Another semi-newbie

Slowtoo · Jun 5, 2016

Hey all. I acquired a 1972 Commando last Wed. It's a runner but needs things done, as expected. I am camping at the moment but will post pics as soon as I can. Had a 1974 Commando that I had near perfect and should NOT have sold. Been looking ever since. I drove over 600 miles just to look at this bike and it was worth it. Gonna be a great almost original rider!! I have every piece of paper tracing the origins of this bike from Hong Kong. Can't wait to get home and make her mine!!! BTW, I'm almost 66 and retired. Gonna be a blast. Ed

MS850 · Jun 5, 2016

Slowtoo said:
Hey all. I acquired a 1972 Commando last Wed. It's a runner but needs things done, as expected. I am camping at the moment but will post pics as soon as I can. Had a 1974 Commando that I had near perfect and should NOT have sold. Been looking ever since. I drove over 600 miles just to look at this bike and it was worth it. Gonna be a great almost original rider!! I have every piece of paper tracing the origins of this bike from Hong Kong. Can't wait to get home and make her mine!!! BTW, I'm almost 66 and retired. Gonna be a blast. Ed

Wow great to here about your new bike. There's a lot knowledge and history on that bike so you have no trouble getting good quick answers. I'm a decade past the half century mark also, and yeah its a kick in the pants to ride a Commando.

Nater_Potater · Jun 6, 2016

Welcome! You've certainly come to the right place...

I also own a '74, and ride her every day that weather permits. 'Maybe not the greatest commuter bike out there, but, who cares? Nothing else looks and sounds like a Norton.

Rock on!

Nathan

Slowtoo · Jun 14, 2016

I've been researching the history of my Commando and have a question. Everything I find says that it's a 1972 (200520) but the neck plate is stamped 12/71. It was originally sold out of Hong Kong. Ideas? Thanks.

Ed

L.A.B. · Jun 14, 2016

Slowtoo said:
I've been researching the history of my Commando and have a question. Everything I find says that it's a 1972 (200520) but the neck plate is stamped 12/71. It was originally sold out of Hong Kong.

Calendar years and production or 'model' years don't necessarily match, so although made December 1971 it is early '1972' (2xxxxx) model year.

Craig · Jun 14, 2016

There has been some talk on the subject of your question ..... some quite spirited .... might go by the date of manufacture when looking for parts etc. .... if it say 1971 on stamped plate then it might be a 1971 model .... although since it's a 200xxx it might be viewed as a 1972 .... I can't remember what the verdict was on that discussion .... either way , sounds like a great find .... good luck with it and welcome !
Craig

Slowtoo · Jun 14, 2016

Thanks for the replies. Craig, that's exactly why I was wanting opinions. Do I order 1971 parts or 1972? Thanks.

Ed

L.A.B. · Jun 14, 2016

Craig said:
might go by the date of manufacture when looking for parts etc. .... if it say 1971 on stamped plate then it might be a 1971 model .... although since it's a 200xxx it might be viewed as a 1972

As it is a 2xxxxx machine then there's really no doubt.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawings/4

Craig said:
.... I can't remember what the verdict was on that discussion ....

A different matter, as a theory was put forward that late 15xxxx series machines may have been included in the '1972' production series, although as yet we have seen no actual evidence to suggest this was the case.

L.A.B. · Jun 14, 2016

Slowtoo said:
Do I order 1971 parts or 1972?

'1972' from 200000.

Slowtoo · Jun 14, 2016

Excellent!! Thanks for the info!

Ed

Another semi-newbie

Slowtoo

MS850

Nater_Potater

Slowtoo

L.A.B.

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Craig

Slowtoo

L.A.B.

Moderator

L.A.B.

Moderator

Slowtoo

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