Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Combat

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

o0norton0o said:

It's hillarious to me that guys with non-runners want $5,000. for their "project" bike, like this unknown bike has a lump of gold as it's crankshaft counterweight...

here's a link to a 73 with rear sets, belt drive, and extra production racer tank and plastics for under $5,000. It looks like it lives in a garage. It runs, and looks like it's well taken care of... Granted you never know what's inside by what's on the outside!... but check this bike out on Charlotte's craigslist

The red frame is ugly to me, but it's not some rusty crap for $5,000.

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Oh Look. The Craigslist bike has a clear title too.

So why all the interest on an all original `72 Combat hand grenade? I thought an original Combat was to be avoided unless you really like working on bikes?
I understand these can be brought up to `73 specs and be fine motorcycles, but the past few years the "Combat" moniker now seems to have a certain cachet, a badge of honor.
Have the history books been re-written? There's probably a good reason this bike was stuck in the garage with 4800 miles.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

mschmitz57 said:

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So why all the interest on an all original `72 Combat hand grenade? I thought an original Combat was to be avoided unless you really like working on bikes?
I understand these can be brought up to `73 specs and be fine motorcycles, but the past few years the "Combat" moniker now seems to have a certain cachet, a badge of honor.
Have the history books been re-written? There's probably a good reason this bike was stuck in the garage with 4800 miles.

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Call me silly but I think an unrestored Combat will be the Ducati 750 Super Sport of Nortons in the future. Super rare and will have that rose colored tinted history. OK, call me real silly :wink:

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

jimbo said:

mschmitz57 said:

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So why all the interest on an all original `72 Combat hand grenade? I thought an original Combat was to be avoided unless you really like working on bikes?
I understand these can be brought up to `73 specs and be fine motorcycles, but the past few years the "Combat" moniker now seems to have a certain cachet, a badge of honor.
Have the history books been re-written? There's probably a good reason this bike was stuck in the garage with 4800 miles.

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Call me silly but I think an unrestored Combat will be the Ducati 750 Super Sport of Nortons in the future. Super rare and will have that rose colored tinted history. OK, call me real silly :wink:

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Yes, I think you're being a little silly. I've seen prices finally nudge upwards on Commando's the past 10 years but they're still a bargain (assuming you can spin some wrenches).
They sold a bunch of them though and a lot ended-up being "rode hard and put-away wet" in garages with less than 10K miles on the clocks. I'm sure all the Combat owners would agree with you. The 750SS's were produced in far smaller numbers and were coveted by their owners. I still can't quite understand the crazy prices for even the standard 750 Sport.
At least they didn't blow-up. On the other hand I'm pretty sure my `95 900 SS will never be worth more than a tatty old Combat I'm afraid.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

jimbo said:

Call me silly but I think an unrestored Combat will be the Ducati 750 Super Sport of Nortons in the future. Super rare and will have that rose colored tinted history. OK, call me real silly :wink:

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The 750 SuperSports were hand built in the race shop, using selected race worthy components.
Thats a long way from the Combats, that were slapped together with dodgy bearings, half baked ignition systems and poor valve geometry !!

The "goofed up frame plate" might take away some of the collectors value ?
We like your optimism though.... :wink: :wink:

I'm all in favor of preserving original Commandos though.
At the rate folks are hell bent on restoring them here, there won't be many left. !
I've been looking for an original black&gold roadster lhs steel 850 sidecover for such a project, but they seem unobtainium.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

Rohan said:

The 750 SuperSports were hand built in the race shop, using selected race worthy components.
Thats a long way from the Combats, that were slapped together with dodgy bearings, half baked ignition systems and poor valve geometry !!

The "goofed up frame plate" might take away some of the collectors value ?
We like your optimism though.... :wink: :wink:

I'm all in favor of preserving original Commandos though.
At the rate folks are hell bent on restoring them here, there won't be many left. !
I've been looking for an original black&gold roadster lhs steel 850 sidecover for such a project, but they seem unobtainium.

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Yep the original Norton stuff is going away, being restored ,repainted real fast. And you know that flies embedded in fiberglass fuel tanks are worth a whole lot!

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

I remember the original Commando paint jobs were pretty primitive. Sort of dull, orange peel, no such thing as clear coat in those days. The pinstriping rubbed off quickly. Some models used stickers for emblems. I imagine if an original bike had been pampered and waxed diligently it might look OK today. I can't imagine the eBay bike in this thread ever looking good without a repaint.

What's the best current process for replacing a title. Bonded title process?
I went through a title service years ago for my `71 Commando. I think it cost me $150. But I hear those days are long gone.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

I'd agree that the paint was a bit thinly applied and goes a bit dull.
But it can be polished up again, if you work at it.
It helps too if it was put aside and not used every day for the past 40 years....



Thre is quite a smattering of fairly rijjinal sidecovers on fleabay, when you watch.
Including even some in their original parts boxes as spares.
But no B&G lhs 850 ones....

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

mschmitz57 said:

I remember the original Commando paint jobs were pretty primitive. Sort of dull, orange peel, no such thing as clear coat in those days. The pinstriping rubbed off quickly. Some models used stickers for emblems. I imagine if an original bike had been pampered and waxed diligently it might look OK today. I can't imagine the eBay bike in this thread ever looking good without a repaint.

What's the best current process for replacing a title. Bonded title process?
I went through a title service years ago for my `71 Commando. I think it cost me $150. But I hear those days are long gone.

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You're right, my first 1973 black 750 I bought in 1977 looked old in my young eyes and I promptly got it repainted. Maybe I'm been trying to undo the unjust of that. But the ebay bike does have the original paint ( I think) and is the only one I have ever seen in recent times. Have you seen an unrepainted Model T Ford recently? Not too many around anymore, and not much of the paint left if you do , it was not very good to begin with .But the originality is something to treasure. The DOT officer looking at that bodged up data plate in his eyes going to have a problem trying to figure it out. That will be a problem.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

jimbo said:

.But the originality is something to treasure.

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I think that's what "collectors" think. I don't think that. My bike had a yellow paint job and fiberglass tank. I painted the metal gas tank, side covers, front glass fender, and rear chrome fender black. I have a non-original 73 disc brake front and later model switch clusters... I like my bike well enough. It's all matching numbers if that means anything, but I have done some modifying that probably reduces the collector value but enhances the ridability so I am happy with it....

For me, I bought this bike when I was 19 off a friend who couldn't fix it. When I brought it home, my Dad said, "Get rid of that thing, you'll never fix it!" I often tell people that when I die, I want to be burried with the bike that I fixed myself.... I like my norton because I rebuilt it completely myself, not because it's some "collectable" with original paint.

I'm not some wealthy collector. I'm a poor dope who rides the bike he built himself. Some day I may have to sell my bike to pay some bills and then I may care more about it's monitary value, but I've lived my whole life valuing my life experiences over profits, so I get great pleasure out of riding my bike to the car shows every sunday near my house. Flying down the hiway, there and back, at 80 mph on the bike I built, I can still here my Dad saying, "Get rid of that thing" and it puts a big smile on my face worth more than owning any "combat commando with original paint". I'm not the "collector" type of person. I couldn't own a bike that I rebuilt to ride and then not ride it for fun. If it was just a collectible, I would have never bought it. I bought it to ride it...

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

jimbo said:

mschmitz57 said:

I remember the original Commando paint jobs were pretty primitive. Sort of dull, orange peel, no such thing as clear coat in those days. The pinstriping rubbed off quickly. Some models used stickers for emblems. I imagine if an original bike had been pampered and waxed diligently it might look OK today. I can't imagine the eBay bike in this thread ever looking good without a repaint.

What's the best current process for replacing a title. Bonded title process?
I went through a title service years ago for my `71 Commando. I think it cost me $150. But I hear those days are long gone.

Click to expand...

You're right, my first 1973 black 750 I bought in 1977 looked old in my young eyes and I promptly got it repainted. Maybe I'm been trying to undo the unjust of that. But the ebay bike does have the original paint ( I think) and is the only one I have ever seen in recent times. Have you seen an unrepainted Model T Ford recently? Not too many around anymore, and not much of the paint left if you do , it was not very good to begin with .But the originality is something to treasure. The DOT officer looking at that bodged up data plate in his eyes going to have a problem trying to figure it out. That will be a problem.

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You could always order a new plate from Old Britt's. Fred will even stamp the numbers for you. Of course a brand new data plate on that tatty old frame might raise more questions. Then again, the double stamped plate adds to the old world charm and illustrates the fine craftsmanship that went into our old bikes. The woman (let's call her Madge) who was working the number press that day must have had a couple Watneys Red Barrels for lunch.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

Lets raise one for ole Madge!

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

I feel there is something funny going on with the bidding , and also feel it might be for sale again. With that I think I will not bid . If it does sell, it would be interesting to have a follow up from the new owner.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

jimbo said:

I feel there is something funny going on with the bidding , and also feel it might be for sale again. With that I think I will not bid . If it does sell, it would be interesting to have a follow up from the new owner.

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Wise decision. Far to much strangeness going on with this sale in my humble opinion.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

Just under 5G's, must have been ligit :shock:

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

Yup. The guy with "zero" feedback is a shill driving up the price.
I miss the old days on ebay when you could see the information on who the bidders were, where they were located, how long they were members, etc.
I too suspect it will get relisted.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

mschmitz57 said:

Yup. The guy with "zero" feedback is a shill driving up the price.
I miss the old days on ebay when you could see the information on who the bidders were, where they were located, how long they were members, etc.
I too suspect it will get relisted.

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I agree, we'll keep an eye out

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

So this brings up a good question. If you'd won this auction. What would you have done to the bike? How far would you have taken it to make it ridable yet maintain it's originality? I'm not talking about engine repairs or wear items like seals, bearings, etc. At what point do you cross the line? Leave the pitted headlight ears and shell? The rusty cylinder? Certainly all the rubber bits could be replaced. How about the torn seat cover? I've come around a little bit on this bike after pouring over the pictures. It would be a fun project. I'd like to see it all cleaned-up and polished, with a set of "aged" pea shooters and ham can air filter. How about the stickers on the tank and side cover? Leave 'em or replace 'em.

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

mschmitz57 said:

So this brings up a good question. If you'd won this auction. What would you have done to the bike? How far would you have taken it to make it ridable yet maintain it's originality? I'm not talking about engine repairs or wear items like seals, bearings, etc. At what point do you cross the line? Leave the pitted headlight ears and shell? The rusty cylinder? Certainly all the rubber bits could be replaced. How about the torn seat cover? I've come around a little bit on this bike after pouring over the pictures. It would be a fun project. I'd like to see it all cleaned-up and polished, with a set of "aged" pea shooters and ham can air filter. How about the stickers on the tank and side cover? Leave 'em or replace 'em.

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Its much much harder to keep it original, than to just take it apart and repaint and rechrome everything. That being said, I would have sourced good used parts to replace badly worn ones , like the headlight ears and such, the big charm with the bike in my eyes was the original paint work, so I would have tried to polish up the black while protecting the stripes and stickers. Its a much harder proposition and you end up with something not as shiny and pretty as a newly restored bike and that bothers some people I suppose. And I don't think any shops would agree to go that route , way too much trouble. If the buyer is ligit, I put my money on a full restoration, without regard to any originality , but if I'm whining about it , I should have bid! :?

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

jimbo said:

mschmitz57 said:

So this brings up a good question. If you'd won this auction. What would you have done to the bike? How far would you have taken it to make it ridable yet maintain it's originality? I'm not talking about engine repairs or wear items like seals, bearings, etc. At what point do you cross the line? Leave the pitted headlight ears and shell? The rusty cylinder? Certainly all the rubber bits could be replaced. How about the torn seat cover? I've come around a little bit on this bike after pouring over the pictures. It would be a fun project. I'd like to see it all cleaned-up and polished, with a set of "aged" pea shooters and ham can air filter. How about the stickers on the tank and side cover? Leave 'em or replace 'em.

Click to expand...

Its much much harder to keep it original, than to just take it apart and repaint and rechrome everything. That being said, I would have sourced good used parts to replace badly worn ones , like the headlight ears and such, the big charm with the bike in my eyes was the original paint work, so I would have tried to polish up the black while protecting the stripes and stickers. Its a much harder proposition and you end up with something not as shiny and pretty as a newly restored bike and that bothers some people I suppose. And I don't think any shops would agree to go that route , way too much trouble. If the buyer is ligit, I put my money on a full restoration, without regard to any originality , but if I'm whining about it , I should have bid! :?

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Hey Jim - so how did it end? Are you the proud new owner?

Re: Need Norton expert in Georgia to look at unrestored Com

Shamrock said:

jimbo said:

mschmitz57 said:

So this brings up a good question. If you'd won this auction. What would you have done to the bike? How far would you have taken it to make it ridable yet maintain it's originality? I'm not talking about engine repairs or wear items like seals, bearings, etc. At what point do you cross the line? Leave the pitted headlight ears and shell? The rusty cylinder? Certainly all the rubber bits could be replaced. How about the torn seat cover? I've come around a little bit on this bike after pouring over the pictures. It would be a fun project. I'd like to see it all cleaned-up and polished, with a set of "aged" pea shooters and ham can air filter. How about the stickers on the tank and side cover? Leave 'em or replace 'em.

Click to expand...

Its much much harder to keep it original, than to just take it apart and repaint and rechrome everything. That being said, I would have sourced good used parts to replace badly worn ones , like the headlight ears and such, the big charm with the bike in my eyes was the original paint work, so I would have tried to polish up the black while protecting the stripes and stickers. Its a much harder proposition and you end up with something not as shiny and pretty as a newly restored bike and that bothers some people I suppose. And I don't think any shops would agree to go that route , way too much trouble. If the buyer is ligit, I put my money on a full restoration, without regard to any originality , but if I'm whining about it , I should have bid! :?

Click to expand...

Hey Jim - so how did it end? Are you the proud new owner?

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nope, I got a lot of irons in my fire, one more and I think it will go out!

I wanted it bad but would have had to sell something, I hope it does not show up for sale again :shock: