlier for orig.takeoffs. I purchased a new brake pedal cause I wanted orig. chrome
off ebay and paid a fraction of what a new one cost. You must ask the right questions as you get what you see and sometimes it isn't
accurately described. Most sellers try to describe to their best of abilities just not experts on commando parts.
I too have stayed away fom the Chicago vendors as I have taken the forums advise.
No need to experience disappointment first hand.
There is enough vendors out there to chose from.
Hope this helps you get started.

I have had very good luck with:
Old Britts
Rabers
Fair Spares

As stated before, that thieving rat in Chicago is definitely one to stay away from. I tried one transaction before I knew any better. A disaster.

You asked for suppliers in North America, but don't overlook Andover Norton. I buy stuff from them and it arrives just as quickly as with US suppliers. I just bought a new fork slider and received it within 5 days of placing the order. They've been very responsive to me. Also, depending somewhat on the exchange rate, they can be cheaper than the US sources.

I also buy Amal spares directly from Burlen in the UK. Also fast response and usually cheaper than the same parts from a US source.

Would like to add two pence here,
If you start with the right commando and use a reputable vendor the Norton experience will be as refreshing as if you were back in the 1970's minus woodstock.
I have had nothing but enjoyment since I bought my combat 5 years ago. When I learned I had a combat and heard the horror stories I thought I made a mistake. But the combat is like have a 69 Z-28 vs a rally sport. They are guttsy enough to justify the fears but if driven sanely will last.
My friend has an orig orange combat w/ 30,000 plus miles and he still rides it daily. That alone put my fears aside.
Hope you enjoy the commando experience as much as I am. The road is just different on a commando. Hey that soundslike a commercial :twisted:

I would think that nearly all Combats were caught by the recall campaign and got the new bearings. They tried to get all of them.

Corona850 said:

As stated before, that thieving rat in Chicago is definitely one to stay away from. I tried one transaction before I knew any better. A disaster.

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That would be Marshal. I heard from another vendor that he has moved on. Reinvented him self in some new iteration.

Speaking of parts sources ...

I was watching these fork top-bolts on eBay because the chrome is flaking off mine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NORTON-F ... 06.c0.m245

They went for $62 plus shipping.

New ones from Andover Norton are £9.70 (i.e about $17) each, so $34 for the pair. I hope the winning bidder is satisfied that they got they're moneys-worth by paying nearly twice the price!

So. the moral is: Be careful what you pay on eBay 'cause it isn't always the bargain that it appears.

$45 for two polished stainless steel fork top nuts from Clubman Racing.