Commando Mk series

I see references to Mk series numbers for 750 and 850 Commando models. Just to clearify here is my understanding and would like to hear if there is agreement. I've see some mix on the 750 Mk series depending on if fastback or roadster style - ref Roy Bacon.

750Mk1 - 1968 original fastback
750Mk2 - 1969 some changes to fastback such as gas tank emblems, non sand cast primary
750Mk3 - 1971 models with revised oil tank, side covers, electricals up to VIN 152xxx
750Mk4 - 1972 with revised crankcase, side stand...others VIN 200xxx onward
750Mk5 - 1973 final form of 750 VIN 220xxx onward

850Mk1 - 1973 with reverse cone silencers and ham can air box
850Mk1A - 1973 with black cap silencers and plastic air box - not usually seen in the US
850Mk2 - 1974 with reverse cone silencers and ham can air box
850Mk2A - 1974 with black cap silencers and plastic air box - see both Mk2 and Mk2A in the US.
850Mk3 - electric start of course

Unfortunately the Commando marks are bit more complex.

Firstly, there were no MkI 750s.

The name "Fastback" was only applied to the original model "Commando" after the "R" and "S" Commando models were introduced.

The Roadster model was introduced during the MkII ('71) production series, but was simply known as "Roadster" because it was the first model of its type.
Same for the Interstate, the first year for the Interstate was 1972 (IV production series) but was simply an "Interstate" for '72, and "Interstate V" for '73.




The following list was published in the December 2006 edition of Classic Bike magazine:



"750cc
Original Commando 4/68-3/69
750 R 3/69-9/69
750S 3/69-6/70
Fastback 3/69-8/70
Fastback MkII 9/70-12/70
Fastback MkIII 1/71-12/71
Fastback IV 1/72-3/73
Fastback LR (Long Range) 4/71-12/71
Fastback LR MkIV 1/72-2/73
Roadster 3/70-12/70
Roadster II 1/71-12/71 (logically this model ought to have been known as "Roadster III", as it was produced during the MkIII series production ='71-'72 as there was no actual Roadster MkIII model?
Roadster IV 1/72-2/73
Roadster V 3/73-10/73 (certain MkV specification 220000 serial number Commandos are known to have plates date stamped earlier than 3/73?)
SS (Street Scrambler) 3/71-10/71
PR (Production Racer) 4/71-10/73
Hi-Rider 5/71-12/71
Hi-Rider IV 1/72-2/73
Hi-Rider V 3/73-10/73
Interstate 1/72-2/73
Interstate V 3/73-10/73
850cc
Roadster MkI 4/73-12/73
Roadster MkIA 9/73-2/75
Roadster IIA 1/74-2/75
Roadster III 2/75-9/77
Interstate MkI 4/73-12/73
Interstate 1A 9/73-2/75
Interstate IIA 1/74-2/75
Interstate MkIII 2/75-9/77
Hi-Rider MkI 4.73-12/73
Hi-Rider II 1/74-2/75

750cc/850cc (only made as 850cc as far as I am aware)
John Player Replica 11/73-2/75

I hope I'm not being too ornery but Is there evidence that Norton used these Mk numbers when referring to the 750s? I was not aware of it at the time and have not noticed it in the brochures either. I think these may have been "applied" in modern times to differentiate the models.

The differences really correspond to model years back then which is what we went by.

I do remember the 850s having the Mk numbers.

Russ

It's not uncommon to differentiate "models" well after production ceases. At the time, I'm sure no one is sitting around thinking that there should be some order to the process. They are probably too busy just trying to get bikes out the door.

batrider said:

I hope I'm not being too ornery but Is there evidence that Norton used these Mk numbers when referring to the 750s?

Click to expand...

I agree, there's no evidence to suggest that the factory ever officially applied these mark numbers to the 750 models? This is perhaps not correct.