What is this??

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Bumlinger

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Apr 2, 2015
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Hi All,

This is my first post. Nice to have found this group and thanks for letting me join! I may become a Norton owner soon. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1975 Norton Commando 850 Electric Start model. It has a bullet fairing on it, but looks very period correct. I know next to nothing about the bike other than it seems to be in good condition, with all parts intact. Didn't see a chain guard, though. It has a rusty fuel tank, 14 full of old gas probably dating to 1996 or so. Can anybody help me out with identifying the model, etc., valuation (now and when properly sorted out)? Thanks in advance for any and all comments and advice. I have some photos, how does one post a pic from iPhoto, or upload a pic?
 
So far all we can tell you is that it is a 1975 Norton Commando 850 Electric Start with a bullet fairing, rusty tank and no chain guard.

Go here for photo posting info. technical-information-how-post-photos-t2357.html

Offer us up the numbers on the left side of the crankcase just below the cylinder base and off the tag on the steering neck.
 
Bumlinger said:
Hi All,
This is my first post. Nice to have found this group and thanks for letting me join! I may become a Norton owner soon. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1975 Norton Commando 850 Electric Start model. I have some photos, how does one post a pic from iPhoto, or upload a pic?
Click to expand...

Welcome! Get ready for an overload of data. It'll be up to you to decide what to do with what you see, my comments included. It won't take you long to discern fact from emotion.

Start by creating a Photobucket account, upload your pictures to same, then attach to future posts using instructions contained in technical-information-how-post-photos-t2357.html You'll find details towards the bottom of the page.

Bumlinger said:
Can anybody help me out with identifying the model, etc., valuation (now and when properly sorted out)?
Click to expand...
Start with posting the frame serial number, but be aware that this doesn't necessarily tell you everything you'd like to know about your particular bike's model. Others out there can better advise how the bike might have been originally outfitted. As for value, make sure you convince yourself and everyone around you that you could easily get $10,000 USD for it once done. 'Works for me...

Assuming you end up with this nugget, be sure to take lots of pictures along the path to recovery.

Nathan
 
Thanks for all the info. Now I can post some pics.
Here's the left side of the bike:
What is this??


Right Side:
What is this??


Instruments:
What is this??


Fairing:
What is this??


Date of Manufacture:
What is this??


Serial Number Plate:
What is this??
 
Oops! Forgot to show the tank. It is very rusty and there is about 1/3 tank of fuel from 1996 in the tank still.
What is this??
 
I hoped you ripped your pant pockets open getting to your money. :mrgreen:

Nice original bike (except for fairing), Dunstall mufflers and alloy rims. Very nice mods.

How much?
 
Yes it is in fact a 1975 Norton Commando 850 MKIII Electric Start with a bullet fairing, rusty tank and no chain guard.
 
I noticed it also has some Dunstall-type megaphones and shouldered alloy rims which are very nice pieces.


If you need a chainguard, I have one you can have for postage. It will require re-chroming to be top shelf.
 
Hi and welcome.

Can you let us know where you are? Prices and values vary quite a bit around the world. Also price you will pay for parts too. Postage etc.

D
 
swooshdave said:
I hoped you ripped your pant pockets open getting to your money. :mrgreen:

Nice original bike (except for fairing), Dunstall mufflers and alloy rims. Very nice mods.

How much?
Click to expand...
No one knows here what it's really worth in the condition it is currently in. I don't know what to offer, the owner doesn't know what to ask. The owner is the original owner 's widow. She's just getting around to clearing out the garage after her husband passed away last November. There is also a 750 Commando in similar condition, but is on a lift with some of the engine disassembled.
 
Dean said:
Hi and welcome.

Can you let us know where you are? Prices and values vary quite a bit around the world. Also price you will pay for parts too. Postage etc.

D
Click to expand...
I'm in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota. What should I look for prior to purchase? Is it common for the engine to be frozen? Or it that sort of thing unlikely since its been stored inside an unheated garage. What else could be a real showstopper?
 
swooshdave said:
Offer $2500 and be happy that she got something and you got a nice bike.
Click to expand...
Thanks for a number! I was thinking something like that. We will see how it goes.
 
I estimate $5000 min. for a complete bike would be realistic.
 
If you got the money offer to buy both bikes, who knows the parts for the other one proberly be all there, the one you are looking at proberly won't take that much to get going and the other would be a good project bike.

Ashley
 
needing said:
I estimate $5000 min. for a complete bike would be realistic.
Click to expand...

I didn't say how much it's worth just what he should offer for it. He's still going be dumping a couple grand just to get it roadworthy. Cheapest fix will be to vinegar the tank. :mrgreen:
 
swooshdave said:
needing said:
I estimate $5000 min. for a complete bike would be realistic.
Click to expand...

I didn't say how much it's worth just what he should offer for it. He's still going be dumping a couple grand just to get it roadworthy. Cheapest fix will be to vinegar the tank. :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

Oops, different values re widows.
 
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