Help on frame ID

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kiwi46

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Hello, just in the last months of 2011 i purchased a 1971 Commando a US import to New Zealand not sure what model it was when new, So the problem is I cant make sense of the engine,frame,gearbox numbers. The numbers all match (# 146666) but it has the older style yokes and this matches the early frame ?. Problem is just about all 71s I have scene in photos seem to have later style yokes. I don't want to start the restoration till I can ID the bike correctly. Thanks.
 
Welcome kiwi46

kiwi46 said:
The numbers all match (# 146666) but it has the older style yokes and this matches the early frame ?. Problem is just about all 71s I have scene in photos seem to have later style yokes.
Click to expand...

Yes, a 1971 model would normally have had the later yokes with the stem as part of the upper yoke assembly. This change was supposed to have occurred at serial number 141783.
http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/Norton% ... &Plate=011

If you decide to look for another set of yokes then you need a matched pair suitable for a 750 frame. Fitting 850 yokes (marked "ANG" on the underside) to a 750 frame will alter steering geometry.
 
post a photo, there are a number of changes between 70 and 71, where are you based?
Al
 
Hi thanks for the replies guys, I'm in Invercargill, Thats in the mainland of New Zealand :) , I will post photos of the bike asap, but have just found this minute I have lost all the photos of the post strip down photos of the bike and piece by piece photos as I disassembled the bike and I'm not happy with myself, I put alot on having the shots I took to help with the build of the bike. Bugger.
 
Sugest you join NZ norton owners club we have several members in Invercargill, I'm in sh-shakey Christchurch.
 
Hi here are some pictures, enjoy.

Yoke Number
Help on frame ID


Yoke style
Help on frame ID


Gearbox Number
Help on frame ID


ID Tag (1)
Help on frame ID


ID Tag (2)
Help on frame ID


Frame Type
Help on frame ID


Engine Number
Help on frame ID
 
Looks like series one lower tripleclamp,
the ' Dominator ' headlamp clamp type .

Someone here will I.D. it through the lower frame brace / centerstand mount , though .
Cant see the breather on your cases , l.h. cam end . Could be the rear ' Mag ' position
Ignition system/ Tacho drive on timing cover type ? ? ?
Probably wrong on all counts , looks like the second series cases .
Looks nice and straight .

Is it a Fastback , ' S ' , Roadster or Wot ??
 
The lower yoke part appears to be the 69/70 type, not sure about the upper one. I can't see if you have the tapped holes in the upper one for mounting the halo headlamp holder though. Here's mine.

Help on frame ID


The frame is for sure 69/70 with that centre stand arrangement.

Dave
69S
 
Numbers Date as 71 but frame and forks apear to be 69-70 what oil tank? rear guard? headlight mounts? also 71 and later had alloy levers and switch blocks, Pre 71 had steel levers etc.
Al
 
72Combat said:
kiwi46 said:
Hi thanks for the replies guys, I'm in Invercargill, Thats in the mainland of New Zealand :) ,
Click to expand...

Real Mainlanders don't drink DB :roll:
Click to expand...

Or is that pretend mainlanders drink lion red?

My 71 (also april) and 103 bikes before the numbers above has the newer frame without the bottom brace
 
AH , but if they stacked all the frames in the frame shed , the last ones out would be the Oldest , if it didnt have a Back door
 
Here are some more pictures of the 71? .

Engine L/H side
Help on frame ID


Handle bars
Help on frame ID


Rear guard
Help on frame ID


Front end
Help on frame ID


Yokes
Help on frame ID
 
Theres a few drwbacks and limitations to doing a ' back to stock ' Resto . Like looseing those brakes ! :D 8)

Quite a few ' rat ' bikes are years of development and refinement by someone in touch with its limitartions ,
and a fairly logical set of priorities . Checking it over for a freshen up might be a less expensive and more
prctical option .At least dont right off the guys endevours as worthless , its obviously been done to be riden .

Strip & clean of the running gear , checking it FIRST ( The Swing Arm Pin comes to mind ! :lol: ) and budgeting
the build would be the go , if you want it on the road for next summer . Of course some people prefer pulling
things to bits to rideing them . If theres the Norton Crowd down there , it might pay to get a few observers in .
 
Rear guard has the indentation for the tyre pump which mounts to right side of frame rear tube and is pre 71 as are the yokes the forks and wheel look kawasaki to me, does it have a centre mounted oil tank [hopefully Dogt will cime in with a picture] and steel levers.
Al
 
Theyre Roadholders , on it . If thats a Kwakersiki H2 dual disc , you could name youre price ,They wanted about half what the bike sold for , for the second disc . :lol: :lol: Just leave it there to upset the unfortunate sods . :D

Looks like the Chrome Narrow front Guard , will be the ' Long ' Stays ( Dog T )
to me . What are the rear shock mounts ? same inside as outside , at the rear .
 
Hi just finished my Speights and my son who has just finished putting the pics on the site, what a good boy. Having probs resizing photos sorry maybe toooo much speights. The front wheel has only made in japan written on it but the calipers have TAYICO cast on them and if google search shows different bikes they supply brakes etc for. Hope these photos can help.

Oil Tank
Help on frame ID


Gas Tank
Help on frame ID


Controls
Help on frame ID


Brakes
Help on frame ID


Gauges
Help on frame ID
 
That's certainly a 71 or later oil tank. Looks like you have a mis-mash of years there, not to say it can't all be good. Depends on what your final concept is. Up to you, I'd just rebuild it and replace what I wanted to change. As long as you have good title, no reason it shouldn't be a good bike in the end.

Dave
69S
 
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