Did all 72 Commando's Have turn signals?

Hortons Norton · Jul 14, 2008

Just want to know if all the 72s had turn signals?

L.A.B. · Jul 14, 2008

No, not all of them, except for the Interstate model maybe? There are period photos showing 1972 Roadster and Fastback models with no signals.

79x100 · Jul 14, 2008

The 1972 brochure lists turn signals under 'New Factory Options' along with the Combat engine, Disc brake and QH headlamp (ex-US). It doesn't make it clear if this was an option package or if one could pick and choose.

In the brochure pictures, only the Interstate and the Interplod have signals. Roadster, Hi-Rider and Fastbacks don't so it may well only have been Combat-engined Interstates that had them (Perhaps to signal that one was pulling over due to main bearing failure

)

For 1973, they are shown on all brochure pictures and mentioned in the electrical details.

BrianK · Jul 14, 2008

My 1973 850 (Mk. I) didn't come with them (unless the DPO removed them, which I kinda doubt but who knows...)

debby · Jul 14, 2008

DPO probably removed them.

My first Norton was a 1973 850 that my dad bought new in 1973, and it came with turn signals. I suppose they could have been a dealer-installed option but I'm pretty sure they were standard equipment.

Debby

BrianK · Jul 14, 2008

That scumbag (my DPO, I mean)! I have completely rewired the bike, put in a new flasher unit, and I still can't get flashers to work. Kinda like the clean look without them, but it's gonna get me killed eventually. Not 1% of drivers have any idea what hand signals mean - certainly not the right turn and stop ones anyway....

Hortons Norton · Jul 14, 2008

Thanks all, I am getting ready to start putting this thing together, And it just didn't have them on before. Now to see if the DMV in California will have a problem with it. I will be getting my motor back by the end of the month. Thanks again, Chuck.

Ron L · Jul 15, 2008

My '73 MkV 750 Roadster came without turn signals. I remember the dealer had two blue roadsters, neither with signals and two black interstates and they both had turnsignals. As a young, ignorant kid I thought the turn signals disrupted the lines of the Commando so went with the roadster rather than the interstate.

debby · Jul 15, 2008

Hmm. Maybe it was just up to the dealer then.

Debby

fastback · Jul 15, 2008

Wouldn't it depend on local/state regulations?
I know that in Ontario if a bike didn't have to originally have certain features, like signals or kill switch, it doesn't have to have them.

I often feel like a one man crusade for hand signals - I figure if I get a drivers attention " oh look at that funny man with his hand in the air. I wonder what he is doing... ?" Then at least they are paying attention to me, and less likely to plow into me.

Haven't quite figured how to signal and operate clutch at the same time...[/i]

worntorn · Jul 15, 2008

Yes, the hand signals gets a little tricky when waiting to make a left turn at an intersection. I still have one bike without turn indiactors. When I'm in the left turn mode on it I find often find the oncoming drivers looking at me for some kind of indication of what I am about to do. These are the good drivers, more often drivers just plow on thru with no idea you are even there.

When a "Good" oncoming driver is attempting a left hand turn and so am I, it gets bad. He or she is making great eye contact with me, their face like a giant question mark, but I am busy with the clutch, so I instead of hand signals I make violent jerking motions with my head and neck in a leftward direction. I'm not sure if the other driver knows what I mean, but I have brought laughter to many drivers!

Hortons Norton · Jul 15, 2008

Up until this bike the only hand signals I made was with a single finger! Ya know the bumper sticker that says horn broke watch for finger.... Chuck. :roll:

Ron L · Jul 15, 2008

Haven't quite figured how to signal and operate clutch at the same time...[/

Me neither, but have learned if I'm stopped to make sure the front wheel is turned in the direction I intend to go.

I've often done worntorn's head bob, too, if the oncoming driver appears uncertain to my intention.

As far as the 1972 models, this ad shows the roadster without signals and the interstate with them. That may have been the standard with the 750 line. By the time the 850's were introduced I believe the entire line had signals.
http://www.andover-norton.co.uk/NGFrontrunners.htm

Did all 72 Commando's Have turn signals?

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