What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

Commandodave

Joined
Feb 5, 2009
Messages
53
Country flag
What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?

I always thought the Interstate side cover was trapezoidal shaped, almost rectangular. The Roadster side covers were more triangular.

But then I saw several Commandos at the National Rally that had Interstate tanks with the triangular side covers. The paint matched the old stock paint on the tank. The triangular side covers appeared to be original to the Commando. The owners could easily have added the Interstate tank and seat, of course.

What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?

What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?



So, the question is, Did Norton sell a Commando with the Interstate tank and the triangular side covers?
 
As far as I know every Interstate had the same style side covers but remember it's been 40 years since the last one was made so there is bound to be plenty of mix & match bikes out there.

Ian
 
Commandodave said:
What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?

I always thought the Interstate side cover was trapezoidal shaped, almost rectangular. The Roadster side covers were more triangular.
Click to expand...


Correct:
http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... ochure.pdf
http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... LineUp.pdf
http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... ochure.pdf
http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Broch ... LineUp.pdf

Commandodave said:
But then I saw several Commandos at the National Rally that had Interstate tanks with the triangular side covers. The paint matched the old stock paint on the tank. The triangular side covers appeared to be original to the Commando.
Click to expand...

I very much doubt they were original as it's so easy to swap tanks and seats between models and it's not uncommon to see Interstate tanks and Roadster side covers on the same bike but they don't exactly look 'right' in my opinion.


Commandodave said:
So, the question is, Did Norton sell a Commando with the Interstate tank and the triangular side covers?
Click to expand...

I'd say it was unlikely.


Interstate tank, Roadster side covers and Fastback seat unit so it must have been the special factory Interoadback model. :wink:
Commandodave said:
What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?
Click to expand...
 
I don't believe the Interstate was ever made with a Roadster/ triangular side panel.
I have had two Commandos with the Interstate tank and smaller Roadster panels. My first one in the 70's was a Roadster from birth! As I used to do a lot of miles I fitted an Interstate tank and seat.
My current Commando is registered as a Roadster and has the Interstate tank. This was how it was when I bought it.
Mix and match is easy, I am now considering selling the Interstate seat and tank as I do far fewer miles.
 
And how many factory original Interstates still have the Interstate low exhaust pipes and 'cigar' shape mufflers?
The Interstate exhaust was designed to allow fitting side panniers.
I remember that I had to remove the right side muffler to get clearance to remove the axle to change the rear tire.
 
Slightly off subject, but i love this picture. However I noticed that the "Prince of Darkness " is about to strike again. No airbrushing in those days!


Cheers,

cliffa
What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?
 
Interstate sidecover-

What exactly is an "Interstate" side cover?
 
Given that there seem to be plenty of repro Roadster side covers available, both from the sub-continent and elsewhere, why there are no Interstate side covers available, except potentially dodgy ones from there.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

jimbo
  • Locked
What exactly is the Yves Alton fix?
Replies
6
Views
1,065
joe czech
joe czech
o0norton0o
  • Locked
Interstate side cover pinstriping
Replies
2
Views
595
o0norton0o
o0norton0o
trappnman
  • Locked
what exactly do I have?
2 3
Replies
45
Views
2,975
trappnman
trappnman
Back
Top