71 Commando Tank

Hi. New here and trying to get some information.
I am considering purchasing a 1971 Commando 750 and am trying to acertain the originality of some parts. Other than a few nuts and bolts I am satisfied that most of the bike is original. The tank however I am unsure about. I haven't been able to find any pictures online with a similier tank. The present owner says there were two tanks available and this one was the one that had extra capacity. Any information much appreciated.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/greencanuck/N6.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/greencanuck/N1.jpg

That's a standard interstate tank with roadster sidecovers.

Standard Interstate tank however the Interstate model wasn't introduced until 1972.

http://www.andover-norton.co.uk/NCInterstate.htm

Wow! So fast on the reply. Thank you very much! I was concerned as it didn't have the narrowing ridge on the rear third towards the saddle.
Again, thanks. Much appreciated.

Also, the owner did say he "thought" it was 1971. I will go back and obtain the serial number which I stupidly forgot to get on first viewing.

IF it is a fiberglass tank figure on having to replace it.

No, it is definitely metal. A small amount of bubbling around the filler cap but otherwise seems in excellent shape.

Norcan said:

Also, the owner did say he "thought" it was 1971. I will go back and obtain the serial number which I stupidly forgot to get on first viewing.

Click to expand...

It looks as if it has the camshaft timed breather so probably 1971 (pre-200000 serial)


[Edit]
It's not exactly clear from the photo but I think the rear brake cable is routed under the "Z" plate which can cause the rear brake to lock up when the suspension is fully compressed and is a safety issue so needs repositioning to run over the Z plate as soon as possible.



Correct cable routing

Norcan said:

No, it is definitely metal. A small amount of bubbling around the filler cap but otherwise seems in excellent shape.

Click to expand...

Original tank on a '71 US sold roadster would have been fiberglass. As mentioned it's better to replace with metal, so if you already have a steel interstate tank, just a matter of preference to stay with it or get a roadster tank. If absolute originality is what you need, then fiberglass roadster tanks are plentiful and much cheaper than the metal version.

If you are looking at originality the seat is not right for either a Roadster or Interstate. Maybe Interpol (police) model? Looks a little thinly padded for a policeman's butt in the saddle all day. Hardly anyone worries much about tank and seat combinations being original because it is easy to switch to whatever model you desire. We are 40 years down the road so who knows what incarnations it has seen. In this case it is probably better not to have the fiberglass tank anyway. Looks like a nice bike in any case. Go for it.

71 brochure: http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... mmando.pdf

Thanks guys. What a great forum. So glad I found you

Yeah, looks like a '71, except tank & seat. Serial number will help. Check to see if there's a red tag on the fork neck behind the headlight. That may even tell you it's birthday within the month. It probably doesn't have a side stand. I lost mine the second time I used it. A unique "feature" of '71's :roll: Hopefully, someone didn't try to add some bodged replacement. You can add one, but most Norton's start better on the center stand.

Norcan
It looks like the L/H side cover is an interstate and the R/H cover is from an roadster. The side covers are available and the interstate tank is desireable if you like to travel. Nice find.
Where do you hail from?
CNN

Like the cross weave , 73 ? seat , you can gettem for maybe 100 , so no loss .
Disc can be usefull , but drums grabbier , though can fade if you ride hard ,
or tour heavy laden in mountains in summer . :?

notta Bad . Id pretend its woth four , if theres no heavy noises .
Steel interstae tanks rather usefull. Not interste pipes on it though , or mufflers .

Guys, what year did they switch from fiberglass to steel? My 72 Combat has fiberglass side panels, but has a metal tank. I have no idea if it the original tank or not.

Well, I was excited enough to go back this afternoon and I found out the following:
The frame is stamped January 1971 and the number 142475.
The engine is stamped 20m35/142475.
To answer the questions above, I am from near London Ontario Canada. The seat that is in the picture is one the guy made for himself as the original seat which also comes with the bike and is in decent shape with the Norton lettering on it, was too high for his short legs and he was unable to put both feet on the ground at the same time.
It sounds like there are unmatched side covers but I understand it isn't difficult to obtain replacements. As for the brakes, I am a little bit wary of the discs but I have slowed down somewhat in my old age. I think if I buy it I'll try the original drums and see if I can live with them.
Here is a picture with the original seat. As his wife hates the machine he has never used it.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/greencanuck/N10.jpg

L.A.B. said:

Norcan said:

Also, the owner did say he "thought" it was 1971. I will go back and obtain the serial number which I stupidly forgot to get on first viewing.

Click to expand...

It looks as if it has the camshaft timed breather so probably 1971 (pre-200000 serial)


[Edit]
It's not exactly clear from the photo but I think the rear brake cable is routed under the "Z" plate which can cause the rear brake to lock up when the suspension is fully compressed and is a safety issue so needs repositioning to run over the Z plate as soon as possible.

Correct cable routing

Click to expand...

Thanks L.A.B. I'll be sure to have that checked if I buy it!

If you do get it it looks as you only need a Right hand Interstate side cover. They are pretty common. It's the left ones that are hard to find as they are held on with a dzus fastener and have been known to depart the bike on their own.

Excellent Norcan
You could have a good score. The seat is correct for the interstate and as bwolfie stated, you would only need to change the R/H side cover. The original interstate set up had low exhaust pipes, which were more horizonal, but the upturned peashooter exhaust IMO looks better. That’s the way my interstate is set-up.... its not correct but each to his own. If you are in the London Ont. area then Walridge Motors is just up north from you in Lucan. Mike is one of many nice parts dealers that you can run across.
May be we will be seeing you at the CVMG meet in June at the Paris rally.
Cheers.
CNN

Yes , I think youre going to have to get it . Also do a Honours Degree in Engineering , it goes with the territory .
Not really practical to not maintain a 40 year old vehical unless you do it yourself , unless plenty of free cash .

Most of the times spent studying the processes , so as not to bludgeon or mutilate the device .Some have a more
in tune touch .

I prefer the side panel as per your R.H. one , for looks .And would use that type on the LHS .

Gearbox should have a matching nuber atop , also .While were there , a good check is remove the primary chain inspection bung , Finger on chain , box in 4th , rear brake on , and put a foot on the top run of the rear chain .If theres a massive
change in primary tension , its a bit of a worry .

Setting points , valves , chains & running the odd spanner over the machine are usual ' owner maintanance ' proceedures .
Haveing a good look at the front downtubes , and top spine tube , if he will take the tank off , should show any welts from
abrubt stops. Original fork stauchions a plus and indicate alls ok there , a bit of chrome worn is usuall . Sighting it up
standing well back , outdoors should see it all in line .

Id used the heel on the rear brake occasionally .Used that for pulling up to a stop , as it leaves the hands free etc etc .
Then you can play musical feet , takeing off .Or practise balanceing as you lift right foot to snick into gear, and underway.
Lot of gravle around in those days .