new to norton!

CBW · Jun 22, 2009

Hello all,

I am considering buying my first Norton! I found a commando for sale and I am going to check it out this week sometime. I have only owned one other bike before, and it turned out to be a complete basket case. I have invested a lot of time into getting it to run well, and have learnt a lot of valuable know-how. Since the bike was a jap, I dont have any experience with British bikes. I am looking for a bike that is in running condition(or not too far off) I don't have the money to buy a restored bike, nor would I want to if I did. I love to work on my bikes. I would apreciate it if anyone out there could give me tips on what there is to look for if they were going to buy a commando.

Cheers, Corey

Ron L · Jun 22, 2009

1) Check the threads in the head for the exhaust rose. Repairs are possible, but fairly expensive.
2) Look-out for cobbled and spliced wiring. This can be a nightmare for a newby.
3) Grab the rear wheel at the rear and move it side to side and observe the movement at the engine mounts and swingarm spindle. Excessive movement at the front mount can mean the mounts need to be rebuilt (or if you are lucky simply shimmed). Movement at the swingarm spindle means a worn cradle and will require repair with collars or the welded nut and bolt fix. Again, repairable, but at a cost.
4) Poor idle quality is indicative of worn our carbs (can be sleeved) and/or worn out auto advance if it is still using points.
5) Fiberglass tanks will seep unless thoroughly cleaned and sealed with epoxy. Steel tanks are much preferred.

That's a good start. Of course, the obvious, paint work and chrome. Anything can be repaired. Keep in mind that when you buy a British bike, that's just a down payment. (I know I stole that line from somebody on this list, but it's true).

JimC · Jun 22, 2009

Corey,

The Norton is considered to be a very desirable bike by some, a complete PITA by others. One thing nearly everyone agrees on_____ Nortons are expensive to own. A lot of the owners who post here have well north of $10,000 in their cherished Nortons. That's with them doing most of the labor. For those not inclined to do their own labor the cost nearly doubles. I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying a Norton, it's just that I've seen too many uninformed get into this bike and soon realize it's beyond what they want to spend on an old motorcycle.

On the brighter side, a well sorted Norton is quite a joy. No other bike will draw the attention that a well restored Norton gets. I really get a kick out of burying Harleys from the light. Also, a well cared for Norton will probably only continue to increase in value. I know it's a lot better investment than some of the stocks I've bought.

ILLF8ED · Jun 22, 2009

Hi Corey,

An original machine will have numbers that match on the engine, gearbox and frame. It's getting more common to see bitsas. While not not matching isn't completely a bad thing, an original complete machine usually has fewer issues. If it doesn't have matching numbers don't pay top dollar. 850 Commandos are probably less finicky to keep running than 750s although I have a '72 750 combat and that's my preference. Ron hit the usual points to look at when addressing a used machine. Ask the owner what upgrades have been made. Electronic ignition should be first. Does it have Amal carbs (original). If so and they have not been given any repair they will be quite worn at 20,000 miles or more. Check for acid leak from the battery area under the seat. Rear frame loop that the rear fender is attached can be bent down from excessive loading. If it has the small original fork dust covers with exposed fork tubes, check for worn off chrome plating at the slider junction - if worn will need to be replaced as they then leak. Could go on, but will leave something for others. Remember the newest Commando is 34 years old.

bigstu · Jun 23, 2009

Hi Cory
I like that line about the purchase fee being only a down payment.
All the details written are good points.
My advice would be don't buy an old British bike unless:-
1) You really want and love the aura and style a British bike gives you.
2) You want and intend to do your own work on it.
3) You don't mind garage tinkering.

I have had many bikes over the years, Harleys, Jap stuff (plenty), Italian, German, Indian...
I only have British bikes now....I love them to bits, they give me things to do in the garage (sometimes too often), they have a style and a sound and give me friends to talk to every time I go for a ride.
But you need to love em to want them.
Stu.
Triton 650 Special
Norton 850
Matchless 350 Project

BillT · Jun 23, 2009

I agree with bigstu.

There are more maintenance issues with my Norton in an average week than there are with my Triumph in an average year - and that doesn't include those 35-year-old parts that may suddenly fail.

Also, simple things like forgetting to shut off your fuel tap can have disastrous consequences. I saw a '72 at my local shop that had about 3 quarts of gas find its way into the sump AND the primary drive after sitting for a month. The owner rode it until it stopped - new bearings, rings, clutch and primary chain were the result.

A Norton is not a bike you can just take out once or twice a month for a trouble-free ride. Each day it sits adds to the list of items to check before starting - oil level in sump, oil level in tank, condition of fuel, condition of battery, tire pressure, etc.

Coco · Jun 23, 2009

Ron L said:
2) Look-out for cobbled and spliced wiring. This can be a nightmare for a newby.

Oh boy. Mine was a mess so do check the wiring.

Also, no matter how great the previous owner says things are, 10 times out of 10 they are not. Some ham-fisted maniac has probably done something questionable along the way.

pelican · Jun 23, 2009

welcome to the forum.... don't let these guys scare u from buying a commando... go for it

Hortons Norton · Jun 23, 2009

+ 1 on that!

Coco · Jun 23, 2009

pelican said:
welcome to the forum.... don't let these guys scare u from buying a commando... go for it

I got it way worse when I posted the same question 3 years ago. It didn't scare me either.

BrianK · Jun 23, 2009

T'was our own Debby who coined the expression about the purchase price being best considered a down payment, and boy is she right! So go in with your eyes open. Being able (or willing to learn) to do your own labor is a big factor - since labor is pricey and for these bikes, perhaps not available locally.

Having said which, although I've spent way more dollars than I ever expected, and spent countless hours wrenching (and researching, here and elsewhere, exactly how to wrench the thing), I couldn't be happier to own my Commando, nor would I sell or trade it, or even take back any of those countless and often frustrating hours, for anything. They're incredible bikes. I've been riding 31+ years, and I've never loved a bike more.

So, if you can swing it, go for it! Good luck, and remember the great resource you have available to you in this forum. People here are unbelievably knowledgeable and willing to share their expertise.

JimC · Jun 23, 2009

Corey, I think Brian has summed it up very well. I would add; if you choose not to buy the Norton you'll save a lot of money and be much the poorer for it.

Fullauto · Jun 23, 2009

I think a few of you guys look at Norton ownership from the wrong perspective. A couple of points.
Firstly, the the first two years of depreciation on a new large Jap bike (or others) will buy you a nice useable Commando.
The Commando has no depreciation and, unless the world ends, will never depreciate. In fact, it will go up in value.
Secondly, buy a bike that has some or all of the mods which make Commandos reliable and useable.
Thirdly, spend your money wisely on parts that enhance said reliability and useability. Bits that make it look pretty do not enhance these traits.
Spend up on pretty by all means, but make your bike reliable and practical first. Don't blame the pretty bits for making Norton ownership expensive.

Fourthly, spare parts for Commandos are very reasonably priced. Compare like for like spare parts prices with almost any modern bike and you will laugh at the difference. You could rebuild the motor on your Norton for what some people pay for flash aftermarket exhaust systems for their modern bikes. A full titanium system for the KTM V twins are $5000 Australian !!!!!!
I would have no hesitation in jumping on my Commando and riding just about anywhere. As problems came up, I addressed them. Not by replacing crap parts with more crap parts, but by addressing the problem with a view to reliability and longevity.
Simplicity and accessibilty are excellent properties. More modern bikes have to have acres of crap removed just to do minor maintenance. I did a service on a mate's Kawasaki ZZR 250 a few months ago. What a relative nightmare. You need four knuckles on each finger.
Ian Gowanloch once said about Ducatis, as I recall, but still relevant, "there are no plastic bits hiding ugly bits, because there are no ugly bits."

Well, tell me I'm wrong.

BrianK · Jun 23, 2009

JimC said:
f you choose not to buy the Norton you'll save a lot of money and be much the poorer for it.

There it is, in a sentence! Nicely put Jim.

Fullauto · Jun 23, 2009

Well said Brian, and Corey, your need to work on bikes you own is a great and much needed asset. You'll love it.

BrianK · Jun 23, 2009

Fullauto said:
I think a few of you guys look at Norton ownership from the wrong perspective. A couple of points.
Firstly, the the first two years of depreciation on a new large Jap bike (or others) will buy you a nice useable Commando.
The Commando has no depreciation and, unless the world ends, will never depreciate. In fact, it will go up in value.
Secondly, buy a bike that has some or all of the mods which make Commandos reliable and useable.
Thirdly, spend your money wisely on parts that enhance said reliability and useability. Bits that make it look pretty do not enhance these traits.
Spend up on pretty by all means, but make your bike reliable and practical first. Don't blame the pretty bits for making Norton ownership expensive.

Fourthly, spare parts for Commandos are very reasonably priced. Compare like for like spare parts prices with almost any modern bike and you will laugh at the difference. You could rebuild the motor on your Norton for what some people pay for flash aftermarket exhaust systems for their modern bikes. A full titanium system for the KTM V twins are $5000 Australian !!!!!!
I would have no hesitation in jumping on my Commando and riding just about anywhere. As problems came up, I addressed them. Not by replacing crap parts with more crap parts, but by addressing the problem with a view to reliability and longevity.
Simplicity and accessibilty are excellent properties. More modern bikes have to have acres of crap removed just to do minor maintenance. I did a service on a mate's Kawasaki ZZR 250 a few months ago. What a relative nightmare. You need four knuckles on each finger.
Ian Gowanloch once said about Ducatis, as I recall, but still relevant, "there are no plastic bits hiding ugly bits, because there are no ugly bits."

Well, tell me I'm wrong.

You're not wrong. We're just warning that unlike one of those Japanese bikes, where you buy (perhaps for long dollars) but then spend short dollars on upkeep, the Norton is a .... continuing investment. Albeit one I think we all agree is worthwhile!!! Cheers mates.

Cookie · Jun 23, 2009

I agree parts seem to be fairly reasonable. Rings for one of my Hondas are over $300 if I recall. Nortons are also great mechanical training aids.

steven wardlaw · Jun 24, 2009

I just got back a few weeks ago from a brit bike ralley in the mountains of georgia. The Norton that I've spent so many hours fixing, shinning and upgrading really paid me back for all my hard work. Even next to $75,000 vincent works of art the old commando looked and rode great. I'f I only went to this ralley and no other, my work was worth it. Go get that Norton and enjoy.

plj850 · Jun 27, 2009

CBW said:
Hello all,

I am considering buying my first Norton! I found a commando for sale and I am going to check it out this week sometime. I have only owned one other bike before, and it turned out to be a complete basket case. I have invested a lot of time into getting it to run well, and have learnt a lot of valuable know-how. Since the bike was a jap, I dont have any experience with British bikes. I am looking for a bike that is in running condition(or not too far off) I don't have the money to buy a restored bike, nor would I want to if I did. I love to work on my bikes. I would apreciate it if anyone out there could give me tips on what there is to look for if they were going to buy a commando.

Cheers, Corey

Hi don't be too put off by comments regarding parts and maintenance it can be kept to a reasonable outlay providing you do much of the work yourself. As for parts you can pay $550/ for a polished MK 111 isolastic conversion kit or not so shiny for $300 etc etc. As for what to look for I would definitely try and get a runner a non-runner can be a money pit :cry: . If its a runner give the bike a good once over to see how it has been maintained, rounded nuts, damaged screw heads, oil leaks etc. As for which to go for I would go for an 850 IMHO and also my own personal preference

.

new to norton!

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