Help me ID this... thing.

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brianh

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Have been in communication with a man trying to sell a Norton "chopper" (I cannot say those words w/o feeling ill. See attached images). It is allegedly a '72 Commando. He says he has a clean title. Where I can see from the images that it is a Commando-era engine, the frame baffles me. Have not seen it up close, yet. But it doesn't look like any Norton frame I've ever seen before. May venture out to the hinterlands this weekend to pay my respects.

As an ardent admirer of rumbling English iron, I am considering an act of mercy. If I can get the price down to an acceptable level (it currently does not run, thank Dog), I may attempt a rescue and commence with what could turn out to be a decades long project to restore a noble thoroughbred. THAT would certainly keep me off the streets at night.

Questions: (1) What is it? and, (2) Would YOU do it?

Thanks in advance.

Help me ID this... thing.


Help me ID this... thing.


Help me ID this... thing.
 
It looks 72ish of which I am partial. What's the number on the crankcase. Should be 2xxxxx. With that front disk, could even be a Combat.
Would I do it if I were you? Yes, and only if I were you.
Seriously, if you have the means to bring it about, hell ya.
 
brianh said:
Questions: (1) What is it?
Click to expand...

An 850 Commando power train in a horribly molested slimline featherbed - the two upper tubes have been replaced by a monotube, the rear suspension mounts are re-welded under an angle and the rear peg bracket have been cut off. FUBAR if you ask me with the emphasis on the F....

(2) Would YOU do it?
Click to expand...

What is he asking for? It might make sense buying this if you consider getting a sound replacement frame. Depending on the title you might get a new Commando or Featherbed frame for which I'd deduct a Kilodollar from the asking price.



Tim
 
Tintin said:
brianh said:
Questions: (1) What is it?
Click to expand...
An 850 Commando power train in a horribly molested slimline featherbed - the two upper tubes have been replaced by a monotube, the rear suspension mounts are re-welded under an angle and the rear peg bracket have been cut off. FUBAR if you ask me with the emphasis on the F....
Click to expand...




What tells you it's an 850?
 
swooshdave said:
BSA frame?
Click to expand...

Just had a look at my A65 L/Clubman and although the gusset in the swinging arm area is similar it's not BSA, it's too big. I agree with Tintin, it definitely looks like a Featherbed that has become the victim of some 'engineer' who wished to practice his/her skills with a hacksaw and welding torch!!!!!!
 
rbt11548 said:
Just had a look at my A65 L/Clubman and although the gusset in the swinging arm area is similar it's not BSA, it's too big. I agree with Tintin, it definitely looks like a Featherbed that has become the victim of some 'engineer' who wished to practice his/her skills with a hacksaw and welding torch!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Yes, it is (or was) a slimline Featherbed frame originally!
 
pvisseriii said:
I am sorry you feel so lonely waaaaaaay up there.
Click to expand...

Lansing, Michigan, US of A: 42° 44′ 0.6″ N, 84° 32′ 48.12″ W

Duesseldorf, North rhine - Westfalia, BR of Germany: 51° 13' 32" N, 06° 46' 58" O

I'd say I'm more to your right than up.... :wink:


Tim
 
Many thanks to all. A few more questions, if you'll allow me:

(1) What exactly is it about the cylinder block that tells you it is an 850?

(2) Given the apparent severity of the frame "modifications", do I...
(a) Find someone who can restore it?
(b) Shell out for another frame?

(3) If (b), can anyone recommend a decent, quasi-affordable maker of aftermarket frames?

I'm a fan of the cafe racer/naked bike layout. So, uh, Rickman?

All sincere responses/suggestions are appreciated.
 
I would have to disagree. It's not a featherbed frame. See the single large top tube. Freatherbed has two perimeter top tubes of smaller diameter and the stearing head sticks up above the two top frame tubes. This frame doesn't look all that buchtered. It's not a Norton frame. :?
 
Okay, so I'm pretty much convinced that it is not a standard "72 Commando frame. The question then becomes: What the hell is it? @illf8ed: Does it look like anything you've ever seen before?
 
illf8ed said:
I would have to disagree. It's not a featherbed frame. See the single large top tube. Freatherbed has two perimeter top tubes of smaller diameter and the stearing head sticks up above the two top frame tubes. This frame doesn't look all that buchtered. It's not a Norton frame.
Click to expand...

I don't think anybody would dispute the fact that a Featherbed frame would normally have two top tubes, but what Tintin described I believe to be correct, and would it have to be "butchered" to achieve it, as it certainly seems to have been a slimline Featherbed frame originally, and it wouldn't be the only Featherbed to have been modified in this way.

http://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthrea ... ber=289751
Help me ID this... thing.
 
I'd look at that bike like this:

You are buying some parts, engine, transmission, front end, rear hub. Everything else is scrap. From there it's easy to figure out what you are going to do with those parts. :)

1. Get a Commando frame, stick parts in it. Used frames are US$150 and up, new frames are, I think US$1200.
2. Get aftermarket frame, stick parts in it. Prices vary, expect it to cost way more that new Commando frame.
3. Run away.

Depends on how much the parts are going to cost you, how much you want to put into it and most importantly, what you want when you are done. These are all questions you have to answer for yourself.
 
The bullet holes make me laugh...the last guy who looked at it tried to put it out of its misery!

I wouldn't buy it unless I was looking for a motor for another project.
 
[No offence , but the fact that you have to ask this question shows that your knowledge of Nortons is limited .
Click to expand...

Dang, dude, how about a break? Everybody's knowledge is limited to one degree or another. A guy's simply got to start somewhere.

Even if you get this contraption for free , If you want to make a decent bike out of it , you'll pour FAR more money in it than it will ever be worth . Maybe save your money for something better ?
Click to expand...

Now THAT is feedback I can use.
 
rvich said:
The bullet holes make me laugh...the last guy who looked at it tried to put it out of its misery!
Click to expand...

LOL. I was thinking the same thing.

I wouldn't buy it unless I was looking for a motor for another project.
Click to expand...

THIS... is another piece of constructive feedback. That as well as the other gentleman (SwooshDave) who offered that I'd basically be getting a used engine and transmission assembly and a bunch of parts.

Would you give $500 for it?

SwooshDave, would you mind if I pestered you with the occasional question? It's been thirtyfive years since I last messed with a Norton. A drunk knocked my last one out from under me. Would've kicked his ass but he broke my back in the process.

Thanks to all.
 
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