Do I have a '71 or '72?

Back in late April I posted a question regarding my crank bearings. While I was told by the PO that the bike was a '72, questions regarding the type of bearings on the crank indicate it might be a '71. I finally remembered to get the numbers off the red VIN tag and engine.

VIN tag: Jul 1971 build date, serial number 149346
Engine number: 20M3S. the 0 looks like a C but that doesn't seem to be a valid model number. The serial number is the same as the VIN tag.

Built in '71 but considered a '72 model?

BTW this is a European model if it matters.

Thanks

Mike

Pretty sure that will be a 1971 model. Does it have the breather off the end of the cam tunnel on the primary side and the large sump plug/strainer at the rear under the crankcase?
1972 models started at 200001 I think, had the breather at the back of the crankcase and did away with the large sump plug/strainer when they foolishly moved the scavenge pick up to the front. Mine’s a ‘72 model but built in December ‘71.

a1984mm said:

Built in '71 but considered a '72 model?

Click to expand...

No it's a '1971' model not even a late one although Commandos don't have model years in the normal sense therefore it could be registered as 1972, and it is 0 not C.

Thanks guys. It does have the timed breather on the cam and the large sump strainer. I’ll make sure I look for ‘71 parts from now on.