850 Mk3 oil filter alligator clamp

My 850 had an alligator clamp holding the filter on. There's a metal tab on the right side of the area of the filter which held it to the can. I assume this was to keep it vibrating off. Was that a stock item?

My 850 had an alligator clamp holding the filter on.

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If you mean a "jubilee clip" or, in American , a hose clamp, then yes, it is an original item to keep the filter from backing off.

In theory securing the filter seems a good idea.

No car I have owned in some 50 years bothered with an oil filter securing device, just screw it on.

I have been running with a simple screwed on filter for some 35 years, and it has never loosened.

However, it sure cant hurt anything to have it strapped for additional insurance

Ugh, I've had factory location oil filter come loose just as I was warming up tires and working up nerve to attack some twisties coming up to feel a sense of a flat tire so slowed to find oiled tire then 1/4 mile oil slick. I still don't bother with a jubilee hose clamp but sure do make sure filter is nipped up short of plain stupid tight. Road trash is handy on summer rides w/o much a glove to screw hot filter back on and ride to an oil top off. Class this item with brake safety spring and rim clamps.

The 1st time I changed the filter back '74 it was on so tight that I had to destroy it to get it off. For a bike that vibrates as much as the Norton it seems like cheap insurance and very easy to install and remove.