Interchangeable Parts

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baz said:
I've built quite a few bikes from what you have IE frame and cases
I really enjoy it
I once built a pre unit triumph from a deal on 3 gearboxes that's literally all I had ,but those bikes are simple to build
Never worried about how much they cost or what they are worth at the end of it
For me it's the journey and getting to ride what I've built at the end of it
I would guess the cheapest way to get a commando or any old bike is to buy a restored one
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100%!
 
norton73 said:
Where are you located?

Many years ago I bought a couple bikes off a friend. Included was a 74 850 he had wrecked in the early 80s. Basically, it was a complete bike in boxes minus the wrecked parts, fork tubes, front rim, frame, body work.
I sold the motor to a friend and used some of the transmission parts. Most of the rest of it is still kicking around, I know I have the cradle, not sure of the swing arm.
I'd be willing to part with most of the parts, but not big on the hassle of boxing them up.
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I'm interested. I'm in Westchester but I drive stupid distances for parts that make ne happy :)
 
illf8ed said:
Not trying to take the excitement out of it. The advise is good finding a nearly complete 850 will cost less overall. Merge the parts into one machine then sell off the extra stuff. If you intend to assemble this one then sell know that without the original gearbox with the same numbers as frame and engine this is not a matching numbers machine. Mixing different years parts is called a bitsa. Bitsa is valuable only to its owner.
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I'm not planning on selling this one. It will be for my personal use.

The frame comes with matching engine cases and matching tranny cases with title. For me that's a HUGE start. Believe me, I've started with much less...
 
Norcoastal said:
I'm interested. I'm in Westchester but I drive stupid distances for parts that make ne happy :)
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I am just outside Birmingham Alabama.

I probably won't have time this weekend, but I will try to inventory what I have left and am willing to part with in the near future.

Most of the remaining parts are in several kitty litter buckets that they came from my friend in. The cradle is still with the guy I sold the motor to, but I know he still has it. It wasn't included with the motor sale, it was just easier to move around as a unit. I will contact him if he's in town, I need to get with him on some other stuff too.

Actually, I owe him a beer or six for rescuing my wife with his trailer when her BMW broke down while I was out of town earlier this fall. If she'd been riding her Norton, she probably could have fixed it by the side of the road. ;-)
 
Well, you sound like you have no illusions as to what you are getting into, so best of luck to you. BTW, I am a transplanted Rockland county native. For many years I had a row boat on the cross river reservior and trout fished there.

Like I said before, you can look at the rebuild section here and see bike after bike go together, and you'll be on that path soon too. You can see other people's build progression and parts choices. The best thing IMO is when you get it done and have a beautiful, well sorted commando to ride. They handle really well and have a distinctive wide torque range which enhances their comfortable gait across their rpm range. There's so much to learn and know,... and you're at the right place for both of those...
 
If the builder is smart and does his homework the "bitsa" is likely to be the better bike.
I have both, "bitsa"s and originals. The originals set in the corner with 1/4 inch of dust.

You want to take my original, no big deal.
You want to take my "bitsa", only after you pry my cold dead fingers from the bars... :)
 
Most everything from 1971 forward are easily interchangeable, chassis wise.. Earlier bikes are different, central oil tanks, Halo headlight etc....
 
comnoz said:
If the builder is smart and does his homework the "bitsa" is likely to be the better bike.
I have both, "bitsa"s and originals. The originals set in the corner with 1/4 inch of dust.

You want to take my original, no big deal.
You want to take my "bitsa", only after you pry my cold dead fingers from the bars... :)
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When I die, my "bitsas" will be burned together with me, sutti style..:

Interchangeable Parts
pic share
 
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norton73 said:
I am just outside Birmingham Alabama.

I probably won't have time this weekend, but I will try to inventory what I have left and am willing to part with in the near future.

Most of the remaining parts are in several kitty litter buckets that they came from my friend in. The cradle is still with the guy I sold the motor to, but I know he still has it. It wasn't included with the motor sale, it was just easier to move around as a unit. I will contact him if he's in town, I need to get with him on some other stuff too.

Actually, I owe him a beer or six for rescuing my wife with his trailer when her BMW broke down while I was out of town earlier this fall. If she'd been riding her Norton, she probably could have fixed it by the side of the road. ;-)
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haha, I'm in NO hurry, this is a long term project and I'm going to fully enjoy every minute.

Yes please let me know what you have and how much you'd want for it.
 
Here's my bitsa
Since this photo a year ago it has grown an electric start a Corbin seat and a screen
I still need to repair the front mudguard
The wheels are apprila the forks Yamaha, braced swingarm, 4 isolastics belt primary etc etc
 

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Norcoastal said:
Hi

What do you have? I have nothing. A bare frame and engine case. I’m looking for all parts.

I’ve been known to jump in the car to drive the pick up parts, so send me what you have. And how much you’re looking for them?

I appreciate you reaching out, could be a big help.

Thank you
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Forks and triple trees
Front Wheel (no disc)
Rear Wheel (no brake)
Caliper
Have a cradle and maybe a swingarm, but would have to dig them out to know how usable.
Rear Fender (one new, one nearly new).
Tanks in various states
Front ISO Mount
Engine parts
1974 Frame
Have two gearboxes but I know one shaft is bent and I haven't determined what is usable.
Complete wiring harness (I always make custom harnesses so I have those from the donor bikes)
LOTS of new AN small parts.
LOTS of new AMAL parts
LOTS of new Tri-Spark parts

If you're building like I do, that's all I can remember. If you're not worried about looks, I have a lot of the hardware you'll need.
 
Norcoastal said:
Is that a Triumph Tr25W in the background? I just sold mine.
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In my pictures you might have seen a 70 Bonneville, three Tridents, and/or three Nortons. I sold a 69 BSA B25 Starfire this year that might have been in a picture.
 
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