Identifying / valuing a Commando 750

radix99 · Jul 30, 2019

Hi All,

This is possibly a basic question. I'm not a Brit bike guy, my oldest bike being a 1988 Honda Hawk GT, but an opportunity has come up to purchase a 1972 Commando 750. Pictures are here (https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=MWZoR1EwUlVCa1JFT3pzdnlsU2pqNWVoNzcwMGp3), about 4 photos in.

Can anybody offer up any insights as to that bike? I did a cosmetic look-over and it looks good. From what I was told it "hung up" in 3rd gear not too long ago, i.e., it won't shift or go into neutral. Prior to that it was supposedly running well. I don't have a lot of details as the owner recently passed away so this is all second-hand info.

I had a bunch of bikes to look at (see the remainder of the album) so I didn't take the time to pull frame/engine numbers since I didn't know where to look at the time. I went into this pretty much blind, only knowing that there were "a bunch of British bikes for sale".

If anybody wants to offer up a "here's what I'd pay for that" kinda number, I'm all ears. I've already put out a preliminary offer on the Commando, the blue BSA, and the green BSA Gold Star, as a set. But I'm curious if I'm waaaaay off the mark. I found a value of similar condition running Commandos of around $7 - 8k and knocked off ~25% for it being non-running and with a lot of unknowns. But maybe that's crazy. I haven't committed to anything yet!

Thanks!

NPeteN · Jul 30, 2019

Buy it, I'd say your assessment is fair. As a bundle you may be able to work out a nice deal for yourself.

Rebuilding the gear box is no great task. You won't regret making the purchase.

No interest in the beamers??

kommando · Jul 30, 2019

That gearbox issue could be as simple as the hair spring is badly adjusted or has broken. Best to take it apart and check the layshaft ball bearing has been upgraded.

radix99 · Jul 30, 2019

NPeteN said:
No interest in the beamers??

Right after we took the photos we heard that the really clean R90/6 sold. A shame, I would have been very interested in that too! The other one (R60/5) is a little rougher and may be pushing me quite a ways out of my restoration skill set. I think if I pick up the three I mentioned I'm going to have my hands full for a while!

Once my deal is secured I'd be happy to share contact details if anybody is interested in the remaining bikes. These are in western North Carolina. The owner who passed away seems like he was an exceptionally awesome guy. It's kinda sad to see his collection being liquidated, but I suppose that's how it goes for all of us eventually.

NPeteN · Jul 30, 2019

radix99 said:
Right after we took the photos we heard that the really clean R90/6 sold. A shame, I would have been very interested in that too! The other one (R60/5) is a little rougher and may be pushing me quite a ways out of my restoration skill set. I think if I pick up the three I mentioned I'm going to have my hands full for a while!

Once my deal is secured I'd be happy to share contact details if anybody is interested in the remaining bikes. These are in western North Carolina. The owner who passed away seems like he was an exceptionally awesome guy. It's kinda sad to see his collection being liquidated, but I suppose that's how it goes for all of us eventually.

Yes, I would have jumped on that R60. You won't regret buying the Norton. Most any part you need is readily available and it's a hell of a bike.

Get your wallet ready for a workout!

ILLF8ED · Jul 31, 2019

radix99 said:
Hi All,

This is possibly a basic question. I'm not a Brit bike guy, my oldest bike being a 1988 Honda Hawk GT, but an opportunity has come up to purchase a 1972 Commando 750. Pictures are here (https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=MWZoR1EwUlVCa1JFT3pzdnlsU2pqNWVoNzcwMGp3), about 4 photos in.

Can anybody offer up any insights as to that bike? I did a cosmetic look-over and it looks good. From what I was told it "hung up" in 3rd gear not too long ago, i.e., it won't shift or go into neutral. Prior to that it was supposedly running well. I don't have a lot of details as the owner recently passed away so this is all second-hand info.

I had a bunch of bikes to look at (see the remainder of the album) so I didn't take the time to pull frame/engine numbers since I didn't know where to look at the time. I went into this pretty much blind, only knowing that there were "a bunch of British bikes for sale".

If anybody wants to offer up a "here's what I'd pay for that" kinda number, I'm all ears. I've already put out a preliminary offer on the Commando, the blue BSA, and the green BSA Gold Star, as a set. But I'm curious if I'm waaaaay off the mark. I found a value of similar condition running Commandos of around $7 - 8k and knocked off ~25% for it being non-running and with a lot of unknowns. But maybe that's crazy. I haven't committed to anything yet!

Thanks!

You haven’t owned anything older than an ‘88 Honda and you’re now looking at multiple Brit bikes. Why?

jbruney · Jul 31, 2019

I know....those poor homeless Beemers.

swooshdave · Jul 31, 2019

illf8ed said:
You haven’t owned anything older than an ‘88 Honda and you’re now looking at multiple Brit bikes. Why?

You have to learn somehow!

ILLF8ED · Jul 31, 2019

swooshdave said:
You have to learn somehow!

I was thinking one at a time.

Woody850 · Aug 1, 2019

I would go for the Norton, lots of Beemers over here.

baldy · Aug 1, 2019

Non running commando good shape typically sell 3 to 4 k range. Numbers match increases value. 1972 commandos need extensive engine upgrades to be reliable. Search this forum for upgrades.

dynodave · Aug 1, 2019

That engine is 20M3S, so not a combat. But rolling chassis seems to be as a 72. Fiberglass tank is not desirable. $3-4+k is reasonable.

ILLF8ED · Aug 3, 2019

dynodave said:
That engine is 20M3S, so not a combat. But rolling chassis seems to be as a 72. Fiberglass tank is not desirable. $3-4+k is reasonable.

Hi Dave

Possibly is a ‘72 combat that the engine blew and was replaced with a 20M3S. The ‘72 engine breather is there, moved to the timing chest. Just me, I wouldn’t want this one.

dynodave · Aug 3, 2019

illf8ed said:
Hi Dave

Possibly is a ‘72 combat that the engine blew and was replaced with a 20M3S. The ‘72 engine breather is there, moved to the timing chest. Just me, I wouldn’t want this one.

How the history is made does not usually add value$. I just try to see and identify what is there...good or bad.
However a 20M3S is typically accepted as the best of the single chain 750 engines as the 200000/combat cases are thinner and more prone to crack when stressed. TC Christenson hog slayer shows pix of 20M3S engines. I'd take a 20M3S any day... over a 200000

DogT · Aug 3, 2019

I've got my running, good shape 70 S (Apr 69 production date) for sale and I can't even get interest at $9K. That says something.

NPeteN · Aug 3, 2019

DogT said:
I've got my running, good shape 70 S (Apr 69 production date) for sale and I can't even get interest at $9K. That says something.

9k buys A LOT of modern and classic motorcycle.

Anyone willing to drop 9K on a classic bike probably has the extra $$ to buy top of the line.

Good luck with the sale. It's hard out there!!

grandpaul · Aug 4, 2019

DogT said:
I've got my running, good shape 70 S (Apr 69 production date) for sale and I can't even get interest at $9K. That says something.

Having to let go after all these years? Sorry, dude...

ILLF8ED · Aug 4, 2019

dynodave said:
How the history is made does not usually add value$. I just try to see and identify what is there...good or bad.
However a 20M3S is typically accepted as the best of the single chain 750 engines as the 200000/combat cases are thinner and more prone to crack when stressed. TC Christenson hog slayer shows pix of 20M3S engines. I'd take a 20M3S any day... over a 200000

I was just pointing to it’s likely a bitsa which makes it much less desirable and valuable to me. Opinions differ as to best of the 750s.

radix99 · Aug 5, 2019

Thanks for the feedback, everybody. Based on this I've decided to leave the Norton on the market for somebody else. Maybe if I knew these bikes I'd be more willing to take on "a bitsa" (I like that term, new to me) and get it sorted out, but I'm completely inexperienced with these. I was hoping for something a liiiiittle more turn-key, maybe with minor things here and there. That's more up my alley.

JimC · Aug 5, 2019

radix99 said:
Thanks for the feedback, everybody. Based on this I've decided to leave the Norton on the market for somebody else. Maybe if I knew these bikes I'd be more willing to take on "a bitsa" (I like that term, new to me) and get it sorted out, but I'm completely inexperienced with these. I was hoping for something a liiiiittle more turn-key, maybe with minor things here and there. That's more up my alley.

Smart man!