Numbers matching question.

I have a relatively low mileage 68 commando. The frame stamping and engine numbers match but the transmission doesn't. Does that mean the tranny was swapped at some point? (Were they all stamped identical at factory?))

Thanks in advance,
Dave

I'm going to say the trans has probably been swapped at some point, but others may know for sure.

Dave
69S

Dmftoy1 said:

I have a relatively low mileage 68 commando. The frame stamping and engine numbers match but the transmission doesn't. Does that mean the tranny was swapped at some point? (Were they all stamped identical at factory?))

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All three numbers usually matched.

Is there a considerable difference between the gearbox number and the engine/frame number?
If so, then it's likely the gearbox (or at least the gearbox casing) has been changed.

I need to go double check but I think gap is about 2k

Bummer!

if you take the gearbox out, it's easy to make the number match the others, just saying.

If you ride it which is after all what it was made for then non matching number won't affect a thing. If the number was to change some how then its just another fake an would throw doubts about how original the rest of machine is to anyone that noticed the alterations. So I would leave it as it is its part of the bikes past an shows you are being honest about what you have.

toppy said:

If you ride it which is after all what it was made for then non matching number won't affect a thing. If the number was to change some how then its just another fake an would throw doubts about how original the rest of machine is to anyone that noticed the alterations. So I would leave it as it is its part of the bikes past an shows you are being honest about what you have.

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+1 ......

Damn lay shaft bearing ruined the original case. Hence the new numbers. Just a guess.

Numbers-matching is important to a collector and in that regard is "worth more." But as a practical matter it is meaningless and I have never figured out WHY that has somehow become important in the car or bike world. Nearly everyone who bought bikes/cars back in the era we are involved in modified them and usually tossed the oem parts concerned in the trash.

For example, I drove a new 70 Plymouth Road Runner 440 home from the dealer - 37 miles - and immediately tossed the oem intake/exhaust manifold and then pulled the heads/oil pan and installed 11.5:1 pistons in it along with an AL intake manifold, a new Holley carb, and a set of headers. That sort of thing was pretty typical. So the thought of an untouched/unmodified vehicle of that era is laughable to me.

Same applies to bikes - I bought my '71 Commando and immediately began changing stuff. NOW we seem (me included) to frequently do the opposite. It's weird!

On a modern vehicle the numbers should match so you know its not stolen or a wreck that's been fixed using three other wrecks but many old vehicle had later parts fitted as up grades or to improve them. if gearbox case was wrecked would you change it if it was cost effective why to repair bike or scrap the bike as the numbers wouldn't match?