I have one....love it when it runs...parts available but not cheap...I bought a new one in 1975. The electric start was worthless, at the time it was more of an electric assist. I would usually have to give it a kick and hit the electric start at the same time. Then it would turn over the engine. I removed the starter and blanked it off. I understand there are aftermarket starters that will now actually work.
I loved the bike, for its time it was a beast. I did several 1500+ mile trips on it. It took me from San Diego to Sturgis in 1975. Even now, with all of the refinements made in bikes, if I could find one in decent shape at a reasonable price I would be tempted to purchase it.
The biggest problem I had was with the Amal carbs, if I gained a lot of elevation I would need to pull over and adjust them, they were normally set up for sea level. It wasn't a big deal. Between that and just making it more civilized in traffic I changed out the dual Amals for a single Mikuni carb. I was fortunate to have a great British bike mechanic down the street, Sonny Angel, so he helped quite a bit it helping with the changes.
I say go for it, there are still a lot of parts available and you will have one of the iconic British bikes.
bob
Iwas a NORTON dealer back in the 70s and they had lots of problems I suggest you buy a JAP classic as they are a lot more reliable and your going to ride the bike
I have a '73 850, so not a Mark III but other than electric start and right hand shift the same bike. It has been reliable and fun. Changed the twin Amal carbs to twin Mikunis, added a balance tube between the 2 intake manifolds, a Boyer electronic ignition, real headlamp, replaced the 2 Lucas coils with a single Accel Supercoil, and changed to MKIII adjsutable isolastic engine mounts. Only complaint is the engine cases are not very oil tight - my buddy calls it "the Exxon Valdez".
The starters can be made to work properly. Like all old Brit bikes you will have to keep up the maintenance but that is part of the enjoyment, a relaxing afternoon setting the tappets and adjusting the isolastics is just what you need sometimes to clear the noggin and is great when it is not your primary ride so no pressure to have it running. Is it an Interstate or Roadster? I have a small business repairing and restoring these old beasts and far prefer working on Nortons.
That ain't gunna happen.
Exactly the words that came to my mind.
