Hi everyone

A clean and well running bike is going to be a better bet for anyone, But I have never bought a bike that was even half as good as the seller thought it was!.

Never known a female Commando before so you have a novelty there, John.

A bike that a buyer can ride away is always a strong selling point but you have to balance what you spend on it with what you get.

If it were me, I'd clean up what you have so it looks at it's best and make clear what needs replacing etc to the best of your knowledge.

If you can have a bit of decent fuel in the carb(s) and fresh oil in the tank with a drained sump for when a potential buyer comes round they can have the option of starting it. Don't forget to charge the battery too.

Knowing the engine starts and runs is a big bonus.

PS: You can put an electric start on a pre Mk3 Commando.

Hi John, to reiterate Neils post - a solution could be to fit an electric starter to your existing Commando. There are currently two main options:

1) The French 'Alton' system.

2) The American Colorado Norton Works (cNw) system.

either will set you back circa £1,800 - £2,000 but both work well and can be removed fairly easily to put the bike back to 'stock' if and when necessary.

The dollar exchange rate has bought the price of the CNW item down nicely you are still going to get caught for import duty unless you put it in your luggage when coming home from your USA holiday. Still, 6 times what I paid for my Commando in 1975 but if you can't start it, it's useless. The CNW item does look like the better option as it retains the original alternator and comes with a belt drive.

Previously mark_woodward wrote:

Hi John, to reiterate Neils post - a solution could be to fit an electric starter to your existing Commando. There are currently two main options:

1) The French 'Alton' system.

2) The American Colorado Norton Works (cNw) system.

either will set you back circa £1,800 - £2,000 but both work well and can be removed fairly easily to put the bike back to 'stock' if and when necessary.

I think the riding position on a JPN would not be that comfortable with knee problems. I have reasonable good knees but it's still an uncomfortable ride compared to a 961....