Commando Mk2 Frame Number

Hi
I have 2 numbers on my frame:
1. The plate fixed to the frame with number 32xxxx
2. The number stamped directly into the frame at the headstock : 850F114XXX
Why should there be two different frame numbers on my bike? Has the 2nd number got any paint codes etc? The machine is currently red, seems original and I will be respraying to the same colour.
Is there a relationship between the headstock number and the frame plate number?
Is there a list of frame numbers and original paint codes available?
All advice gratefully received
Thanks

marknorton said:

I have 2 numbers on my frame:
1. The plate fixed to the frame with number 32xxxx
2. The number stamped directly into the frame at the headstock : 850F114XXX

Click to expand...

That's normal for the majority of 850 models, although some 850 MkIII models had matching frame and plate numbers, and I believe some early 850 models had no 2nd number stamped on the frame.

marknorton said:

Has the 2nd number got any paint codes etc?

Click to expand...

No.

marknorton said:

Is there a relationship between the headstock number and the frame plate number?

Click to expand...

There does not appear to be any direct relationship between the two numbers.

marknorton said:

Is there a list of frame numbers and original paint codes available?

Click to expand...

No.

Speaking of paint codes, Mark may be interested in a paint story about the Australian Norton importer ?

In late 1973 , I visited Norton Villiers Australia main warehouse in Moxon Road, and was surprised to see quite a number of new 850 Commandos all in a state of undress - tanks and sidecovers everywhere. I was surprised, i thought they shipped them out with only the handlebars and front wheel off them. I mentioned this, and whover was serving mentioned they had had a number of the unpopular coloured bikes repainted in easier to sell colours (his term). Black, metallic blue blue and candy red were the only colours to be seen - i can't remember what colours he said they replaced. The Keed Brothers did the painting, in Dulux Acran paint ( a 2 pac catalysed paint), far far better than the original thin coat they had apparently. Stripped off the old paint to bare metal and started again. Twin lined painted pinstripes for 850s all done in perfect lines, and stick on Norton and Commando 850 logos, all absolutely as per the factory finish. Only better....

Opethiselps.