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KNorton

KNorton

Joined
Jan 9, 2020
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Hi guys. I just joined this site in the hopes of learning everything I can about this beautiful motorcycle. I don't have a Commando yet but I'm still looking for one. Can someone enlighten me on what I should look out for when buying one?

BTW, my last name is Norton! Please call me Kris!
 
Greetings Kris.
Get an 850 is all I can say model wise.

I think looking for a complete as possible bike is the best route, even one that is set up nicely with some long time owning old codger handing the keys on.

They can be a money pit like any other relic.
General condition will tell you a bit and running condition even more, if in doubt find a club close by where there might be someone with hands on knowledgeable to look at a bike with you (if that is possible)

Avoid fibre/fiber glass fuel tanks for one thing.
 
Yes, more interested in the 850 because it seems like a more friendly daily rider than the 750. It apparently makes the same power as the 750 but at lower RPMs.
 
Torque more it has.

Look for a 1974 with a RH 10 cylinder head if there is choice... stamped on the top of the head but might be hard to spot with the head steady in place.

The exhaust port threads can flog out.

The more upgrades to make it reliable the better... Ignition, carburettors etc.
 
Any time I find one for sale it's over priced and the owner is extremely proud. They seem to be few and far between! In the last 3 or so years I have seen exactly 0 for sale locally. The closest ones have been hours away! I don't think I'll ever have a choice as to what year or what head! :)
 
They made over 50000 Commando's so shake more tree's, just watch out for the pigs with lipstick.
 
Post a thread in the Wanted forum... Maybe even FaceBook (two Commando pages)
 
Sounds like you may have to travel hours away in your quest - if in 3 yrs you have not found any locally.
I don’t know what your budget is but I think many , if not most , of us here are upside down on our toys . I personally have spent more on building them than I can reasonably hope to get back when selling , but I can say I built them - even if they break .
With that in mind make your choice and take the plunge .
 
KNorton said:
Any time I find one for sale it's over priced and the owner is extremely proud. They seem to be few and far between! In the last 3 or so years I have seen exactly 0 for sale locally. The closest ones have been hours away! I don't think I'll ever have a choice as to what year or what head! :)
Click to expand...
"Hours away" and that's a problem?
Hope you find one,they really are a superb bike but full of pitfalls
As timewarp says the 850 is a better bet but a 750 is easily upgraded
Ask here first , good luck
 
I don't want to put the OP off a 750 (If I thought they were that bad I would not have a 20M3S model.

The 850 has better engine cases and a few other things but the bikes are all fairly similar in running gear etc.
A 750 here but most like a 1972.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-Norton-commando/153789122481

This bike looks have its or original TEX Viewmasters also.

Hello!


If the OP wants a turn key bike even if it needs a little attention on the run, I doubt you would get any change from $4000 unless you can find a bike word of mouth.
There must be plenty of Commando's out there with the majority of them going to the USA.
Are you in Alaska ?
 
There are more Commandos in the US than anywhere else on Earth. And prices are low compared to Europe or Australia for example.

You really shouldn’t have much trouble finding a fabulous bike. You just have to be prepared to broaden the distance of your search and increase the distance you’re willing to travel.
 
jbruney said:
Lipstick on my old road whore is a tad smeared and her skirts a bit natty & stained, but she's got a permanent home.
Click to expand...

JB, from what I have read, you have looked after that Commando for a long time and in return it has delivered reliability with a few stories no doubt.
A few bumps and scratches would be expected along the way.
 
KNorton said:
Hi guys. I just joined this site in the hopes of learning everything I can about this beautiful motorcycle. I don't have a Commando yet but I'm still looking for one. Can someone enlighten me on what I should look out for when buying one?

BTW, my last name is Norton! Please call me Kris!
Click to expand...
Kris
Don’t forget the Norton Owners Club, if none for sale at your local/near club the members may know someone who knows someone with a bike .... plus they can help you to avoid the worst examples.
 
If I was your side of the Pond I would definitely be considering bidding on this one
 
You call those high Richard? My back and neck would be stretched to their limits with that being as low as I could possibly take.... Guess Too many accidents, falls, wrecks, & abuses have taken the toll on my carcass. I can't say old because there's an extremely well camouflaged 25 yr. old hidden in this body fooling the world.... aches, pain, and all else.

If I could afford it I'd have that little jewel to have and to hold, and concern myself with the gutty works as I rode it a bit learning her nuances. A little riding and she'll tell you her story and you'll get the truth of it. Someone cared more for her than just to flip for cash is apparent, but any old machinery could be subject to fail. The you rebuild it.
 
jbruney said:
You call those high Richard? My back and neck would be stretched to their limits with that being as low as I could possibly take.... Guess Too many accidents, falls, wrecks, & abuses have taken the toll on my carcass. I can't say old because there's an extremely well camouflaged 25 yr. old hidden in this body fooling the world.... aches, pain, and all else.

If I could afford it I'd have that little jewel to have and to hold, and concern myself with the gutty works as I rode it a bit learning her nuances. A little riding and she'll tell you her story and you'll get the truth of it. Someone cared more for her than just to flip for cash is apparent, but any old machinery could be subject to fail. The you rebuild it.
Click to expand...

These are the high bars in question, last photo.
Hello!
 
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