Moved: 1970 Norton Commando

If someone wanted to buy a 1970 Norton Commando Motorcycle in excellent condition, what would be considered a reasonable purchase price?

Welcome dee,

I moved your post from the Anything else Motorcycle Related section, as this is a genuine Commando topic, so will get more views here in the Norton Commando section.

Sorry, I can't really help with any advice over purchase price, (as I live in the UK) but we have many US members here who will be able to offer advice.

I sold a nice running 1970 to a gent down south stock accept for paint work and tail light and rack added.About two years ago for right around 2000.00 plus shipping. That included a tune up. He still rides it says it runs much better than his very expensive eBay bike that was all pretty and no go.But I don't think I could find another one like it at that price. The 70's have some special parts be sure they are all in place. A short list: Chain guard, Triple trees, oil tank and lines,front fender. Nice little machine kinda stand out.

Tough to say what would be fair, as excellent condition might be somewhat subjective from person to person. I can tell you from my recent experience that there will be things, and maybe more than a few, that will need attention after the purchase, especially if you're not familiar with this particular make and don't know what to look for or ask about.

I wish mine was just a matter of turn the key, kick, and ride, but it wasn't. I thought it was in very good to excellent condition and it probably was, but I still encountered little surprises along the way. All of these surprises will cost you money. I'd say expect anywhere from $4000-$6500, unless this is a primo bike and then they'll expect more money back to recoup what they put into it. After buying it, ??? If you do buy it, only replace what you have to at first. That's my advice, anyway, for what it's worth.

Right - Even if in excellent condition they are high maintenance. I bought mine new in '72 and have learned to become a mechanic over the course of my life. It is not so much that it will let you down and leave you stranded on the road (although it has happened to me!) but there is a lot of tinkering - checking and adjusting things, that is part of normal ownership. Even the CNW $24K bikes will require this if ridden. So they are not for appliance riders.

Maybe not relevent but i paid 9k for my 1970 S 750, original excellent condition here in Aus ,theres lots less Nortons here and the price reflects that , Most adverts i see for top condition commandos ( well advertised as that at least) here range from 8 to 14K , . Maybe a person should do the sums on importing a bike or two from USA going by some of the prices i see there

Cheers
Rob