I'm not trying to tear anyone down, or be a pain the butt. To me, we're all sort of custodians for these old bikes, and while we ride and enjoy them, we share info and experiences here on the forum, with like minded enthusiasts. It's a great way to share info on rebuilds, find parts or anything else related to Nortons. But it's also way to sort of build a library of information so that those that come after us, can become custodians of these bikes, learn about their great history and carry on with accurate information. So I think it's good that we debate and outline the facts.
I'll use myself as an example. I have a 1966 Atlas that I rebuilt years ago from a basket case. At the time, finances were limited and the only front brake I could reasonably put on it was from a Commando. None the less, I've ridden it nearly every day and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've also worked on it continuously and rebuilt nearly everything on it. It's got a single Amal MK II carb on it, and that's simply because I'm quite fond of the very rare Sonny Angel manifold I have for it. But in reality, it should have twin Amal Monoblocs. I've yet to post a photo of it simply because it's not accurate. In my mind, it's not what it should be, and I'm honest with myself about it. Luckily, I've acquired an appropriate front brake for it, and along with a few other small bits, I'll be swapping them out over the winter. At that point, it'll be a much more correct representation of a special from the late 1960's. And then other than finding a correct original chain guard, it'll be pretty damn accurate.
So, at the end of the day, it's a damn nice bike, but it's not accurate. And I'll be the first to admit it. The facts are the facts, and I apply them to myself.