Request model year confirmation

singring · Aug 5, 2012

I always thought my Interstate 850 was a 1973 (S/N 302649 on engine and frame), but at a recent vintage rally a chap with a lot of Norton rebuilding experience says that my bike is a 1974....can anyone confirm what year my Commando is?
thanks

rwalker28 · Aug 5, 2012

I thought the 1974 model year started at 307xxx.

Rohan · Aug 6, 2012

singring said:
I always thought my Interstate 850 was a 1973 (S/N 302649 on engine and frame), but at a recent vintage rally a chap with a lot of Norton rebuilding experience says that my bike is a 1974....can anyone confirm what year my Commando is?
thanks

With a number that low in the 300,000's, it just about has to be a 1973.
850's started in early 1973, at 300,000.

Doesn't the red plate on the steering head have a date stamp ?
Something like 73/6 ...... (=June 1973)

Dkt26 · Aug 6, 2012

303xxx= 1973 850 silver barrel mk1 commando. Not mk1a as air box is different (apparently)

spelky · Aug 6, 2012

Mine is around that number and date of first regisatration is March 1973 on the log book. When I contacted the NOC they reckon it could even be manufactured in 72 but sat around the factory for a while.

Rohan · Aug 6, 2012

spelky said:
Mine is around that number and date of first regisatration is March 1973 on the log book. When I contacted the NOC they reckon it could even be manufactured in 72 but sat around the factory for a while.

So what date is on your red data plate ?

Nortons obviously were planning the 850 for a while, but it wasn't officially announced until early 1973. (Anyone know what date that announcement was ?).

All early 850's have a 1973 date, at least, none were date stamped as 1972, before they were announced (??). If the data plate was stamped as they left the factory, Feb or March 73 is about as early as they could get ?

spelky · Aug 6, 2012

I have never looked but I will now. in fact I have been intending to put a picture on here of the plate as it's not the same design as the later ones, if I can tear myself away from watching the Olympics I'll take a look

Norton-Villier · Aug 6, 2012

My Norton was titled 1974 when I Bought it. Im the second owner. The date on the plate is oct 73 serial 307776 if that helps anyone

Phil

Matt Spencer · Aug 7, 2012

SO , its ' both , actually . ' .

spelky · Aug 7, 2012

Checked the plate and there is no date stamp, just the frame no so March 73 is the closest without checking factory records

Blue noser · Aug 8, 2012

I've got 301xxx, stamped 3 73.

Request model year confirmation

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