Hard Times For British Motorcycle Restorers
Article by Mark Trotta
Assembly challenges, specialty tools, high cost of parts, finding a qualified machine shop, and now tariffs and depressed market values.
These are hard times for British motorcycle restorers.
*********
My current project is a 1974 Norton Commando roadster. I purchased it two years ago in non-running but original condition.
After 100+ labor hours, the front forks and rear swing arm have been overhauled, front and rear Isolastics have been replaced, and the engine has been rebuilt from the flywheels up. And there's a lot more work to be done!
Depressed Market Value
It's 2026, and we're living in a world that prioritizes convenience, which does not include twin carb, kick-start only, right-side shift motorcycles.
For most younger riders, these are a turn-off. But to us, it's the appeal. It's part of what makes them so compelling.
Classic British bikes, such as this 1965 Triumph Bonneville, are now looked upon as outdated machines. But in reality, they are still quite roadworthy--just more demanding.
*********
U.K. to U.S. Shipping Cost
The package pictured below was my last order from Andover Norton in England. It weighs three pounds and contains $150 worth of motorcycle parts. A $35 shipping charge was added by Andover.
When the package arrived here in America, I received an email from UPS saying that I owe an additional $190 in tariffs, or they won't deliver the package. This was in January of 2026.
On all previous packages from Great Britain (over 10 of them), shipping was under $50 total. But policies kept changing on both sides, and now it's difficult to know for sure what fees you'll be paying until after you've paid for the parts and the package is already on the way.
Of course, there are British bike parts suppliers here in America, I've had experiences with five of them. But they're generally small operations, with neither the time nor resources for proper inventory or customer service. So we hunt and peck through ebay, FB marketplace, and other alternative sources.
*********
Time Spent vs Value
If you want to build a vintage British bike, it'll be more time-consuming than other classic motorcycles.
The only way to stay ahead money-wise is to do as much work as you can by yourself.
*********
Specialty Tools
Aside from Whitworth hand tools, specialty tools are often required during repairs and restorations.
One example is this pinion gear extractor tool.
This specialty tool cost about $65. So far I've used it twice.
Although designed for BSA and Triumph Twins, I was able to modify it to work on Norton Twins.
Tool Fabrication
Some tools can be completely fabricated, costing you nothing but time, but you'll need at least a drill press and workbench vice.
Read: 7 Drill Press Uses For Motorcycle Repair
Read: DIY Motorcycle Tools
*********
Staying In Budget
With a combination of careful parts shopping, a little tool fabrication, and doing most of the work yourself, you can (hopefully) stay even with the completed bike's value.
Fortunately, this Commando does not need wheel rebuilds, chroming, or powder coating. These are all services that are most always farmed out. Paint selection for the gas tank and side panels will be kept to a solid color (easier and cheaper).
Final Thoughts
Restoring any vintage motorcycle to original factory standards is time-consuming. A proper rebuild can easily take hundreds of hours.
I have learned through my own experiences that restoring a vintage British motorcycle properly isn't cheap or easy.
Farming out too much work could make your bike's value lopsided. But if we only spent money by what something was worth, we'd have no heritage left.
As always, use your own good judgment.
*********
Related Articles: