Pre-73, NOC and the DVLA

Just thought I'd share my recent experiences putting the Combat back on the road.

Apologies to our non-UK bretheren - this'll bore the pants off you!
I bought the bike last year with the old single-sheet V5 logbook, which was last updated in 1976.
As I have since found out, any pre '83 document isn't recognised by the DVLA, so I had to re-register it on its original number.
To do this I had to hand over a shed-load of photos and other evidence to the NOC with some cash so they could verify the bike's bona fides.
That was a fortnight ago, and I heard nothing (didn't really expect to for another week or two). Yesterday I got a letter from the DVLA telling me to fill out a form to collect my tax disc.
Today the log book arrived!
I picked up the tax disc for the princely sum of nothing at all - pre '73 is 'Historic' so free (rather cheaper than the £78 for the 850).
Starting to really like the early model Commandos now

I suppose the point of this is to say a big thanks to the UK NOC for their super efficiency, and the DVLA are light years ahead of where they were a few years ago too. Pity the regional offices are all being shut down
I wasn't expecting to get out on the Combat this side of Christmas, but if tomorrow stays dry I'll be out playing.

Meanwhile, I made a black-backed number plate for it - technically illegal after '73, but I don't think Plod gives a toss if it's 'old enough-ish'
Fortunately mine's a '72, so totally Kosher... apart from the letter size being a shade on the 'appropriately compact' side :roll: 'For show purposes only' as they say.
The original black & white number plates were stamped from aluminium, and the numbers left in bare metal, stamped proud of the black background.
I decided to do one in Perspex, and unintentionally I seem to have re-created that embossed look - purely by coincidence.

I'm quite pleased with it - it's by no means perfect, but as a first attempt It'll pass. The next one *will* be perfect 8)

Hi Andy

That number plate is nicely done. I have mine pressed up in aluminium in the front number plate size for my show only bikes. Much neater, although I would love the embossed Norton emblem as well.
Enjoy the ride.

Chris

As long as your 850 is pre 74 it will also have free tax from Jan 2014, my 850 has Manufactured Date 11/73 stamped on the plate and verified by NOC so even being first registered in Apr 74 I get the free tax

Uplifting tale B+b and nice detailed plate. Only mc club I've ever joined was UK-NOC in '99 so they are the main bunch that held my hand redoing my 1st Combat soup to nuts and also my main source along with Capt Norton for my Commando lore. I feel the Combat is the Cream of the Cdo crop once spiffed up a bit so be alert not to get speeding tickets with its nice loud sounds or tripping cameras in a flash. Even w/o a PCV they stay pretty oil tight till reaching 2S power band then ya may not care how messy it can get as oil easier to wipe off than the sheet eating grins.

kommando said:

As long as your 850 is pre 74 it will also have free tax from Jan 2014, my 850 has Manufactured Date 11/73 stamped on the plate and verified by NOC so even being first registered in Apr 74 I get the free tax

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Well there's a thing - I read about this recently and clean forgot about it.
Just looked and my 850 is 9/73 - Marvellous!
I may even risk another number plate to celebrate the fact.

hobot said:

Uplifting tale B+b and nice detailed plate. Only mc club I've ever joined was UK-NOC in '99 so they are the main bunch that held my hand redoing my 1st Combat soup to nuts and also my main source along with Capt Norton for my Commando lore. I feel the Combat is the Cream of the Cdo crop once spiffed up a bit so be alert not to get speeding tickets with its nice loud sounds or tripping cameras in a flash. Even w/o a PCV they stay pretty oil tight till reaching 2S power band then ya may not care how messy it can get as oil easier to wipe off than the sheet eating grins.

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Well Steve,
I took the Combat out for a spin on the (previously) quiet roads hereabouts recently, and although I'm trying not to spank a newly rebuilt engine, it does seem to be asking for it - it just wants to rev, and You're exactly right - if it's show or go, this one won't be the show-bike
Waaaay louder than the 850 too - just the job.
I know the Interstate setup isn't everyone's thing, but it really suits a lanky git like me - I've just restored some Dunstall rear-sets to try out once it's all bedded down, so it could be a good long-distance tool too.