Newbie

Hello all, first post here.

Have loved British bikes for as long as I can remember ,not sure why?? They are just cool to me. Bought my first bike 3yrs ago not a Norton but a Triumph (07 Thruxton) and have learned allot. I am getting that itch again and want to jump in and be a Norton owner.

Not sure what I want ? I need a bit of direction. I want to keep things cheep and build/restore something that I can call my own. Were do I start ?

ThX

Welcome aboard.You have already made the best start by coming here first.Tons of information and helpful people to be found here.

What's your definition of cheap? You can easily get into the $10,000 range restoring and upgrading a Norton. I don't mean to discourage you, just want to make you aware.

Newbie,
Depending where you are sometimes nice Norton Roadsters show up on Craigslist.
In Penna you can have a nice presentable driver that someone hasn't gone overboard on restoration for the $4,500-5,500 range.
Sometimes these are older owners and sometimes long time owners who just lost interest.
It will need the usual preventive maintenance ie... new hoses, fluids, tires, brakes.
Same thing if you purchased an older classic car.
Expect to go over everything but this will pay dividends later.
Nothing like being on the shoulder of the road at night w/o street lights, a flash light in your mouth wondering what just happened :shock:
Getting to know an older machine is an aquired art. It's like each of our kids act differently, bikes are the same way.
A points driven orig. Norton can be a fun reliable ride.
I would steer you to the 1973 and on machines.
A 1973 750 is about the best you can find.
I like a 1974 850 as well.
Allot of 1971-72 bikes out there.
I know because that's what I purchased.
They just take a little more prep work.
The factory was at the top of their game in 1974 if you can call it that :lol:
But with that said; when I tell people I have a Norton their response is" YOU GOT A NORTON"
I've never heard that response over my Harley or my past Triumphs.
But with that being said; I would own a Thruxton they are very cool 8)
Marshal

MarshalNorton is right on IMHO (IMHO means in my honest opinion, I thought it was an orginization for the longest time).

I have 72. They can be a challenge but the rewards are there. They are sometimes a little more accomplishment oriented than we ask for, but that's the hobby of it.

73 750's may be harder to find but I have seen alot of 74 Mark II.

What every you get, it will be a source of pride and a piece of history.

Your options are only limited by your wallet.

I thought I was selling a pile of parts to a guy for $2,000; well, just paying for a couple more bits and me offering to toss it together resulted in him getting a basic runner, nearly roadworthy.

Bottom line: Don't despise a pile of parts.

...of course, in the current economy, decent running bikes can be had relatively cheap!

Thanks all.
I guess I shouldn't use the word "cheep" in regards to Norton !! LOL. What about going the route of buying a Frame only and building it from that point ? I realize it wouldn't be the most economical way of doing things in the long run, but I am young and have the time to do this.
The initial cost would be of the Frame, and could add pieces and parts as I go or when I have the money too do so ??

Here is a link to a frame and a bit of info on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 500wt_1182

Owner says it's either a 71 0r 72 ?? Any thoughts ??

Also looking for Norton vendor sites for parts new and old ect.. I know modern Triumph owners have newbonneville, britishcustoms, bellacourse, and TPUSA for this and was hopping Norton had something along this line of "one stop" shopping ?

ThX Red

The cost of the frame is one thing, SHIPPING is likely to be a significant factor.

1. It's an "oversize" item as far as most shippers are concerned
2. Some shippers require it to be boxed, another cost, and more weight

Shipping isn't a issue, I am able to "pick up" the Frame that I am interested in. I honestly don't know that much about Norton. I am just seeking out any and all info on the 71-72 model year ?

Redrider736 said:

Shipping isn't a issue, I am able to "pick up" the Frame that I am interested in. I honestly don't know that much about Norton. I am just seeking out any and all info on the 71-72 model year ?

Click to expand...

Read this forum from beginning to end. You'll be an expert.

Also update your location so we know where you are.

Redrider736 said:

The initial cost would be of the Frame, and could add pieces and parts as I go or when I have the money too do so ??

Here is a link to a frame and a bit of info on it.


Owner says it's either a 71 0r 72 ?? Any thoughts ??

Also looking for Norton vendor sites for parts new and old ect.. I know modern Triumph owners have newbonneville, britishcustoms, bellacourse, and TPUSA for this and was hopping Norton had something along this line of "one stop" shopping ?

ThX Red

Click to expand...

The big minus is NO TITLE.
Man, that's the long way around. I wouldn't advise. There are alway 10 or so Nortons constantly changing hands on Ebay and the like. There are a few right now that are fair prospect to rebuild for 3 to 4 g's and thay all got titles and you can drive them NOW. There is an 850 That will go for less then 2000 when all said and done. These old bikes clean up remarkably well. No need to start from the ground up. An annual contest is held here for the most improved. That Dunstall 850 could be quite a contender.
Here's some links.
http://www.oldbritts.com/ob_start.html
http://www.britcycle.com/
http://www.rockypointcycle.com/
http://www.britishonly.com/
http://sterlingmotorworks.com/
http://www.captain.norton.clara.net/
http://www.coloradonortonworks.com/
http://www.burtonbikebits.net/

$4000.

I'd really recommend against starting with a basketcase. If I hadn't had a little familiarity with the bikes before I started mine I'd be in even more trouble than I am now. Coming in cold would be more than a challenge. A rolling basketcase or a non-runner would be ideal if you want to start cheap.

But really for something like the one above it's almost too good of a deal. A rolling basketcase will run you about half as much and in the end you'll wind up spending WAY more to get it into the shape of something like this one.

Appreciate the advice, and won't be scratch'n that itch. I think I would be better off starting with a more complete bike to work with.
Thanks for the links as well !!!

swooshdave said:

$4000.

But really for something like the one above it's almost too good of a deal. A rolling basketcase will run you about half as much and in the end you'll wind up spending WAY more to get it into the shape of something like this one.

Click to expand...

To be clear this isn't my bike for sale, just an example of what you can get for that price.