Frame I.D.

I was sanding down the steering head on my frame today, as it was quite nicked-up. I came upon a bit of a surprise.... an I.D. number (I suspect that's what it is), materialized, as if by magic.



It reads:

850F104296

I suspect this indicates it is an 850 frame? Not sure.... What might the other information imply?

Thanks, in advance.

w/

Yes it is an 850 frame, and the number would place it around late '73 or early '74 production: http://atlanticgreen.com/commandoframes.htm

Thanks L.A.B. So I have a 750 motor cradled in an 850 frame. I'm wondering if that is a good thing? Thanks for the link, too.

w/

wrench said:

So I have a 750 motor cradled in an 850 frame. I'm wondering if that is a good thing?

Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with that at all.


PS
You may also find the frame part number stamped in small digits on the front of the L/H fuel tank bracket ? Which could identify it as being either a MkI or MkII 850 model frame.

L.A.B. said:

PS
You may also find the frame part number stamped in small digits on the front of the L/H fuel tank bracket ? Which could identify it as being either a MkI or MkII 850 model frame.

Click to expand...

I'll check into that. I'm still confused about the whole MK identification method, truth be told.... MKI or MKII or MKIII? Obviously each marque must have distinguishable characteristics. Can all three be applicable to 750s as well as 850s, for example?

Thanks for the tip regarding the L/H fuel tank bracket. You've been a big help all along here, L.A.B.

Cheers.

w/

wrench said:

I'm still confused about the whole MK identification method, truth be told.... MKI or MKII or MKIII? Obviously each marque must have distinguishable characteristics.

Click to expand...

This may help?: http://www.nortonownersclub.org/models/ ... etail.html

wrench said:

So I have a 750 motor cradled in an 850 frame. I'm wondering if that is a good thing?

Click to expand...

It makes no difference if the triple trees are 850 as well. The 850 frame has the steering head kicked out an extra degree and the triple tree stem is brought in a degree to keep the wheelbase the same. Using the 750 trees on an 850 frame can give some unusual handling characteristics

Do your trees have "ANG" cast on the underside ?

L.A.B. -- Very nice reference, it does help. A lot. Thanks, per usual.

Ron L -- Never even thought of that. Want to ask you what's identifiable about 750 vs. 850 trees..... I think 79x100 may allude to it on his next post, but not sure....

79x100 - YES! Both the upper and lower yoke have AMG stamped into the underside. Actually, it's a shame. These were chromed most beautifully. An accident of some kind marred them. But do tell... Does AMG imply 850 trees? I was to take these to the chrome shop today (found a decent source, but held off to make sure it was worth my time). $25 each to de-chrome. $75 to chrome the two of them. Not sure if I'm going to chrome them, but how do these prices hit you folks?

Most appreciative,

wrench

Yes, ANG was cast in the 850 trees only.