Please help identify

Service-guy · Jun 3, 2011

I just purchased this project bike (I am totally new to Norton) and I'm trying to make sense of some numbers. The numbers stamped on the engine are 20M3S/142934. What year is this motor? Numbers stamped on trans are 209370, I know it's a four speed trans, but what year? Did I buy a mess or is this something worth putting id a Featherbed Frame?

Like I said, I'm all new to Norton so any help, or are you like the Harley guys that would sooner tell you to chew glass then help?

Thank you
Service-Guy

davamb · Jun 3, 2011

Service-guy said:
I just purchased this project bike (I am totally new to Norton) and I'm trying to make sense of some numbers. The numbers stamped on the engine are 20M3S/142934. What year is this motor? Numbers stamped on trans are 209370, I know it's a four speed trans, but what year? Did I buy a mess or is this something worth putting id a Featherbed Frame?

Hi ServiceGuy. A quick search should find the information you're after. Try this link, it might give you the answers you need. If not someone else will be sure to assist.

Service-guy said:
Like I said, I'm all new to Norton so any help, or are you like the Harley guys that would sooner tell you to chew glass then help?

If that's what you get from the Harley mob, then you're in for a revelation here. What the collective conscious doesn't know about Nortons isn't worth knowing and the guys will bend over backwards to help.

2Wheels · Jun 3, 2011

Well, here's something to get you started…

If this information is accurate, it would seem you have a '71 motor and a '72 gearbox.

http://www.britishspares.com/42.php

platinumsmith · Jun 3, 2011

Yep, like I heard it said, or saw it written, this joint is like a breathing talking shop manual with a heart & soul. Welcome aboard.

platinumsmith · Jun 3, 2011

& scabs & whiskers

Hobot · Jun 3, 2011

bad habits and money wasting vices too.

Unclviny · Jun 3, 2011

"I'd love to help you out, which way did you come in?"

Here you will find a generally helpful crowd (except for me and a few other total-dipsticks) BUT you have violated rule #1 and not included pictures!

Do you have the F-bed already?, if not they ain't easy to find or cheap.

Vince

Josh Cox · Jun 4, 2011

Service-guy,

Welcome, as you can tell by the great spelling and grammar, this is not the harley website

( just about everyone here showers atleast once per week, whether they need it or not, we also wear colours other than black, gee I hope I'm not offending anyone......

).

What is the serial number on your headstock data plate ?, same as the engine or gear box ?.

L.A.B. · Jun 4, 2011

Service-guy said:
The numbers stamped on the engine are 20M3S/142934. What year is this motor? Numbers stamped on trans are 209370, I know it's a four speed trans, but what year?

20M3S/142934 = 1971
209370 = 1972

rvich · Jun 4, 2011

And yes, you probably bought a mess. Aren't they all? Chances are good that unless you gave one of your nuts for it that you did OK. Some would even give that.

Norton-Villier · Jun 4, 2011

Prapare to become addicted. L.A.B. is our very knowledgeable moderator.

Phil

Ron L · Jun 4, 2011

Putting a Commando motor in a Featherbed frame is an ambitious undertaking for a Norton newby. If you plan to use isolastic mounts like the Commando, you will issues with the swingarm. If you plan to solid mount the engine like an Atlas, you will need to have the crank re- balanced. There are people on this list that have done it both ways so make use of the search function and ask lots of questions.

Please help identify

Service-guy

davamb

2Wheels

platinumsmith

platinumsmith

Hobot

Unclviny

Josh Cox

L.A.B.

Moderator

rvich

Norton-Villier

Ron L

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