Original Seat Roadster MkV and suggestions

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Lorenzo

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Hi to all! First I would like to introduce myself: I'm the newly happy owner of a 750 Commando Roadster Year 1973 :D

From the year and the frame number (750RS220XXX) I would suppose it is a MkV: is there anyone who may confirm (or give me a suggestion on this)? :idea:

Moreover, I should start fixing few details and then I would kindly ask you help:
- what is its original seat for this model? (perhaps this should be the square quilted one, even if perhaps I may like more the ribbed one - anyway I really don't like the plain one..!) Anyone has detailed pics? Any suggestion on where to buy the closest to the original one and best quality?
- front brake: I am interested in modifying the front brake in order to make it more effective while trying to keep it as original as I can. What do you suggest? (Perhaps the modification which seems to me more 'vintage' looking is the PR disc and caliper.. :?: )

ThanX for helping! :D
 
Lorenzo said:
Hi to all! First I would like to introduce myself: I'm the newly happy owner of a 750 Commando Roadster Year 1973 :D

From the year and the frame number (750RS220XXX) I would suppose it is a MkV: is there anyone who may confirm (or give me a suggestion on this)? :idea:

Moreover, I should start fixing few details and then I would kindly ask you help:
- what is its original seat for this model? (perhaps this should be the square quilted one, even if perhaps I may like more the ribbed one - anyway I really don't like the plain one..!) Anyone has detailed pics? Any suggestion on where to buy the closest to the original one and best quality?
Click to expand...

http://classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1970/1973NortonLineUp.pdf
Congratulations. Here's a link to the 1973 brochure.
 
2Wheels said:
Lorenzo said:
Hi to all! First I would like to introduce myself: I'm the newly happy owner of a 750 Commando Roadster Year 1973 :D

From the year and the frame number (750RS220XXX) I would suppose it is a MkV: is there anyone who may confirm (or give me a suggestion on this)? :idea:

Moreover, I should start fixing few details and then I would kindly ask you help:
- what is its original seat for this model? (perhaps this should be the square quilted one, even if perhaps I may like more the ribbed one - anyway I really don't like the plain one..!) Anyone has detailed pics? Any suggestion on where to buy the closest to the original one and best quality?
Click to expand...

http://classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1970/1973NortonLineUp.pdf
Congratulations. Here's a link to the 1973 brochure.
Click to expand...

thank you!
from the brochure it seems the original should be the plain one :o( (which i personally don't like..)
I'm wondering perhaps the seats came in different styles (as many norton's features didn't match together even if coming in the same time)
between the square quilted and the ribbed one, what would be the more 'original' choice?
 
The 750 seat was the same as the 850 for the '73 models as pre 2wheels brochure. The cover was the basket weave type. This was used only on the '73 models. '74 and '75 used the "quilted" type.

As for the brake, search for threads on this site about 13mm master cylinder sleeve. I'm one of the owners that thinks the original disc brake works just fine.
 
illf8ed said:
The 750 seat was the same as the 850 for the '73 models as pre 2wheels brochure. The cover was the basket weave type. This was used only on the '73 models. '74 and '75 used the "quilted" type.

As for the brake, search for threads on this site about 13mm master cylinder sleeve. I'm one of the owners that thinks the original disc brake works just fine.
Click to expand...

as per the seat, as I may understand, the quilted type has never been adopted by the 750.. ?!

as per the brake: thank you for this: this is a modiofication that was in program for sure, but actually I didn't really want to modify the beautiful original front caliper (also, I am not so sure this will feel me so safe..)
 
Congrats!
The MkV 750 is my favorite 750 (I have two!). As indicated the proper seat is the "basketweave" which was used for some late '72 MkIV's and all '73 MkV's and 850's.

The MkV has the black clock holders and large taillight as the 850's, silver barrels, but had no striping on the tank or sidecovers (except for the gold "D" on the tank of the black Roadsters).

For the brake, I would suggest rebuilding the caliper with SS pistons and Ferodo pads. Then exchange your master cylinder with one of the 13 mm sleeved units. That should give a big improvement in braking and keep the stock appearance. If that proves not to be enough, then explore the Production Racer AP caliper and disc. Although if I were going that route, I would go all the way to a 4 piston Brembo and floating disc. Neither really look "stock" to me, but certainly do work.

Out of curiosity, what is the build date on the red frame tag?
 
Ron L said:
Congrats!
The MkV 750 is my favorite 750 (I have two!). As indicated the proper seat is the "basketweave" which was used for some late '72 MkIV's and all '73 MkV's and 850's.

The MkV has the black clock holders and large taillight as the 850's, silver barrels, but had no striping on the tank or sidecovers (except for the gold "D" on the tank of the black Roadsters).

For the brake, I would suggest rebuilding the caliper with SS pistons and Ferodo pads. Then exchange your master cylinder with one of the 13 mm sleeved units. That should give a big improvement in braking and keep the stock appearance. If that proves not to be enough, then explore the Production Racer AP caliper and disc. Although if I were going that route, I would go all the way to a 4 piston Brembo and floating disc. Neither really look "stock" to me, but certainly do work.

Out of curiosity, what is the build date on the red frame tag?
Click to expand...

Hi Ron: nice to meet you! this was really helpful
Unfortunately I really don't like the plain basketweave seat (do you mean the one without any kind of stiching?)
then I would rather go for the ribbed one (just in case the square quilted one was mounted only on the 850)
any suggestion where to buy a very good quality, very close to the original one as manufacturing/materials/shape? should the logo be golden or silver for that time?

Furthermore, thanks for the suggestions also for the front brake: I will follow it! (then, trying to save the looking of the caliper)
My bike is yellow (fiberglass tank) and I was thinking on a second metal 'dress' in black (with the big D! as you say..)
but I'm still looking forward to bringing it home, then I will be able to tell you the exact date on the frame..
(anyway, it has the aluminium finish clock holders - I don't know if they are 'stock')
 
Hi Lorenzo,
If you click on the links from shrugger and 2wheels, you will see an example of the "basketweave" top. The 1970-1972 Commando had the straight pleats (ribs) while the 1974-75 had the embossed squares. Any roadster cover can be put on any year seat pan. The foam may need to be replaced or added due to deterioration and slightly different shapes.

Your bike would have come from the factory with a steel tank and steel side covers and would have originally had the longer black clockholders that require extensions (actually points plate studs) to make the Smiths gauges fit. These were introduced to allow the use of Veglia gauges.

MkV's can have either the RH6 cylinder head for ~9.3:1 compression or the RH5 cylinder head for ~8.9:1. Identified by the stamping over the right exhaust rocker box.

Some pictures of your new ride would be appreciated!
 
shrugger said:
It doesn't sound like English is your first language. So if you add your location. We may be better able to save you a fortune in shipping charges. :wink:

In North Americe This be everyone's favorite.
http://www.oldbritts.com/ob_main.html
Click to expand...

thanX: I have been looking in oldbritts, but I had the chance in searching also in Norvil, British Cycle, Leighton, P&P, British only Austria, Andover, Burton Bike Bits, Walridge, Mick Hemmings, ... which would provide the most original looking seat?

As a premise, I live in Ottawa (Canada) from a bit more than one year, but I still have parents in Rome (Italy) where I often go. Then shipment to Italy or to Canada should not be a big difference (and as far as I know the more you spend in shipment, the less you spend in taxes..)

ThanX!
 
Ron L said:
Hi Lorenzo,
If you click on the links from shrugger and 2wheels, you will see an example of the "basketweave" top. The 1970-1972 Commando had the straight pleats (ribs) while the 1974-75 had the embossed squares. Any roadster cover can be put on any year seat pan. The foam may need to be replaced or added due to deterioration and slightly different shapes.

Your bike would have come from the factory with a steel tank and steel side covers and would have originally had the longer black clockholders that require extensions (actually points plate studs) to make the Smiths gauges fit. These were introduced to allow the use of Veglia gauges.

MkV's can have either the RH6 cylinder head for ~9.3:1 compression or the RH5 cylinder head for ~8.9:1. Identified by the stamping over the right exhaust rocker box.

Some pictures of your new ride would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

Hi Ron,
soon I will have my bike at home (still I have to bring it here! sic!) .. then hopefully I will be glad to post pics..
unfortunately it has a fiberglass tank and side panels (then, I am looking for good original second hand parts to substitute them in metal.. any suggestion?)
interesting: what kind of writing should I find stamped over the right exhaust rocker box?
thanX for help!
 
I just yesterday bought Walridge's last tank in stock. Their India supplier is unreliable at shipping. Could be 1-12 months. :roll:
If you don't mind near $100 shipping. Burton claims top quality India tanks.
Andover now has new tanks but no one's bought and rated one yet. Maybe you'll be the first? :mrgreen:

If your Glass side covers are good. Stay with them. Quality has been poor with the replica's.
With used one's, the right side will fit any year. A change was made to the left side Dzus mount. You'll need to make sure it's
right for your year.
 
interesting: what kind of writing should I find stamped over the right exhaust rocker box?
Click to expand...

RH5 for the low compression head
RH6 for the hi compression head
 
I just had a reply from Norvin:
"Seat -Square quilted best, ribbed is rubbish" any of you have an idea on what do they mean?

Moreover, I have been looking in oldbritts, but I had the chance in searching also in Norvil, British Cycle, Leighton, P&P, British only Austria, Andover, Burton Bike Bits, Walridge, Mick Hemmings, ... which would provide the most original looking seat?

thanX for help!
 
I expect they mean manufacter quality.

If the basket weave is the only correct seat for your Bike but you don't like it. Chose another.
There are only 3 style choices. It's difficult to find pix of one with the weave seat. No one has
ever cared much for them. But I did manage to find one. :wink:
Original Seat Roadster MkV and suggestions
 
shrugger said:
I expect they mean manufacter quality.

If the basket weave is the only correct seat for your Bike but you don't like it. Chose another.
There are only 3 style choices. It's difficult to find pix of one with the weave seat. No one has
ever cared much for them. But I did manage to find one. :wink:
Original Seat Roadster MkV and suggestions
Click to expand...

great bike shrugger, congrats!
where do you suggest to look?
 
Hi to All,
I just brought my bike home! here it is below..
and you may see the seat it has: do you think it is enought original or badly repadded? suggestions?
 
Ron L said:
Congrats!

Out of curiosity, what is the build date on the red frame tag?
Click to expand...

Hi Ron: I just brought the bike home ;o)
the build date on the red frame tag says 3 73
what do you think?
 
The seat isn't too bad, maybe a little flat from 40 year old foam. It's a '70-72 cover. If it's a matter of where to spend money, I'd replace the glass tank with a steel one first.

You could send the seat to Sargent and have new foam put in. They can put in different densities for your individual comfort as well.
 
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