looking for an original "R" model Commando

jimbo

jimbo

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Sep 25, 2004
Messages
1,922
Country flag
looking for an original "R" model Commando

Rare beast indeed


looking for an original "R" model Commando
 
Perhaps rare by numbers. But just a roadster with a different oil tank and silencers, IMHO.
Plus I never liked how the front edge of the seat sticks up kind a weird.
In your example I think the tail light should be silver metalflake, with the smaller reflectors. Just saying.
 
Stephen Hill said:
Perhaps rare by numbers. But just a roadster with a different oil tank and silencers, IMHO.
Plus I never liked how the front edge of the seat sticks up kind a weird.
In your example I think the tail light should be silver metalflake, with the smaller reflectors. Just saying.
Click to expand...
More correctly a '69 Fastback with a '70 Roadster tank, seat, rear fender and taillight.
looking for an original "R" model Commando
 
Rather then starting a new post on this subject, I'll continue with the question of what serial number range were these bikes? Were they a Fastback frame? Is the Fastback frame the same as a Commando? There must be some bracket differences.
 
mean gene said:
Rather then starting a new post on this subject, I'll continue with the question of what serial number range were these bikes? Were they a Fastback frame? Is the Fastback frame the same as a Commando? There must be some bracket differences.
Click to expand...
Ignoring the very early 'widow-maker' frame, the '68-'70 models all had the same frame AFAIK.
 
mean gene said:
I'll continue with the question of what serial number range were these bikes?
Click to expand...

According to (if I remember correctly) Andover Norton the 'R' type was produced between 129928 and 135885 although not all those numbers would have been 'R' type.

mean gene said:
Is the Fastback frame the same as a Commando? There must be some bracket differences.
Click to expand...

A Fastback is a Commando.
Why would the brackets be different?
 
The Fastback oil tank would appear to have different attachment then later Roadster
 
mean gene said:
The Fastback oil tank would appear to have different attachment then later Roadster
Click to expand...
Early Fastback, yes, but I thought this was about the 'R' type which had the same oil tank as the early Fastback.
The early Roadster had the central oil tank (same as the 'S' type) but both models ('R' and 'S') had the same frame.
The later Roadster (with the side oil tank) would be outside the range of numbers I posted.
 
Last edited:
I'm guessing the 'R' type would fall in the range prior to 131257, since this was when the 20M3S was introduced, with the points housing relocated and the external tacho drive deleted.
I've only seen 'R' type examples with the earlier 20M3 cases, but I would stand to be corrected.
I guess the only way to confirm if an 'R' was genuine would be to get the factory record - if it's that important...
 
B+Bogus said:
I'm guessing the 'R' type would fall in the range prior to 131257, since this was when the 20M3S was introduced, with the points housing relocated and the external tacho drive deleted.
I've only seen 'R' type examples with the earlier 20M3 cases, but I would stand to be corrected.
Click to expand...

The 20M3 engine continued after the introduction of the 20M3S and the last 'R' is supposed to be 135885.
 
Last edited:
Ok this is about an R type. The fastback 's oil tank mounts differently, i think then the later Roadster. The "frames " I understand are the same, but I'm guessing the oil tank mounting brackets are different? So a true R type could easily be copied if it was in the serial number range. To let the cat out of he bag, I think I found one on the east coast, but the seller is claiming "He knows nothing about it". It's a basket case and asking way to much. I don't think it's any thing Jimbo would be interested, he may PM if he is.
 
Based on the Commando Spares List the R type and S type frame has the same part number as the Commando (Fastback) frame in 1969. The R type gas tank and seat have the same part number as the S type. The oil tank has a different part number from the Fastback but that may be due to the 750 Commando decal on the Fastback.
Best to send the chassis number to Andover Norton for a production record check to be sure.
JVigs
 
For all the pay-to-join "official" clubs and "genuine" vendors that exist, I wish someone would look through the records to try to determine how many of each Commando model were made in each year.

Would be especially useful for the R, Fastback and S /SS models.


The R is a special model, it looks like they tried to duplicate the fantastic N15/P11 styling but make it better with isolastics.
I think I'd still prefer a Fastback but R would come in a close second place on the wish list.
 
Last edited:
elefantrider said:
The R is a special model, it looks like they tried to duplicate the fantastic N15/P11 styling but make it better with isolastics.
Click to expand...
Well, if that's the case, they failed big time. Other than the "N" I can't see that the R has any similarities with the N15 (other than 2 wheels)!
 
Styling similarities are there, even if the N15 does look better, IMO.

looking for an original "R" model Commando


-Flat Seat
-Shrouded fork
-"Domi" silencers, low exhaust
-Long side covers
 
Last edited:
A closer evolutionary relative was the 1967/68 G15CSR Sports tourer, especially the one which had the comp tank fitted. Depicted bike no. 1 has the "long range" 4.25 gal tank, no. 2 has front end off a CS.

1706095219517.png

1706097373627.png


-Knut
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top