1984 R100rt

[georgej]

I have an opportunity to buy an '84 R100Rt,for $2300.The bike has 57,000 miles on it.Maintenance records from the original owner as well as the second owner of the past three years.It's silver/black,has a few scratches and the lower part of the fairing is off,but he has it. Has a new battery and is ready to ride,needs nothing mechanically. I think that is a great price on that bike,if I didn't just buy my '78 RS I would have it.I think it would be a nice addition to my garage,as well as a change from the RS. I'm thinking on it,what do you all think?
George

[shire2000]

Buy it, attach the lowers, and ride the heck out of it.

If you don't buy it, tell me where it is and what the phone number is. I can pack and leave real fast.

:ca

[Bill Burke]

If you're made of money, buy it just for the principle of the thing. The price is certainly reasonable. If you're not made of money, then I'd consider it if you enjoy distance riding. The RT is a bit more comfortable for distance. I ride a /6 now with an S fairing, and I ride distance. There've been times when I missed my RT for that reason. Go where your heart and brains tell you to go on this thing.

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Just like a boat or a car, it all comes down to what you want to do with it. How you are going to use it. I'm beyond the lean forward high perf point in my life and have always liked the look of an airhead RT. I currently ride a po'boys version an R100T with a clumsy Vetter fairing. Its functional, but to my eye the RT fairing is better looking and better for the bike. But to an RS fan, and RT would probably never cut it IMO.

I currently have a '83 R100T and a '72 R60/5 Toaster (up for sale). Tons of upgrades on my R100T make it a great bike for my purposes, but if/when I get a chance I'll get an RT and make similar upgrades (dual plugged heads, high output electrics, better lights, etc.).

If you don't buy it, put my name in line too. Otherwise, grab it, the price is right.

[georgej]

I've only ridden the RS once,which was up to my friends shop. The riding season is pretty much done here in upstate ny,so I won't know if the riing position of the RS will suit me until next season I guess. Unfortunately I'm not made of money,but I think that price on the RT is pretty good considering it's a get on and ride it bike that needs no overhauling.I'm thinking I'll get it and see which one I like better,sell the other one.I'm sure I can get my money back,maybe even a small profit. If I didn't have two kids in college right now,that bike would be in my garage,no hesitation.

[AnnapolisAirhead]

I hear ya on the economic issues. If I didn't have this Toaster project (I hated seeing a bike laid up half in boxes, half still together waiting to be probably parted out), I'd probably be looking more seriously at something like what you've found. Good price, mechanically ready. I like a nice looking bike, but don't really need a garage queen. I want something I can ride all over the place and nto worry too much.

The RT to me is the ultimate for how I use a bike. I commute about 100 miles round trip on the DC beltway and side roads, so I want comfort and reliability. I'd love a 2004 RT, but not sure I am capable of handling all the mechanical tasks and can't afford to pay someone, so Airheads are for me.

[lkchris]

It's not original paint, of course.

Buy it for the better engine, drivetrain and brakes compared to your '78.

You can easily mount your RS fairing to this chassis if you want.

[keelerb]

I have an 84R100RT, and find it a wonderful winter bike. Buy it, and your season is NOT over.

[georgej]

It's not original paint? I thought I've seen some RT's and RS's in what looked like silver/black or dark blue/black.Anyway that's not that important. I have a real nice Norton Commando that I'mgoing to sell.I never ride it ,prefer the ariheads.

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Got pics of the Norton and a price? Just curious.

[jforgo]

They aren't making any more of these, you know. Very good price. Remember, he who hesitates is lost.
I would still go thru the splines and steering head lube - receipts or not. Do receipts show unleaded conversion?

[keelerb]

I love my RT.

But to sell a Norton Commando? Never. Best bike in the garage, and there's a few in there.

Annapolis, if he's selling, you should be buying!

[OldNuke]

Buy it. I had one that I bought new in 84 and rode it for ~100k. It was my favorite airheads for touring other than my R100GSPD. One thing to be aware of on the 84 is the exhaust valves. That vintage suffered from valve seat recession. I had to have the valves on mine done at ~ 46K miles. The newer/replacement valve seats are much improved.

[keelerb]

Re valve seat recession, I bought mine with 22K, check the valve clearances every 2K, run a little ValvTect once in a while...no sign of problems yet but that doesn't mean they're not coming. FWIW, I run this bike as my winter bike, so ambient temps run relatively low....can't imagine I've had it out above 60 degrees F (my feet would roast!), usually lower...not sure if that's relevant but FWIW...

[AnnapolisAirhead]

I love my RT.

But to sell a Norton Commando? Never. Best bike in the garage, and there's a few in there.

Annapolis, if he's selling, you should be buying!

Torn between them, but I have to say I've been Jonesing for an RT since I discovered Airheads. I think in the past 12 months I've eaten and processed more airhead books, articles and online forums than I have meals (and bent more than a few ears). I love the look of an RS, but my body (back) doesn't have the same affection for it. The RT, more upright suits me better and I have a sort-of RT now.

The Norton Commando is just plain cool and gets cooler with the passage of time IMO. I don't know the first things about them other than there are far too few around!

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Re valve seat recession, I bought mine with 22K, check the valve clearances every 2K, run a little ValvTect once in a while...no sign of problems yet but that doesn't mean they're not coming. FWIW, I run this bike as my winter bike, so ambient temps run relatively low....can't imagine I've had it out above 60 degrees F (my feet would roast!), usually lower...not sure if that's relevant but FWIW...

I've heard a lot of rants about 81-84 (and newer) airheads having some issues that older ones don't. They all seem addressable unless you don't like to wrench--makes ya wonder why you'd buy an airhead if you don't. A friend told me 81-84 bikes had exhaust valves issues (brought on by a change to handle unleaded fuel???), they can't take the heat or don't dissipate it efficiently. That was fixed in 85, presumably with the money they saved on removing the circlip. Choose your poison.

[georgej]

The Norton Commando is an awesome machine to say the least. I sold my '76 Triumph Bonneville to raise funds for the Norton. Having ridden both I have to say I prefer the Triumph.To me it is more enjoyable to ride. Maybe it's that right side gear shift,I don't know.I will always have to have a British bike in my garage,but it will be a Triumph.I would also like to have another /5.Anyway I'm going to sell the Norton. I don't want to use this forum to advertise it though. Not sure if I should wait until spring.I'm asking $6000 for her. She is a sweet looking bike,just not my cup of tea.

[keelerb]

Sounds like me, the only BMW I ever wanted was an RS... I went looking, ended up figuring for what I would use it for, the RT was a better bet. Still wouldn't mind having an RS...

The Norton Commando is a completely different bike. More torque than you could imagine - I also have a VERY built 900 SS Ducati and a Harley Deuce. Both torque monsters, and both would take a back seat to the Norton in that department (Commando is seriously undersquare). Handles like a 12-speed bike. Took a bit of work to make reliable, but it can be done.

Couldn't more highly recommend a Commando. Maybe not the bike to have if you can have one and no more - although it absolutely could be (I encourage renewing systems to make them bulletproof - again, takes some doing but doable) - but definitely worth considering adding to a stable.

Best of luck. - B

[AnnapolisAirhead]

The Norton Commando is an awesome machine to say the least. I sold my '76 Triumph Bonneville to raise funds for the Norton. Having ridden both I have to say I prefer the Triumph.To me it is more enjoyable to ride. Maybe it's that right side gear shift,I don't know.I will always have to have a British bike in my garage,but it will be a Triumph.I would also like to have another /5.Anyway I'm going to sell the Norton. I don't want to use this forum to advertise it though. Not sure if I should wait until spring.I'm asking $6000 for her. She is a sweet looking bike,just not my cup of tea.

Spectacular Commando George. Funny, I have a /5 Toaster I planned on making my winter project. After 3 weeks, I am pretty sure I'll be done in 2 more. Funds are very tight though, so it'll probably go on the block. I like it, but its not the bike I really want. In the meantime, I'll probably just enjoy my R100T until I can find an RT in my range. The PO did a ton of upgrades to the R100T, hitch trailer, dual plaugged, european light swtich, yada yada. Very reliable with the only exceptions being my own learning errors.

[keelerb]

Nortons had right-side shift until 75, the year they also got an electric, em, "assister." Mine is a 73, right side shift, first kick lights it up.

[georgej]

Same with mine Keelerb,starts first kick everytime. Well I'm sorry to say I didn't hesitate and I still lost.The RT was sold for $2400. I called him today told him I wanted it and I would call him back tonite,got home from work a little late and another guy that was interested and called him back first.He is even going to deliver it to North Carolina for an extra $200. I didn't need another bike anyway.Still got my RS to look forward to.

[keelerb]

George, you'll still get your RT, just keep looking. I think I spent a year or so of serious searching, after a year or so more of kinda musing about it, checking ebay and MOA flea market once in a while.

In the meantime, I think you'll be happy you didn't sell that Commando. Kee-rist, mine makes me happy just go out and look at it. (on the other hand, it's in the 30s here today, and I rode the RT, not the Norton, when I got home from work...!)

[keelerb]

Ps George, hope you don't mind but your Commando is my new screen saver....this week... replaces the BSA I ALMOST bought off ebay (i screwed up - it was a screaming bargain) and before that an r75/5 I am still thinking about (and will decide to buy, and communicate that to the seller, just AFTER she sells to some one else).

Dang.

[georgej]

Keelerb, are you and I related? That is a nice picture of the Norton.
George

[keelerb]

:bikes :bikes :bikes Dunno, George, you Irish?

Yeah, kinda tough for me to ride a BritBike (UP the IRA!! - okay, I'm dating myself), but Guinness don't make a two-wheeler!

Where's that "I like bikes" icon? that is ME, in a word (or tree....)

[AnnapolisAirhead]

George, keep looking. I wrote a program to scan the east coast for RT's in pretty much all the cities. Otherwise, ya gotta click through all the states, then the cities yourself. Anyway, I think I found the one you were looking at in Himrom (or something like that)? I come across a lot of then this way. If you don't mind traveling, I have a few links. PM me if you are interested.

You (or Killerb, not sure which) got me all worked up about the Commando, damn that's a gorgeous bike. I rode my R100T in a little snow squall today. Ride it pretty much any chance I get. The Commando would be in the house, visual therapy until the nicest of nice days beckoned her. Another bike I can't really justify right now though. My R60/5 will go on the block soon.

[keelerb]

Dang it Annapolis, don't sell that R60!

Or if you do sell it to me!

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Dang it Annapolis, don't sell that R60!

Or if you do sell it to me!Not even for a Commando? Seriously, I can't afford the Commando right now. This job stuff really screws up my social and riding life.

Its such a pleasant distraction from the job hunt though, it's sort of become my therapist. Fun project, bought a half bike with a bunch-o-boxes and hoped all the pieces were there. So far, so good.

Anyway, its a fairly nice bike. Cleaned up pretty well and I have a color matched set of Krausers and Wixom tank bag that I planned on using. We'll see. I'm also trying to fight off the cafe racer build out urge and favor the keep her original style.

[georgej]

That was the one Annapolis. I can't believe I lost it. I would like those links you have,thanks. I'm hoping th guy will decide not to deliver it to NC and call me again. Hey you can always hope right?

[AnnapolisAirhead]

That was the one Annapolis. I can't believe I lost it. I would like those links you have,thanks. I'm hoping th guy will decide not to deliver it to NC and call me again. Hey you can always hope right?

Ok, well it was definitely a nice bike. Silver (not silver and black as advertised, he was referring to the frame as the black part). To mean, its all relative, $2400 for a straight RT, garaged with 50-70k on it is probably worth taking a chance if its what you want. I think a lot of nice bikes are coming up for sale due to the economy and if they are 'spares' so there are bound to be good deals.

If its the right bike and I want it to use daily for the long term, $2500-3000 is good and I'll dump more into it to make it reliable and what I want. But that's just me and I'm certainly not right in the head. :boldpurpl

I'll send the links.

[marbil]

although I just recently bought my r1100rt I wish I had the green for that norton,that bike is awesome, here is my special baby that I hope to keep long enough to will to my son she is a 1985 rz500 in mint condition, pretty uncomfortable on long rides over a few hours but it is a blast to ride for those of you that dont know the bike it is a V4 500 cc 2 stroke never sold here in the USA.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/marbil_one/rz500lft.jpg

[georgej]

That is a very very nice machine Marbil.