One more question (serial numbers...) about this 1975 850 I am looking at

My 1973 850 has identical frame and engine numbers at 303XXX. This is the serial number on the bike's registration

The 1975 850, that I have yet to see up close, has a frame number of 126XXX and an engine number of 325XXX. Owner tells me
that its registration has serial number of the frame, 126XXX

Is this correct?

Many thanks to you all!

Dennis
Vancouver

I don't know if that is correct, but my '75 has similar engine and frame numbers. Both are listed on my registration card

DennisMo said:

The 1975 850, that I have yet to see up close, has a frame number of 126XXX and an engine number of 325XXX

Click to expand...

The 126 number should be stamped on the actual frame and the 325 number should also be stamped on the certification plate.
The 126 number should have an 'F' prefix.
Later Mk3's had a frame number that matched the plate number.

DennisMo said:

Owner tells me
that its registration has serial number of the frame, 126XXX

Click to expand...

That's not unusual.

DennisMo said:

My 1973 850 has identical frame and engine numbers at 303XXX. This is the serial number on the bike's registration

The 1975 850, that I have yet to see up close, has a frame number of 126XXX and an engine number of 325XXX. Owner tells me
that its registration has serial number of the frame, 126XXX

Is this correct?

Many thanks to you all!

Dennis
Vancouver

Click to expand...

Can't answer the Q on the 75.
Question on the 73, any idea if the original color was Blue?
I ask because my original 73, bought new in 73 was Blue #303***

It is likely correct. Early ‘75 850 Mk 3s did not have matching frame and engine numbers. A US or Canadian bike will have the engine/gearbox number stamped on the certification plate. The frame number is stamped on the right side of the headstock.

My bike is somewhat later than yours (2/75) and has a different frame number than the engine number, but the numbers on the engine and gearbox match the certification plate. Georgia requires that a frame number (if available) be used for a title so my title has the 850F129xxx number.

I do not know when NVT synchronized frame and engine numbers for 850 Mk 3s, but apparently they did. Some bikes have replacement certification plates so if the plate looks new you may not know with certainty if the numbers are original. Mine is completely faded and only the stamped numbers are visible so I believe they are original.

DennisMo said:

My 1973 850 has identical frame and engine numbers at 303XXX. This is the serial number on the bike's registration

The 1975 850, that I have yet to see up close, has a frame number of 126XXX and an engine number of 325XXX. Owner tells me
that its registration has serial number of the frame, 126XXX

Is this correct?

Many thanks to you all!

Dennis
Vancouver

Click to expand...

Starting sometime in May of 75, the engine and frame numbers started being the same. Before that 126xxx would be fine.

The initial MK3s were nominally Frame: 125000 Engine: 325000

Learn more here: https://gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Info/CommandoID.aspx and here: https://gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Info/CommandoSurvey.aspx

Dealers titled bikes with either number as they saw fit.

Really easy to tell a Mark III from a Mark IIA. Does it shift on the left and have a rear disc brake? If yes, it's a Mark III