Roadster Vs Interstate differences

Motorcycle classics mag in April mentioned the Commando as an alternative to the HD Sportster. The writer stated the way to tell the difference between a roadster and an interstate (if there was a suspected tank swap) was to check the speedo as the interstate has a trip odometer and the roadster didnt? Could someone shed more light on this as I bought a 75 Roadster and it has a trip odometer.

speirmoor said:

The writer stated the way to tell the difference between a roadster and an interstate (if there was a suspected tank swap) was to check the speedo as the interstate has a trip odometer and the roadster didnt?

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While it would be fair to say that from 1973-on, the factory usually fitted Veglia instruments (with speedo trip odometers) to Interstates, and Smiths instruments (without) to Roadsters, it wouldn't be a totally accurate way of identifying the original model type, especially 30+ years after the machines had left the factory!

Sigh. Another furphy perpetuated by a "knowledgable" journalist.

I bought my candy apple red 75 MK3 Roadster new in 1975. It came with Veglia instruments and has a trip meter. As I had to wait about 3 months for the dealer to get my bike after ordering it, I doubt they switched tanks and side panels to make an Interstate into a Roadster for me(unless they did it at the factory). 2 years ago I purchased a 2nd 75 MK3 Roadster and it too has Vegia's with a trip meter. I would say a trip meter is not a sign it was a Interstate.
Bill G

Hi all, ive got a 1972 750 interstate which ive had from new.
As far as I remember the only differences at the time were that the interstate had,
Stainless Steel Mudgards,
Bigger Tank, with seat further back,
Wider Side Panels,
Low Level Exhaust system to make room for panniers,
different shape silencers,
Geared to cruise at 70mph at 3500rpm.
Mine came with smiths green spot speedo without a trip (a trip would be very useful).
I cant remember any other differences between the Roadster & the Interstate.
I am glad I got the Interstate. My branch of Norton Owners club did a 180 mile ride out 2 weeks ago & I did not have to refill the tank at all.
We ended up at The Tan Hill Inn at the top of The Yorkshire Dales on a brilliant sunny day. This is the Highest Altitude Pub in UK.
Now ive put a set of Avon Road Rider 100/90 tyres on the old beast instead of TT100's & it feels a lot better around corners.
Good Old Nortons.

BTW my '75 (year of purchase from dealer '76) has Smith instruments.

Fullauto said:

Sigh. Another furphy perpetuated by a "knowledgable" journalist.

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Doubt the press? Never. Here is the Real Truth on the definition of the Norton by famed moto journalist Johnny Trustme -

Commando - can only be purchased and ridden by ex-defence personnel.

Interstate - permitted to cross State lines.

Roadster - limited to city roads only.

Fastback - Permitted to exceed the speed limit only on return trip to home.

Hi Rider - Only to be ridden when stoned.

On US models, the speedometer and tachometers rotate anti-clockwise, the handlebar mirrors face forwards and a fold out sissy bar was included under the seat.

Mick

My 75 came with smiths with a tripmeter :shock: lol

Mick,
And on the AU models, the oil drains out counter-clockwise from the sump.

Dave
69S

pelican said:

My 75 came with smiths with a tripmeter :shock: lol

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Snap!
There was no journo credited with the article so cant really blame anyone.All is forgiven now that the forum has cleared things up.The magazine is great otherwise for classic bike articles mostly around the US.