Frames and Engines

Hello, have been looking for a Commando frame and engine for some time but no luck. So going one stage further and looking for frame and engine separately.

Does any engine fit in any frame. That is will 750 engine fit into 850 frame etc. Similarly will any swinging arm and cradle fit in any frame.

There seem to be frames for sale and have seen a good engine but, to be fair, I don't know what I am looking at with regards to what is compatible with what.

Any advice very welcome, Richard

Yes, any engine will fit any frame, but if you're worried about things like centre stands (I don't use them) then you need to make sure the cradle and frame match. Likewise, the MkIII cradle needs to go with the MkIII powertrain - either that or you modify an earlier one in the appropriate way (a simple job).

Steer clear of the 68 Widow maker frames, they were replaced by the factory but original old ones are seen around and there was one on ebay not long back, they are missing the small tube that runs from the bottom of the head stock then under the maintube meeting it further back. 72 onwards have the better sidestand location. Make sure you know if you have a 750 or 850 frame then you know which yokes to get, the 850 runs more stable than an 750 due to the changes made to the headstock angle.