Combat Purchase

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worntorn said:
"Dad, I met a nice girl. She's a 43 year old pornstar addicted to heroin, but I think I can change her"
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This is both funny and true in regards to this bike!

Seeing as how opinions are solicited here is mine. I wouldn't buy this unless I had some experience with modified Commandos or a very real interest in learning about modified Commandos and had money to invest in the pursuit. I suspect there are people here who would love to get their hands on a Mick Hemmings big valve head. I have no idea what it might fetch if you sold it. Maybe enough to by a Fullauto head. Maybe. How many hours or miles are on that head? If the seller actually has the stuff to turn it back into an Interstate, those parts are worth something. Steel interstate tanks are not inexpensive to buy, if you can find one. So the asking price of the bike is not really that high if you like the idea of getting lots of cool parts. If I had 6 grand sitting around looking for an investment I might buy it just for the "stuff".

I think the perfect first Commando is an unmolested 850 that shifts on the right (as in correct) side. They are the easiest to work on. Glen makes a good point that the Mk3 has modifications that the earlier bikes strive for, but I have to admit I am prejudiced toward a right shift bike because in my opinion it is the real deal. And they are actually pretty easy to figure out. I have always felt that the Mk3 was just another molested Norton. My flame proof suit is at the cleaners so I know I am taking a risk in saying that!

Russ
 
True, molested to make it hold together for longer.;)
Right or left shift isn't a biggie for me as I'm stuck with both types anyway.
For the OP it might be nice to have left shift and Estart if he is accustomed to that.
 
profdave said:
Yeah, and I haven't kicked over a bike since the mid-90's. If this one would be stiffer than a normal kick, I would be just asking for trouble.
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You just answered your own question. Move on and look for another bike.
 
Buying a mk3 is a good first Norton, IMHO. That is what I did, and I was happy with it. Buying a mk3 from a well established forum member who may be able to give you some insight is miles better than an ex race bike (which will have been thrashed, by definition) from an unkonwn person on CL is rolling the dice and hoping for the best.
 
You can certainly make that into a nice to ride combat interstate. I own one and it is delightful to ride. Also a beast to kick start. At $6000 expect another $2000 to reconvert back to stock pipes, seat, etc. Or use the $8000 and get a well sorted out stock 850 commando.
 
profdave said:
I have posted elsewhere in this forum that I have always wanted a Commando, but never ridden one, though I have been riding for 40 years. Now, I am going to look at a Commando with a Combat engine. Don't think it was original since it's on a '73 bike, and I thought combats are on '72 bikes.

The seller told me, "The engine was modified with superblends,4s cam ,60 over 11 to 1 JP pistons, head was sent to England install big valves by Mike Hemming ,Mikuni bore 34mm, Paxton ignition, belt drive , high output coil and much more." I honestly don't know much about it, though I have read whatever I can put my hands on. What should I look for? What should I ask about?

Thanks.
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That's a lot of mods for a first-time Commando owner! In fact I'm not sure I would want to keep it running.

This is a long way from being ready, but if you have you heart set on a Commando Combat, look here: http://gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton_1972.aspx. It will not be perfect restore it will be an extremely nice rebuild to stock and it is numbers matching and titled.

The plan is to show it at the end of May and then sell it unless someone buys it first.
 
Okay. You made your point. I guess the Maine bike is too much for me. Maybe I will rethink Jimbo's bike in Illinois or I could also look at a nice-looking runner in Vermont (closer).
 
profdave said:
Okay. You made your point. I guess the Maine bike is too much for me. Maybe I will rethink Jimbo's bike in Illinois or I could also look at a nice-looking runner in Vermont (closer).
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There are a lot of Commandos out there, it would be great if you get a good one to start with.
 
better get in your car and go for a ride:)

Removed broken link
 
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