How do I find the history on a 1976 Norton Commando Mk3 Interstate w/Vin 6 digits long?

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Well, I'll be watching this thread for sure. Over the years I've successfully titled and registered 5 motorcycles I bought, that had NO paper. How do so many people I bought from have no title or any paperwork you may ask? Well, they just did not care one bit, as the bikes sat for sooooo long, were broken, they lost the paperwork ... and they were selling them CHEAP. If I didn't buy, the next guy would. Title and registration for each one was harder and harder. So much so ... that I don't ever want to have to do it again. Then, two weeks ago off Craigslist, I buy a 1967 Triumph 650 T120R complete frame with swing arm, for $100! ... and no title, ugh. When will I learn?
 
grandpaul said:
I sincerely hope you don't encounter any issues with no Bill of Sale. (although I believe you will)

How did you pay the seller? Do you have any documentation of the sale that has his name on it? That MIGHT do...
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Grandpaul, yes, I have documentation, a history of text and emails plus the original craigslisting.
 
caldwelp said:
Thanks for all your input. Here is where it stands. (1) I paid the money! I received the title with it's release signed off by the registered owner (not the seller) and I have a lot of documented history of the bike up to about 2004 and I have a key! The bike was picked up by the carrier last Friday(12/22/17) and I have photos of the bike being loaded into the truck...so it's on it's way here! Yes, I agree that the seller should have executed a bill-of-sale but every time I pushed for it he pushed back that it was not necessary in California (citing his 20 years of experience bbuying and selling bikes in Oceanside some years ago). I will wait until I receive the bike where-upon I will pay the fee to the INOC and see what factory records I can get. I will also get the mileage, engine number and frame number verified and authenticated. If I get not red flags I will fill out the title with my name, date of sale, sale amount and go to the DMV and see what I get.
Many of you are probably thinking that I ran through some red lights getting to where I am now and YOU ARE RIGHT! I've looked at Nortons for sale for over 3 years and until I saw this one I didn't think the iones I saw were for me. This one called out to me, especially at $8500 for a 1976 Interstate with less than 4500 miles!
I also have found a fellow that lives not too far from me that has 30 years experience rebuilding Nortons (he currently owns 4, 3 750's including 1 Combat and a 74 850) and he has agreed that he will help me assess the condition of this bike. I know it has a Boyer ignition ans that it has had some minor repairs over the years (discs, carb rebuilds, etc). I'll keep you all informed. The projected delivery date are between Jan 10th and the 19th...or sooner. Peter
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Keep it simple. With a signed title add the current date and take this to California DMV. They may ask you the selling price, just tell them anything and see how it goes. Do not present a bill of sale from someone not on the title you have as it just brings up questions you don’t need.
 
As far as California’s 7500 mike rule, besides on the odometer is that mileage documented anywhere else?

Not that I would even think of doing this but it is quite easy to replace the current speedometer with one from a well ridden “used’ bike.
 
illf8ed said:
Keep it simple. With a signed title add the current date and take this to California DMV. They may ask you the selling price, just tell them anything and see how it goes. Do not present a bill of sale from someone not on the title you have as it just brings up questions you don’t need.
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+ This advice is spot on! Part of the game is the luck of getting to a DMV window with a reasonable human being working it. They don't
care a hoot about how many miles show on the speedometer.
 
Hey Norton team,
The 1976 Norton Commando Interstate has been delivered. It appears to be in exactly the condition that the seller said it was. It is not in shape to start. I want to do basic maintenance (change oil in engine and gear box, put new plugs in and check wiring, check the Boyer electronic setup, check and repair if necessary front and rear discs (front disc is dragging), do chain maintenance (drive and primary) and check out the shocks and isolastic rubber mounts. The odometer says 4245. My guess is that this bike has not been driven regularly in many years. It may have been "maintained" (starting and running for a time, changing fluids, etc) as it sat in a climate controlled setting.

The frame number plate is missing. The local expert I have been conversing with says that beginning with the introduction of the MK III Commando Norton stopped giving frame individual numbers and marked all frames with F125001. Has anyone heard this frame information. I'm hesitant at this point to run to the DMV with the released title I have when I can't even present the bike for inspection.

Found the RH Switch Cluster was broken and have ordered and received a new OEM replacement. I'll keep everyone appraised of my progress.
Peter
 
caldwelp said:
The frame number plate is missing. The local expert I have been conversing with says that beginning with the introduction of the MK III Commando Norton stopped giving frame individual numbers and marked all frames with F125001. Has anyone heard this frame information.
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Whilst the Mk3 series did begin at frame number F125001 it isn't correct that all Mk3 frames were marked F125001 or that the F1 frame numbering began with the Mk3. Many later Mk3s also had frame numbers that matched the 6-digit frame plate/engine/gearbox number.


http://atlanticgreen.com/commandoframes.htm

caldwelp said:
do chain maintenance (drive and primary)
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There's no actual maintenance to do to the primary chain (except check wear and condition) as the Mk3 has an automatic primary chain tensioner.
 
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caldwelp said:
Hey Norton team,


The frame number plate is missing. The local expert I have been conversing with says that beginning with the introduction of the MK III Commando Norton stopped giving frame individual numbers and marked all frames with F125001. Has anyone heard this frame information. I'm hesitant at this point to run to the DMV with the released title I have when I can't even present the bike for inspection.
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Short of a complete frame restoration (or some more nefarious motive), there wd be little reason to remove the plate. And most folks wd be careful enough, having removed it, to replace it properly.
You could buy another one and attach it (not sure if that's legal) after stamping it to your desire.
Or you could present the bike at DMV and just show them the engine number. It wd depend on the examiner as to success; some wd insist on seeing the frame ID, others cd probably not care less.
 
Sounds like a nice score.
Kali DMV will inspect frame number and engine number and register both on the new registration.
The vin number on the registration needs to match one or the other or both.
As long as number match up, won't be an issue.
If necessary you can sign a statement saying the mileage is not accurate.
Also another form for the amount, if memory serves correct.
Bill of Sale not an issue as long as you have signed off Title.

Also, highly suggest to do this at AAA, Auto club if you're a member. Worth the cost of membership just for DMV deals.
 
Here in Ontario I told the nice ministry girl at the desk the bike was not running and needed a lot of work (true) which was why I got it cheap at a thousand. No sale receipt to offer her , she said good luck fixing it up , please pay tax of $150. I did not actually pay that for the bike , all nice , speak nicely to people and good things will happen.
 
MichaelB said:
Sounds like a nice score.
Kali DMV will inspect frame number and engine number and register both on the new registration.
The vin number on the registration needs to match one or the other or both.
As long as number match up, won't be an issue.
If necessary you can sign a statement saying the mileage is not accurate.
Also another form for the amount, if memory serves correct.
Bill of Sale not an issue as long as you have signed off Title.

Also, highly suggest to do this at AAA, Auto club if you're a member. Worth the cost of membership just for DMV deals.
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oops!
Anyway, don't take an out of state bike to a AAA office to avoid the long lines and scrutiny at DMV office. AAA won't
process out of state title/registration transfers.
 
lazyeye6 said:
oops!
Anyway, don't take an out of state bike to a AAA office to avoid the long lines and scrutiny at DMV office. AAA won't
process out of state title/registration transfers.
Click to expand...

It's been a few years but I have done at least 6 pre 80's transfers over the last 15 years.
Bring paperwork, they verify Vin on frame and engine, verify mileage, go back in, write check, collect plate and title.
Done...........
 
In the People's Republic of Massachusetts you need a title or a prior registration and a notarized bill-of-sale to get an MA title, which you must have prior to getting a registration. In three of my purchases the situation was as described by a previous poster; the owner had given up or just plain lost interest and let the motorcycle sit for years. After verifying that the machines were not stolen property, and getting a notarized bill-of-sale and a copy of a major ID I called my friend in Tennessee, where you can register a motor vehicle with a notarized bill-of-sale and an etching of the VIN and the folks in TN will issue a title; I did this in two cases. I used the cash strapped state of Vermont, which allows out of state residents to register there, to get a registration and a plate; they suggest that you get liability insurance; I did this in the third case. The beauty of registering in Vermont is that they're pretty liberal (pun intended) about what you declare for the purchase of the motor vehicle, and once you go to register in MA, where they can't get their hands on your wallet fast enough, you pay no sales tax, and they look at Kelly Blue Book and charge you based on A-1 condition.

I have friends in New Hampshire also, but their DMV wants to see the motor vehicle; kinda tough when its' in pieces, but they have no sales tax so you get the royal screwing by the tax happy liberals in MA when it's bend-over time.

None of these happen quickly, can take up to 2 months, especially where friends are involved and getting me a title doesn't often come up to the top of their priority list, which I get, and plan for, and don't mind one bit.

I hope your '76 title works out well and that it leads to miles of smiles; a great feeling go down your favorite road on a machine that is only slightly younger then your wife...
 
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