New Build Opinions

First, Thanks to the Admin for adding me. I've lurked around here for a few weeks- Great forum!
I have had a few Norton's and am at the point in my life that I have the time and funds to build a bike. I want to really do a top notch job, have some special parts manufactured (swing arm for wm5, things like that) BUT, have never built a bike from scratch. I have assembled engines, and done work on bikes and know that I can farm-out just about everything, so I will decide as I go along, considering time and $$$, what I do and what I send off to do. My question is this: For a first build would there be less frustration in building a Featherbed special over a Commando special? I know there are a few more parts to Commandos and am slightly clueless on wiring but I figure given a little time I can figure it out.
So anyway, would love to hear what you guys think. I know this is a Commando forum but try to be as objective as possible. 8)

So ...like what do you have to build up from ? Yes money is necessary and you will be farming out paintwork etc. :?:

I am starting from scratch. Gonna source a frame and start from there. I know there isn't THAT much more to a Commamdo build, but it just always seemed easier working on my Atlas than it did on my Commando.

It all depends on what you want and building a Norton from scrach will be a very expensive way to go, better to have a whole bike then build it the way you want it, but then if you have a complete motor, tranny and primary you could build a great bike around the motor etc, I done all that from a new 74 Commando, then in 1980 converting it to the Featherbed frame, I knew at the time what I wanted and in that time just improve it when needed and seeing you already have a Atlas you know how well the Featherbeds handle, but there are a lot of good looking Commandos around and with all the improvements that you can do to them these days and don't be put off with not having any experance, we all learn and we all make mistakes as we go, but what a way to get to know every nut and bolt or everything else on your bike.

Good luck with what ever you do.

Ashley

There are not many people that will argue against the fact that building a Norton from scratch is FAR more expensive than buying a runner and rebuilding it to your taste.

$16 per headbolt for an 850 (there are 4 long allen head, 4 outer bolts, and 2 that come up from under the cylinders); That's $160 for head bolts.

That stuff adds up FAST.

Are you anywhere near Seattle? http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/5223847095.html
From the "Re: Things I've seen on craigslist/Ebay" thread.
Bill

Thanks for the responses. Dang, Bill, wish I was near Seattle--- looks like a great start.
After a little thought I am considering just building both side by side. Double the fun. Fortunately, funds aren't a problem and over next couple years have budgeted to do the kind of build I want to do.... Probably a little over the top but hey you only get so many trips around the sun.
Thanks again for the good words.