70 restoration

Restoring a '70 #137xxx jumble. Have a 850 frame(064140) restored w/ steering head, looking for frame (060406,062002 W/ steering head 060344) don't know which frame is correct. Also is the Quaife for quickness or top end

All boxes are pretty much the same ratios in top gear. How "quick" they are and how street friendly they are depends on the lower gears, four or five speed, what size sprocket, etc.

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/riding-rpm.30195/

https://www.nortonownersclub.org/support/technical-support-commando/gearbox-ratios

bobmac7835 said:

Restoring a '70 #137xxx jumble. Have a 850 frame(064140) restored w/ steering head, looking for frame (060406,062002 W/ steering head 060344) don't know which frame is correct. Also is the Quaife for quickness or top end

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You should study more before you part with your money .
Start here and determine what you have:
type rolling chassis ???...
type drive train (20M3S137xxx)....
body style MK 1-2-3-4-5?
https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/versions-of-commando.27393/
137xxx was originally a series 1 bike(68-69-70) which causes difficulties when building hybrid mixed combinations with other series.

dynodave said:

You should study more before you part with your money .
Start here and determine what you have:
type rolling chassis ???...
type drive train (20M3S137xxx)....
body style MK 1-2-3-4-5?
https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/versions-of-commando.27393/
137xxx was originally a series 1 bike(68-69-70) which causes difficulties when building hybrid mixed combinations with other series.

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Very true. You have a Mixta. You can ignore the 75 onwards parts. Enjoy.

bobmac7835 said:

Restoring a '70 #137xxx jumble. Have a 850 frame(064140) restored w/ steering head, looking for frame (060406,062002 W/ steering head 060344) don't know which frame is correct. Also is the Quaife for quickness or top end

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Where in the US are you? I have an extra ‘70 frame, forks, wheels, engine cradle, front and rear isolastics, head steady and swingarm. Frame number 134884 Dec’69.

illf8ed said:

Where in the US are you? I have an extra ‘70 frame, forks, wheels, engine cradle, front and rear isolastics, head steady and swingarm. Frame number 134884 Dec’69.

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Keep it up...KEEP IT UP!

Are you TRYING to get me in trouble? I'm supposed to be RETIRED, as in NO MORE PROJECTS!

Dang...

grandpaul said:

Keep it up...KEEP IT UP!

Are you TRYING to get me in trouble? I'm supposed to be RETIRED, as in NO MORE PROJECTS!

Dang...

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No worry. You’re too far away there in Laredo. Was just offering the OP if he is interested and close by for his ‘70 project. I’m tempted to put this one together myself, but agree I don’t need another project.

Are you restoring or rebuilding? If restoring you would not want the Quaife and need the 060406 frame. If you are rebuilding and want a Quaife and have the 850 frame, then build it the way you want. However, the Quaife doesn't get you any more top speed, as it is the same top gear ratio as the stock. Plus the low gear is higher than stock. The advantage of the Quaife is mostly racing (or serious canyon carving) as you have more ratios to choose and they are closer so you can keep the engine in its power band.