Question for you Norton guru's

I took my xs for a ride to Home Depot. When I came back out an elderly gent complimented me on my bike and said he used to have one. As we spent some time chatting, he mentioned that he has a 1970 Norton Commando 750 with a non-numbers matching combat motor, and that it's been sitting in his garage for several years as he can no longer ride, and the kick start is too much for him now. He bought it like 25 years ago and said he's got over $6k into it. He wants to sell it and I'm planning on stopping by tomorrow to check it out. He said he'd take $2,500. I know nothing about Norton's except what I've read online. My understanding is the combat motor came out in 73 and were notorious for blowing main bearings. What should I be looking for and assuming the bike is in as good of condition as he claims, is the price right?

I am no expert ..but I have seen them and been passenger.
I Had two friends bought new ones 73 -s
Have not heard of the bearings those were at the bigger end bikes then.
And those were new and with some warm up and Oil change I believe it will last.
To me the engine mechanical sound / rattle is the " Deal Breaker "
I would do a cold start .
A well kept or new Norton wont have much. Mechanical rattle.
I would look for smoke ..and leaks . The rest would be the same inspection as for a XS 650.
Personally I would accept a not so fine exterior if the engine sound is good.

That is something to test out -- and the kick start is too much for him now.
It might not be the right bike for anyone under 150 -- 160 Pounds

Check out Access Norton. Be prepared to go down a rabbit hole:

https://www.accessnorton.com/

Some of the earlier frames require additional reinforcing (can’t remember exactly when the factory added additional bracing). As, well, the side stand lug typically needs to be upgraded to the later style (easily done if you are proficient with a welder).

The Commando Engine was in introduced 1972 and can be problematic. Main bearings are about $66 us each (x2 required).

Non numbers matching hurts the value a bit. However, if it is in somewhat decent condition $2500 could be a good price. I paid $3,000 cdn last year for a 1971 basket case. It was the cheapest most complete example I came across (and I’d been looking for a while).

There is strong aftermarket support, but be prepared to pay more for parts than our beloved XSs.

I also own a 70 750 Norton, with a non matching motor but, not a combat.
I believe means hotter cam and possibly original jetting, which I assume has been altered during the last 50 years.
The 70 was not yet the "Commando" as it was either the "S model" which had two high pipes on one side, or the R model, which stood for "Roadster", which is what I own.
Here are pics of each style for 70.

https://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/1970-norton-s-type-commando-750.html

Most places, $2500 isn't a bad price for commando basket case, let alone a complete running example. The true combat motor will be in the correct serial# range and will have a"C" stamped into the head. They usually blew up early, if the engine has any miles on it ,to speak of, the main bearings have likely been changed. Be sure to make sure the swing arm spindle is still a tight fit in the rear cradle and plan on upgrading the layshaft bearing in the trans to the improved style(saves the cost of future transmission repairs). Parts availability is great , you can buy almost anything these days, just bring your wallet.

2500 is yup buy it territory for Nortons. If it rolls shifts and kicks over, and 2 does it you are in norton god territory.
Combat motors intro'd early, mid 72
There's combat tells; motor #, head stampings. Combats are good motors if they've been treated with a bit of respect. Like a cammed XS650 they will invite excursions well past the RPM limit of mechanical reliability.
I'm no guru, was far out of the loop for decades, wading back in slowly one subsystem at a time.
Like the old saw there are no free Nortons, by time you go through it and have a sharp looking, reliable bike you will be upside down on $$ even though they are regularly listed, selling? in the 8-10K range.
But if the guy either did good work or hired it out to a good shop. And it ain't a rusty mess, you might get'r done for a couple more K bux.
If you buy the bike, go get; Norman White; Norton Commando Restoration Manual, accept no substitutes.
Nortons are from an older generation of British engineering, built by a company wobbling over the edge of financial ruin. This affects huge swaths of design and execution. A bit frustrating after say being used to 60's Japanese engineering on the Xs650 which may be the best engineered bike of it's time. A fine balance of form and function.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Will get some close up pics when I go check it out. Not really looking for another project, but figured the price was in a good range even if it needed a full restore/rebuild.

First engine number for Combats was 200976 I think North America may have mostly escaped the issues that the early non super blend bearings created at the HP levels the hotrod motor created. Not getting combats until after the bearing change had taken place.
I had a Combat back in the day and ran it like you would expect from a 20 year old. It never gave me a bit of trouble. (story suppression inserted here)

gggGary said:

2500 is yup buy it territory for Nortons.

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You forgot to add "If you pass on it contact info would be appreciated."

GLJ said:

You forgot to add "If you pass on it contact info would be appreciated."

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Well YEAH!

Some had the cams go flat.... header threads stripped out.. but they make 22mm heil-coils... there's nothing that can't be purchased to bring it back to its former oil leaking.... electric leaking … grandeur .... and like we all know.... you'll spend a small fortune but..what the hockey puck... pull the trigger.. squared away.. nice bike. Just DO NOT pull trigger on a P-11...