Purchase advice

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Yeah, I guess one question is if you are buying a bike being described as an original roadster, how do you know? Or as you say since the guts are same, does it really matter if it started life as a hi rider and had the bars and seat swapped out?
 
steussy said:
Yeah, I guess one question is if you are buying a bike being described as an original roadster, how do you know? Or as you say since the guts are same, does it really matter if it started life as a hi rider and had the bars and seat swapped out?
You don't, and it doesn't. Many times the conversions were incomplete, or done with aftermarket parts (h'bars, cables, headlight bucket) and sometimes sketchy workmanship, and subtle clues remain. What it started out as seems very important to you, why? Concerned with resale value?
 
I'd say that owning a Norton is much more a hobby than just owning another motorcycle. As with any hobby, you will spend money well beyond the original purchase price. I've seen some people buy a Norton only to become totally disgusted after a few months and sell it at a loss. Most of those on this forum have owned Nortons for years and are definitely enthusiasts. What you pay for your first Norton is somewhat irrelevant. In the end, after a few years, the cost of owning a Norton will pretty well even out. I'd say it's pretty difficult to have an upgraded, well sorted, cosmetically presentable Norton for under $10,000 these days.
 
I just really like stuff thats original. My 1964 AH Sprite looks dead original though it has some handy internal upgrades. My 67 Triumph Daytona was also dead original and I restored it with help from some masters who helped keep it that way.
I have loved Nortons since I was a boy. Such a quintessential motorcycle. Friend in college had a Commando. The exhaust note would make my knees weak.
 
Well just looking at the ad I would say it seems like a good one to buy.. I'd still want to know some things before buying like what's been said here but you could do worse, spend more & get less.. I've done it but like JimC said, it's a hobby & logic about spending $$$ isn't always a part of it.
 
I'm in San Diego so its quite a haul to SB. Called owner. He's had it 8 years. Bought it off some South African dude who had it forever. Current owner had it professionally painted and electronic ignition installed. Claims its very clean with "normal" 40 year old wear. Id have to sell my Austin Healey to make it happen and after a couple lovely early morning drives in Sprite am leaning against. Thanks to all for all of your kind advice. Seems like a good Norton group. If I ever do get a Norton its good to know this is here.
 
steussy said:
I'm in San Diego so its quite a haul to SB. Called owner. He's had it 8 years. Bought it off some South African dude who had it forever. Current owner had it professionally painted and electronic ignition installed. Claims its very clean with "normal" 40 year old wear. Id have to sell my Austin Healey to make it happen and after a couple lovely early morning drives in Sprite am leaning against. Thanks to all for all of your kind advice. Seems like a good Norton group. If I ever do get a Norton its good to know this is here.

Sell a kidney? Pints of blood? You could use BOTH the car and bike... :shock:

JK, enjoy. Ride one, you'll be back
 
I just texted seller and told him I needed to pass. Its is I think a very good buy for someone in the hunt for a classic Commando. I hope it finds a good home.
 
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