Frame Number Riddle

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Davo

Davo

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Jun 30, 2009
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Hi there all!

My 750 frame confuses me.
Stamped on the headstock is B131541. Nothing I have read mentions a B in the frame number.
The number relates to 1969 models. My local Norton Workshop had one look at it and said 1972.
On the gussetting is a stamp R2 72, is this relevant?
The motor and gearbox aren't original and have differing numbers so they are no help.
I sent off an email to the VMC in the UK but haven't heard back.
Does anyone know what the B stood for and is it a '69?

Cheers

Dave

Frame Number Riddle

Headstock

Frame Number Riddle

LH side Frame


Frame Number Riddle

Frame
 
The frame has center stand mount on the rear engine cradle, means it's a '71 or later. Norton didn't stamp the VIN on the frame, rather on an aluminum ID plate that is riveted to the head stock.
 
IMHO it's a '72 Frame. Made by Reynolds in February 1972 to be exact. I have a similar stamp on my frame (R771) and the original number plate is stamped Jul 1971.

Frame Number Riddle
 
I have just had my date of manufacture checked and it turned out it was older than first thought, now a dec 1972
the frame number has no letter in front and starts 230--- it has 6 numbers stamped. No letters in front, dated by the Norton owners club but you must be a member.
 
spartan 3956 said:
I have just had my date of manufacture checked and it turned out it was older than first thought, now a dec 1972
the frame number has no letter in front and starts 230--- it has 6 numbers stamped. No letters in front, dated by the Norton owners club but you must be a member.
Click to expand...
So it's a 73 750 frame?
 
Where is that R number? Looks like maybe behind the right hand Z-plate? Will check it out if I ever get home in daylight. Winter sucks.
 
batrider said:
Where is that R number? Looks like maybe behind the right hand Z-plate? Will check it out if I ever get home in daylight. Winter sucks.
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It's on the LH side behind the Z-plate. Since it's not easily accessible I'm sure it goes mostly unnoticed but it appears to be a good way to date at least some bikes.
 
Welcome to the "My Commando is confusing Club". I've seen a couple frames without a number plate or the holes to mount one :?:
My 72 has the plate and a matching number stamped beside it. But no build date stamped into the plate.
I'm of firm belief that the number of lunch time Lagers or possibly the Luner cycle determined what it was they did.
 
So it's a 73 750 frame?

All can say it was despatched from the factory in December 1972 so it must be a 72 frame and matching engine.
It was registered in may 1973 some of these machines sat in dealer showrooms for months, so its worth checking.
especially in UK. re tax exception.
 
If despatched in December 72 then I'd call it a 1973 model. However, this was around the time they were getting away from referring to model years and started using Mark numbers so yes it is confusing. But on the other side of the coin, does it really matter? To me the last '72s were the best of the breed.
 
For the most part, model years ran from September to September. Titling on the other hand is a hole other story. You could have a 68 titled in 74 if it hung around the dealers floor for that long.
 
It's even worse. I have copies of the Norton factory build records sheets from late '71. 151xxx was being assembly after 200xxx which means '71 spec continued production after '72 spec started. The VIN is a good indication of spec however, just don't rely much on when the spec started and ended.
 
batrider said:
If despatched in December 72 then I'd call it a 1973 model. However, this was around the time they were getting away from referring to model years and started using Mark numbers so yes it is confusing. But on the other side of the coin, does it really matter? To me the last '72s were the best of the breed.
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I agree confusing but if you are a UK owner a 1972 bike becomes an Historic vehicle and instead of paying to ride it on the road about $150 its free.
A 1973 you pay.
 
As a UK owner I can agree its confusing....... My Roadster was first registerd on 1/1/1973. The cut off date for historic registration is 31/12/1972. It took about 6 letters and calls between me and the DVLA to convince them that the bike had to have been built in 1972, which is part of the criteria. In the end common sence ruled over bureaucracy. So free road tax and cheaper insurance... Its not the cost but the princable..
 
Whew! After reading all this I am simply grateful that the British are more attentive to the dates they manufacture beer than they are to their motorcycles. Although I have heard that the reason the English drink warm beer is because Lucas also made refrigerators...
 
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