Pictures of your Norton Commandos

lcrken said:
L.A.B. - How does one tell difference between the two frame manufacturers? Is it just a matter of measuring the tube diameter?
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The majority of frames made during the period Verlicchi were supplying Norton seem to have a 60mm O/D spine tube and other 25mm O/D tubing. There seems to have been the odd exception, possibly due to Reynolds getting the job of correcting any Italian frame defects.

What I believe to be Verlicchi-manufactured frames are those with the 5-digit (batch?) number (from 001xx) stamped on the L/H side of the steering head. Les Emery once informed me that the F1xxxxx numbered frames were the Italian ones, however, that may not be totally accurate as it seems not all F1 frames have metric tubing.

The Reynolds frames have a 2 1/4" O/D spine tube and 1.0" tube, also an 'R' (presumably for Reynolds?) and a (month/year) date stamp on the L/H frame gusset plate behind the Z-plate.

The later 850 Mk3 frames are (all?) made from Imperial-size tube but without a stamp on the gusset plate so perhaps they were manufactured in the UK (maybe at Wolverhampton or by a local supplier?) but not by Reynolds.
 
Edfury828 said:
Hello, new guy here. Just picked up this '76 Mk III. Previously owned for 20 years by a retired aircraft mecanic. He upgraded every part on the bike during his ownership. 200 miles on engine / trans overhaul. All nuts and bolts possible switched out for stainless. English frame. I heard previous ones were Italian? Smith clocks.
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Nice looking motorcycle!
Mike
 
Thanks everyone for your replies, I wasn't expecting that!

I just got the bike home and put away in time for the rain to start. I've only ridden it to the end of the block and back so far... Soon as I get some time I'll get out there and measure my tubes to see what I can figure out...

The previous owner said the frame was English based on the lack of the "F" prefix in the number. He owned the bike for 20 years and he believed it was true. Who knows?

This is my first Norton and the whole bike is an amazing and fascinating mystery to me. There is so much to know!

I've always wanted a Commando, for about 50 years now, lol! My brother had one when I was a kid. Being at 62 years, I decided I didn't have time to start from scratch with a project bike as I would otherwise prefer, but instead to find something already nice for once and enjoy! I'm looking forward to much riding and learning about my new old Norton!
 

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Edfury828 said:
Thanks everyone for your replies, I wasn't expecting that!

I just got the bike home and put away in time for the rain to start. I've only ridden it to the end of the block and back so far... Soon as I get some time I'll get out there and measure my tubes to see what I can figure out...

The previous owner said the frame was English based on the lack of the "F" prefix in the number. He owned the bike for 20 years and he believed it was true. Who knows?

This is my first Norton and the whole bike is an amazing and fascinating mystery to me. There is so much to know!

I've always wanted a Commando, for about 50 years now, lol! My brother had one when I was a kid. Being at 62 years, I decided I didn't have time to start from scratch with a project bike as I would otherwise prefer, but instead to find something already nice for once and enjoy! I'm looking forward to much riding and learning about my new old Norton!
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Ed,
In my opinion on your purchase,you are much better off buying a complete bike in good condition.A project bike can be very expensive to get it right.The guys here on this forum are a big help with a lot of helpful information that can be trusted.Get some manuals and ask questions.Enjoy that motorcycle as they are very satisfying to ride.
Mike
 
Edfury828 said:
Thanks everyone for your replies, I wasn't expecting that!

I just got the bike home and put away in time for the rain to start. I've only ridden it to the end of the block and back so far... Soon as I get some time I'll get out there and measure my tubes to see what I can figure out...

The previous owner said the frame was English based on the lack of the "F" prefix in the number. He owned the bike for 20 years and he believed it was true. Who knows?

This is my first Norton and the whole bike is an amazing and fascinating mystery to me. There is so much to know!

I've always wanted a Commando, for about 50 years now, lol! My brother had one when I was a kid. Being at 62 years, I decided I didn't have time to start from scratch with a project bike as I would otherwise prefer, but instead to find something already nice for once and enjoy! I'm looking forward to much riding and learning about my new old Norton!
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Lovely bike! Is that a UK tax disc holder I see on the front fork?
 
Yes, that is a UK tax disc. I'm guessing it's a reproduction since the bike has spent it's whole life in Canada, now in the U.S.A. Maybe it could be an original from a different bike? I'm not sure how long it has been on there? I will be learning more about this bike with time.

I was told the original buyer went to a British bike dealer in Vancouver looking for a Black Commando in 1976. They only had one in red, which he denied.

The salesman called around and found this one being displayed in a bike show elsewhere in Canada, brand new. It was shipped to the Vancouver BC dealer where it was happily purchased.

I think I am the third owner. I hope to interview the seller and record what stories he can tell me about this bike when I visit him for some other related items he wants to give me. If I am successful with that, I'll transcribe it all and have him sign it to preserve the history.

Former stable mates pictured.
 

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Edfury828 said:
Yes, that is a UK tax disc. I'm guessing it's a reproduction since the bike has spent it's whole life in Canada, now in the U.S.A. Maybe it could be an original from a different bike? I'm not sure how long it has been on there? I will be learning more about this bike with time.
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Probably a reproduction. A genuine disc would have vehicle details on it, also the tax class ('Bicycle').

The disc is obsolete (and the requirement to display it) as the vehicle road tax system is computerised.
 
I miss my MkIII Interstate, shouldn't have sold it...
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Sold it to a guy that had me turn it into a Roadster...
IMG_5098.JPG


What a rebel, I parked right in front of a "NO PARKING" sign...

Yes, I fixed the droopy turn signal.
 
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