1969 Norton Commando model R or S?

Ekvin · Jun 22, 2015

Just purchased a 1969 Norton Commando 750cc from an older friend. He said it was a Roadster but a couple internet sites indicated that there was no Roadster in 1969, but a type R and a type S. My question is how do I tell which one I have? Its a work in progress as it was in his shed for the last 15 years. Can't wait to get it running and test it out.
Cheers!

dynodave · Jun 22, 2015

per tech digest
first
1969=130021 and up until
1970=134700 and up
"R" first ID by style/characteristics
then
Roadster... ID by characteristics & 135140 and up

Ekvin · Jun 22, 2015

ok so I can check the serial numbers. If it was an S then the both exhaust pipes would be on the left side?

L.A.B. · Jun 22, 2015

Ekvin said:
Just purchased a 1969 Norton Commando 750cc from an older friend. He said it was a Roadster but a couple internet sites indicated that there was no Roadster in 1969, but a type R and a type S. My question is how do I tell which one I have?

It could also have been a Fastback.

Does it have a central oil tank?
Does it have camshaft driven points assembly, or are they contained in a housing behind the cylinders?
Is the engine number prefix '20M3' or '20M3S' ?

Ekvin · Jun 22, 2015

Thanks for the info, I will check the serial number and the items LAB listed tomorrow.
Cheers!

L.A.B. · Jun 22, 2015

Ekvin said:
ok so I can check the serial numbers.

It's not quite that simple if you want to know the actual model type-as all three (Fastback, 'S' and 'R' ) would have been produced within the 1969 'production year' but knowing the serial number (or at least the first four digits) might help to narrow it down.

Edit:
You could also send an email enquiry to the records sections of either the UK NOC, or VMCC, (quoting the engine serial number and frame number-if different) as both clubs have access to the surviving Norton factory records, however, they normally charge a small fee for this service if they find any information about a particular machine.

http://www.nortonownersclub.org/records-dating

http://www.vmccshop.net/c/590/library-services

DogT · Jun 22, 2015

The near complete and accurate number would be a start. But also the equipment, as Les says does it have a central oil tank (S or Roadster) or the side oil tank, R or Fastback (originally just 'Commando'). I believe the R was made after the S or perhaps in conjunction with the Roadster but I'm unlcear on that. So getting past the oil tank, take a look at the 1/2" locknut on the left side of the central Isolastic stud, the long 1/2" stud that runs through the cradle. If it's beaten up on one side it most likely was an 'S' model, the exhaust invariably got loose and the exhaust system would beat a flat on that nut. Mine was like that and I've seen others the same. Check the number on the ID plate on the headstock too. Have fun. We need pictures.

Ekvin · Jun 22, 2015

cjandme · Jun 22, 2015

DogT said:
.................Check the number on the ID plate on the headstock too. Have fun. We need pictures.

Welcome & +1 ...we need pictures. My brother had a 1970 Fireflake Blue "S" model back in the late 70's. Man I loved that bike. I have a '69 basket case with tons of missing parts that Some day I hope to get around to fixing up. There has never been a better time to own and ride these bikes. Lots of new stuff available to make them easier to live with. Cj

L.A.B. · Jun 22, 2015

From what can be seen in the photo it's more likely to have been an 'S' type rather than a Fastback or 'R' type. The front disc brake is not original-as a '69 model would've had a drum brake.

dynodave · Jun 22, 2015

If it's a 70 , it could also be a "roadster" ...key in side cover....silver side decal is 73 only...seat is later model
This is probably a highly bitsa bike ....hyde fork brace.
NOC help will help more than pix.
Not "R" since side cover not right to match fastback "R" oil tank
need VIN to ID possibilities
definitely pre 71...side stand

mikuni... :roll:

L.A.B. · Jun 23, 2015

dynodave said:
This is probably a highly bitsa bike ....hyde fork brace.

I think the seat and the disc brake could also be Norman Hyde parts.

Anonymous · Jun 23, 2015

L.A.B. said:
dynodave said:

This is probably a highly bitsa bike ....hyde fork brace.

Click to expand...

I think the seat and the disc brake could also be Norman Hyde parts.

...and the fork brace, I suspect.
'cos I want one too.
Ts.

pierodn · Jun 23, 2015

Hi.
Tacho and speedometer are of a S type, not Fastback or R.
The front fender is a late one.
Ciao
Piero

L.A.B. · Jun 23, 2015

needing said:
L.A.B. said:

dynodave said:

This is probably a highly bitsa bike ....hyde fork brace.

Click to expand...

I think the seat and the disc brake could also be Norman Hyde parts.

Click to expand...

...and the fork brace, I suspect.

How many Hyde fork braces do you see? :? :?:

pierodn said:
Tacho and speedometer are of a S type, not Fastback or R.

What makes you think they are only for the S type, Piero, as the 'solid green dot' SSM 3001/02 speedo would be the standard 'MPH' instrument fitted for '68, '69 and '70, and the RSM 3003/12 tacho with the red zone is the correct item for most '69 or '70 models, not just the S type?

(1968-69 tacho without the red zone is RSM 3003/10)

Ekvin · Jun 23, 2015

only other photo I have at the moment until I make it back out to my friends garage. The other Norton next to mine is my friends 1972 Commando Roadster 850.

Ekvin · Jun 23, 2015

I checked my ownership and the VIN is 20M35131589. Although I now wonder if the 5 should have been an S?
The oil tank is on the right side just below the front of the seat. It has been converted to a Boyer Bransden Electronic Ignition System and a single Mikuni carb.
You guys really picked up a lot of info from one picture. I confirmed that it does indeed have a Norman Hyde front disc brake, Norman Hyde fork brace and leg extensions and Norman Hyde dual seat.
I do have the original seat still but not the other parts unfortunately.

L.A.B. · Jun 23, 2015

Ekvin said:
I checked my ownership and the VIN is 20M35131589. Although I now wonder if the 5 should have been an S?

Yes, 20M3S 131589, in which case it could be an early 'S' type, as the first 'S' is supposed to have been (20M3S) 131257, built March 1969.

Ekvin said:
The oil tank is on the right side just below the front of the seat.

It would be unusual for an 'S' to have a side-mounted oil tank.

DogT · Jun 23, 2015

Yes, I have 132031 and it's April '69 production. Here's what the 'S' type oil tank looks like.

Rohan · Jun 23, 2015

Ekvin said:
The other Norton next to mine is my friends 1972 Commando Roadster 850.

Bit of an error creeping in here too. 850 Commando didn't appear until 1973.
Some of the very early ones may have been made very late 1972, as 1973 models, but none appeared in showrooms until 1973,
AFTER the early 1973 announcement. Just FYI...
Cheers.

1969 Norton Commando model R or S?

Ekvin

dynodave

Ekvin

L.A.B.

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Ekvin

L.A.B.

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DogT

Ekvin

cjandme

L.A.B.

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dynodave

L.A.B.

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Anonymous

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pierodn

L.A.B.

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Ekvin

Ekvin

L.A.B.

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DogT

Rohan

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