What to buy and how much to pay

First off you really don’t want a 250 that’s gained a 350 top-end but if you insist on going down this route towards LC twin ownership, do not pay decent money. Many a 350 Elsie has been blown up due to DIY tuning, over enthusiastic abuse and/or downright abuse. Engine and chassis numbers should match so if they don’t you know what’s happened. Matching number LCS command a premium but know this – some years ago there was a small batch of Japanese market engine cases being sold. These only carry the model ID, not the full engine number so if the bike you’re looking at displays 4LO and then nothing it may have one of these cases fitted… or it could have been stolen. If the engine number plate looks like it’s been altered then you should be walking away! Cranks used to be an issue as the main pin and flywheel are integral; speak to Grampian motors for any crank rebuild queries. For the casual fan matching numbers are probably of little importance but for arch enthusiast it can be a deal breaker. Ditto pattern parts; if their presence offends you, walk away or haggle accordingly. German model examples are acknowledged to be the best options these days and other than the speedo and one or two foibles they’re pretty much the same as UK models. Top-end quality LC350S are now approaching £10,000 so you won’t find a cheap one, end of etc. Decent standard genuine examples or earlier restorations are now hitting £7000-£7500 with decent riders commanding £4500-£5500. Rougher examples can go as low as £3000 but don’t expect genuine pipes for that money. The Elsie has always attracted customisers but one person’s take on a ‘tasty paint job’ may be someone else’s nightmare; haggle accordingly. Aftermarket pipes may sound good but don’t automatically add value.