Looking for some top restoration shops?

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trstahly

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I have been looking for a super nice or properly restored and preferably recently restored 1975 850 Mk III. So far I am familiar with CNW and some other shops but haven't really found who the top restoration shops or individuals who restores Nortons. I have about given up and toying with getting a used modern Triumph in frustration and putting all this aggravation behind me. Much rather find a Norton but heck I cannot spend my life searching for one either. But so far other than Ebay or cycle trader I cannot find anything and there is very little on either of them. I have search Facebook marketplace in all the metro areas, Google searches of all kinds and keep coming up empty handed. I know Baxters get some but it would be nice to have someone else to check instead of being at the mercy of one shop with a builder they claim is excellent but nobody knows anything about, Don Hoff.
 
Where are you located for one thing? I don't think you can go wrong with CNW or NYC Norton. There are other good ones too, and a lot of restorer wannabes and BSers. Greg Marsh in VA has done some really nice bikes but may be overwhelmed with work.
Russ
 
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Don
Where in the US are you? What is your experience with Commandos or other British bikes? Just trying to get a feel for your expectation. Old motorcycles in general can be a love/hate thing.
Try searching classifieds at the Norton club websites.
www.inoanorton.com is one, but mostly east coast stuff.
 
Nicely restored Commandos come up all the time on Bring A Trailer. You will pay $12k+ but that’s actually quite a bit cheaper than contracting with a shop to restore one for you. Plus much quicker.
 
www.accessnorton.com

1975 MK111 Commando Interstate, Black

Two possible reasons this complete, beautiful and faithful example of British Motor Bike history remains available are being addressed today June 20, 2022, namely pricing and title. 1) For a limited period the asking price is reduced from...
www.accessnorton.com www.accessnorton.com
 
ILLF8ED said:
Don
Where in the US are you? What is your experience with Commandos or other British bikes? Just trying to get a feel for your expectation. Old motorcycles in general can be a love/hate thing.
Try searching classifieds at the Norton club websites.
www.inoanorton.com is one, but mostly east coast stuff.
Click to expand...
Never owned one wanted one when they were new now after 48 years of Harley's I would like to get one. I am somewhat skeptical of an older British bike with their quirks vacillating between a Mk III and a late model Triumph T100 that I can start and ride with few worries.
 
trstahly said:
Never owned one wanted one when they were new now after 48 years of Harley's I would like to get one. I am somewhat skeptical of an older British bike with their quirks vacillating between a Mk III and a late model Triumph T100 that I can start and ride with few worries.
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Go for the modern Triumph.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Go for the modern Triumph.
Click to expand...
That is my feelings too I am adding on to my garage which will be 8-car with a marble 48"x48" floor MB GLS AMG 63, Ferrari 458 spider, Aston Martin Rapide S, Ferrari 308 GTB since new, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, Cadillac CTV-5 Blackwing in six months, MB GLS 550 and my 2007 Screaming Eagle 110 Dyna Wide Glide and golf cart. I want a lighter bike that sits more upright with no windshield to take out and ride in the country for an hour or two. My first bike was a 74 Yamaha 650 modeled after a Bonneville but always liked Nortons. Almost 70 now and I am not into problems or oil leaks. I want something I can fire up ride and park. Still want a yellow Norton someday but for now I am going to ride my buddies modern Triumph and that will tell me right away.
 
trstahly said:
That is my feelings too I am adding on to my garage which will be 8-car with a marble 48"x48" floor MB GLS AMG 63, Ferrari 458 spider, Aston Martin Rapide S, Ferrari 308 GTB since new, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, Cadillac CTV-5 Blackwing in six months, MB GLS 550 and my 2007 Screaming Eagle 110 Dyna Wide Glide and golf cart. I want a lighter bike that sits more upright with no windshield to take out and ride in the country for an hour or two. My first bike was a 74 Yamaha 650 modeled after a Bonneville but always liked Nortons. Almost 70 now and I am not into problems or oil leaks. I want something I can fire up ride and park. Still want a yellow Norton someday but for now I am going to ride my buddies modern Triumph and that will tell me right away.
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Like I said, go for the modern Triumph.

However, as you seen to have a penchant for exotic automotive stuff, you could do worse than check out your local MV Agusta dealer…
 
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There’s nothing like a Norton for a quick adrenaline filled ride and the modern Triumph for reliability for longer trips.
 
If you own a Norton you got to have a love of working on them, same as anything that is getting up there in age and nothing better than restoring your own bike, I am lucky I have best of both worlds my Norton and my modern Triumph Thruxton, but I do like doing my own rebuilds/maintenance and my Norton was my first ever build and the best thing doing your own work you get to know your bike and that helps if it lets you down on the side of the road plus putting your trust in someone else doing the restoration even good restores can have bad days and if I break something on my bikes I got to fix it as can't afford to pay someone else to do it.
The cost to restore a old bike these days is getting beyond it on top of buying the bike in the first place, ok if you have the money to do so but where is the joy of someone else doing the job.

Ashley
 
kansascity.craigslist.org

1975 Norton MK 3 Commando - motorcycles/scooters - by owner -...

1975 Norton MK 3 Commando, which my client has owned and maintained since June of 1990. He knew the original owner and was present when he purchased it at Engle Motors in Kansas City. It has 8827...
kansascity.craigslist.org
philadelphia.craigslist.org

1972 Norton Combat - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

Norton Combat, the Combat has higher compression and a modified cam which was factory. Starts easy and runs good and idles, still has factory points. It shows 3600 miles on the clock. Dave Taylor...
philadelphia.craigslist.org
buffalo.craigslist.org

Norton Commando 1975 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

For Sale is an immaculate 1975 Norton Commando Mark III Roadster. Black with gold pin-stripes. This motorcycle is the last of the famed British, Norton Commandos to be imported to the USA. As such...
buffalo.craigslist.org
newyork.craigslist.org

1972 NORTON Cammando Combat - motorcycles/scooters - by owner -...

AUCTION 1972 Norton Commando Combat in the classic black with gold graphics. One owner since 1980, never molested and owned with care. This semi restored example has perfect professional paint with...
newyork.craigslist.org
austin.craigslist.org

Norton 1974 Cafe - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

Excellent Running and Riding 850cc Norton. Matching Numbers, Texas Title. This is an outstanding Norton that's been in a display of British Bikes. This one needs nothing and is ready to ride. Also...
austin.craigslist.org
westernmass.craigslist.org

1971 Norton Commando - Very Original - motorcycles/scooters - by...

I am the second owner of this 1971 750cc Norton Commando Roadster. It has been in storage since 1976. It was put into running condition in 2014 but has not been used since then. It is in very...
westernmass.craigslist.org
Something a little different: https://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/d/pawcatuck-1963-norton-electra/7456832962.html
losangeles.craigslist.org

1971 Norton Commando - Dunstall - motorcycles/scooters - by owner -...

This Dunstall motorcycle's authenticity was researched meticulously and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the Norton Andover England Despatch Records dept, showing motorcycle #143230...
losangeles.craigslist.org
losangeles.craigslist.org

1974 Norton Commando 850 - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

In 1974, the writing was on the wall for the British manufacturers as they were gasping for air while the hi-tec Japanese motorcycles were taking over the entire industry with the inception of the...
losangeles.craigslist.org
losangeles.craigslist.org

1974 JOHN PLAYER 850 NORTON COMMANDO - motorcycles/scooters - by...

Triumph Classic Motorcycles (TCM) 1281 Logan Ave. Costa Mesa, CA 92626 sales(at sign)TriClassic.com, www.triclassic.com 1974 JOHN PLAYER 850 NORTON COMMANDO RACED IN EUROPE * New Tires, Brakes,...
losangeles.craigslist.org
slo.craigslist.org

Norton commando S - motorcycles/scooters - by owner - vehicle...

Very nice rare commando S, Was overhauled by Dale Collinton a few years ago. About $5000. Electronic ignition. Actually starts one or two kicks. Over all very, nice. Numbers matching. New AMAL...
slo.craigslist.org
Just to give you a feel of what is out there and the price range.
 
trstahly said:
That is my feelings too I am adding on to my garage which will be 8-car with a marble 48"x48" floor MB GLS AMG 63, Ferrari 458 spider, Aston Martin Rapide S, Ferrari 308 GTB since new, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, Cadillac CTV-5 Blackwing in six months, MB GLS 550 and my 2007 Screaming Eagle 110 Dyna Wide Glide and golf cart. I want a lighter bike that sits more upright with no windshield to take out and ride in the country for an hour or two. My first bike was a 74 Yamaha 650 modeled after a Bonneville but always liked Nortons. Almost 70 now and I am not into problems or oil leaks. I want something I can fire up ride and park. Still want a yellow Norton someday but for now I am going to ride my buddies modern Triumph and that will tell me right away.
Click to expand...
" 8 - car with a marble 48" x 48" floor " ....... These vehicles you speak of .......... Matchbox o_O
 
trstahly said:
That is my feelings too I am adding on to my garage which will be 8-car with a marble 48"x48" floor MB GLS AMG 63, Ferrari 458 spider, Aston Martin Rapide S, Ferrari 308 GTB since new, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, Cadillac CTV-5 Blackwing in six months, MB GLS 550 and my 2007 Screaming Eagle 110 Dyna Wide Glide and golf cart. I want a lighter bike that sits more upright with no windshield to take out and ride in the country for an hour or two. My first bike was a 74 Yamaha 650 modeled after a Bonneville but always liked Nortons. Almost 70 now and I am not into problems or oil leaks. I want something I can fire up ride and park. Still want a yellow Norton someday but for now I am going to ride my buddies modern Triumph and that will tell me right away.
Click to expand...

Are you keeping score, or...is this a pissing match? Maybe a dick measuring contest?
Of course its all true being the internet, even for the posing trollers.
With such a wide collective offering worth north of 3 million bucks soon to be sitting on the marble floors in your garage... you somehow can't seem to readily source out a properly restored or original low mileage 75' Mk. III?
With your claimed stable of exotics and specialty vehicles, finding the desired Commando of chosen color could be completed with one phone call.
Post some pics of your final purchase, never have I seen a Commando dripping oil on a marble floor.
 
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How about some suggestions for qualified engine building, machine work and repair? I get a lot of requests for this info and have a site listing repair shops for those who are searching. I'm currently updating the list and would like to add to it. See the list at:

jsmotorsport.com

JS Motorsport - Engine Builders

Dean Collinson's TT Cycle 9211 Elizabeth Lake Rd Leona Valley, CA. 93551 ph. 818-288-2539 deancollinson@icloud.com Kenny Armaan McGlincey Lane, Campbell, CA 95008 ph. 408-626-0061 Marine Crankshaft…
jsmotorsport.com
 

ENGINE DYNAMICS

ENGINE DYNAMICS, motorcycle performance, cylinder heads, performance kits
www.enginedynamics.com

small engine machine shop in Petaluma, CA. ++++
 
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