| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
jpooch00
Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 5
|
 Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 2:44 am Post subject: numbers question |
 |
|
My '75 Commando has a plain metal plate riveted to the steering head that has the engine number and 12 74 stamped onto it and nothing else. The engine number seems to have no relation to the VIN.
Is this normal for a '75?
Thanks for your help,
John |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Jason Curtiss
Joined: 14 Jun 2003
Posts: 661
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 8:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
My '75 Commando has a red colored aluminum tag riveted to the steering head with the engine number and date steel stamped on the tag.
If there is any relationship between the engine number and VIN, I don't know what it is. I assume you found the VIN number; it's steel stamped to the steering head on the right-hand side.
Regards,
Jason |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 9:22 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hey Jason,
Thanks for the info - that's a relief!!
Ride safe,
John |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ron L
Joined: 27 Feb 2004
Posts: 1101
Location: Ohio
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 3:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
John and Jason,
The VIN number on the red tag attached to the headstock should be the same as your engine number stamped on the primary side of the cases. For a '75 these should be 32XXX or 33XXX. If they do not match, either the frame or the engine has been changed.
There is a frame number (ex. F12001) stamped into the steering head of the '75 frames. This is usually not used by the motor vehicle bureau as the VIN.
The 12 74 means the bike was assembled at the factory in December of 1974. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jason Curtiss
Joined: 14 Jun 2003
Posts: 661
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 4:14 am Post subject: |
|
|
Ron,
The number on the tag on my 75 Commando matches the engine number stamped on the primary (left-hand) side of the engine case, just below the cylinder block.
The number that is steel stamped into the steering head is identical to the number shown on the motor vehicle title. I suspect that John's numbering system is identical to mine.
In my mind, it makes sense that the number stamped into the steering head is used for the VIN number as it is far more permanent than the flimsy aluminum tag number. What other number would you use for a VIN?
Regards,
Jason |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Scooter62
Joined: 05 Dec 2003
Posts: 166
Location: South Florida
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
The 12 74 indicates the date of manufacture. You should also have a 6 digit VIN number that is the same on the engine case and on the transmission case. The VIN should start with 325xxx.
Scooter |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Ron L
Joined: 27 Feb 2004
Posts: 1101
Location: Ohio
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Jason, what you say makes sense, but we are dealing with governments!! Since when do they care about making sense??
Since Norton only had frame numbers on Commandos in 1975, the engine number was always stamped into the frame tag. This is what was used as a VIN for all pre-75 models. It is really up to the motor vehicle department of the original licensing state (and to some extent the dealer supplying the VIN and Bill of Sale) what number is used to title. All the Mk III titles I have had or seen (Mich, Ohio, PA, KY) did not use the frame number as a VIN. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
Norton Commando Forum by Corporate Pages Web hosting using phpbb
The Unapproachable Norton Commando
At the end of 1967 the Norton Commando was announced.
The Norton Commando was greeted with a certain amount of scepticism because on first sight the commando appeared to comprise of the old Norton Dominator twin cylinder engine mounted at an inclined angle in a set of new cylinder parts.
It was not realized that the new Norton Commando Isolastic method of engine suspension damped out all engine vibration and produced a machine which had uncanny smoothness for a vertical twin. In due course the critics were silenced and the Norton Commando had the distinction of being regarded as the first of todays so called superbikes. There can be little doubt that the original design concept of the Norton Commando has proved correct, since comparatively few modifications of any real consequence have been made since production commenced during 1968.
Now nearly 40 years later Norton Commando riders like us are a breed of our own, and as far as we are concerned its still more fun to go for a blat on the old Norton Commando, and fast. As a Norton Commando owner and enthusiast, my goal here is to promote and give credit to those who keep the Norton name going.
It is more deserving to give credit to the Commando itself, for after all these years it continues to be respected. The original Commando designers like John Favill are those who deserve the credit for developing this incredible motorcycle.
The Norton Commando Roadster and Interstate of the late seventies, never died. Although the Norton Villiers factory dispersed the tradition lived on. Today Kenny Dreer in the USA is developing the new 952 CC Norton. What a great looking bike this is, and its engineering is still based on the original layout. It will be interesting to see how the new 952CC Norton does in todays tough motorcycle market. One thing is for sure, I would own one if I could afford it.
