What is the model of my Commando

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SierrasCafe530

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I recently purchesed a 1973 Commando. I believe that the tank and seat is an aftermarket Dunstall kit. Because of this, I have been unable to figure out if it is a Roadster, MkII, Interstate, ect... The factory plate on the front of the frame has a 7 and 73... The model/vin is 306395... Fram has a 00112 on it. Not sure if it is a part number.

I want to restore the bike to its original condition but not sure which style of thank until I know the model... Any clues to find out how to figure this out? Ive been searching the web for days now trying without any luck.
 
That is is most likely an 1974 850. There is also a number along the top of the gearbox where the main mounting bolt goes through and across the crankcase at the cylinder line. That will give you more clues as to how much of a bitsa it is or how much it is a numbers matching unit.

I believe the trim is what make the model. Roadster tank, side cover, and pipes and you have a roadster. Same formula for an interstate.

A good sequence of photos will give the members what they need to ID what you have as close as possible.
 
Yep,only a photo or 2 will clear this up,probably an early 850 model but remember the factory mixed and matched quite a bit .
 
SierrasCafe530 said:
I want to restore the bike to its original condition but not sure which style of thank until I know the model... Any clues to find out how to figure this out? Ive been searching the web for days now trying without any luck.
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Unfortunately you won't find the answer on the Internet.

The only chance of finding out which actual model your Mk1 850 was when it left the factory is if the factory records for that particular machine still exist, and the only people who could tell you that will be the UK NOC or VMCC as they both have access to the surviving records.

http://www.nortonownersclub.org/
http://www.vmcc.net/

Andover Norton also have some of the late factory records however they do not offer a record checking service.

SierrasCafe530 said:
The factory plate on the front of the frame has a 7 and 73
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7 73 is the date of manufacture (July 1973)

SierrasCafe530 said:
Fram has a 00112 on it.
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Some frames have this 00xxx number, however I don't think anyone has come up with an explanation for it yet, but it isn't the frame part number which is a six-digit number (xx-xxxx or xxxxxx) usually stamped on the front face of the L/H fuel tank mounting bracket.
 
I know it is a 73 850 by the Vin/model... The engine has the matching number as the red factory plate behind the headlamp. I just want to know what style of Commando it is.
 
Sounds like you have a 1973 Mk1 850. Slightly different to the 1974 models, the main difference is the silver cylinders and the basketweave seat.

It is not actually possible to tell directly from the VIN what model it was built as originally. The NOC (Norton Owmers Club) hold the factory records, but they are not entirely complete, and don't always tell what model a particular bike was built as anyway. And since all models can be built up from dressing it in suitable parts, it doesn't actually matter ?
Show us a pic ? This group thrives on pics of progress and details. Mk 1 is not that common either, they are almost always rebuilt as Mk2. Hopethishelps.
 
SierrasCafe530 said:
L.A.B. thanks... I wi try that link.
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Good Luck ! You have to pay to be a member of the NOC, and apparently the records officer is swamped with requests, and making members pay for the full certificate....
 
next-bike-new-project-t11907.html
Hi Guys, although I know it doesn't answer the original question, my problem is I know it is Roadster, but the engine no's dont seem right although the engine , gearbox and VIN all align???
What do you think has happened here? No is 153640
Regards Mike
 
Could well be ' Dunstall ' from new , someone put pictures of 850 on here a few days back , brochure ones

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cycle-World-73- ... 588d2baa6a

5th picture is the animal .

Allowing for parts being traded out etc , well worth sticking with that spec , particularrly if authentic .

Brocking ,
Kiwi land theres a few Jeffersons axes , a lot went walkabout in the 70s , could be a restamping ,
or replacement c'case build ? ? . Check the subframe shock mount inner gusset , fo being angled aft .
also breather position .
 
Hi Matt, yes knew about the ezy buy models in the '70s HWay 61 were pretty good at it back in the day!!!
See my reply to your PM, although the gearbag has the same number and car jam report 6 months ago shows no listing of it being hot.
Perhaps the amount of owners it had in a few short years in the late '90's may indicate an ezy buy model.
Still it is an 850 none the less and is on the rego list , just waiting for some $$$$$ to update it!!!
Regards Mike
 
Nice lightly Dunstallized 850. Although that muffler connection looks a little underdone.
Looks to be a Mk2 850 (black cylinders), and judging by that sidecover it was a black roadster.

But, hey, everything can be swapped in Nortons to give any model you want.
If that tank still holds fuel, Dunstall bikes are cool - and a little rare these days.
Nice find...
 
Its a BLACK one . :D Most likely KUHN . Pretty Cool . 8) Leave it alone , its got a bit of class .

Somebody spends centuries refineing a machine . Dont let the hondaboys near it . :lol: if you get the drift . :wink:

Youll need THAT exhaust in the mountains drifting on opposite lock around the outside of the Jappers . Looks Good .

VERY Good . PLEASE dont muck with it . Tread wareilly . Matt .
 
Any advice on the transmission radiator?... I hate that way it ugly ups the engine area. Is it needed? I've yet to see one on another Norton.
 
Rohan said:
Looks to be a Mk2 850 (black cylinders)
Click to expand...

With a production date of 7/73 and serial number 306395 it couldn't really be a Mk2 (Mk2/2A production commenced at 307311).


SierrasCafe530 said:
Any advice on the transmission radiator?...
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I think you will find the radiator is connected to the engine oil scavenge line so it cools the engine oil not the transmission oil.
 
L.A.B. said:
I think you will find the radiator is connected to the engine oil scavenge line so it cools the engine oil not the transmission oil.
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So should I leave it, or remove it? It looks really bad...
 
SierrasCafe530 said:
So should I leave it, or remove it? It looks really bad...
Click to expand...


Unless you intend to travel long distances at high speed in very hot weather then an oil cooler probably isn't necessary.
 
L.A.B. said:
SierrasCafe530 said:
So should I leave it, or remove it? It looks really bad...
Click to expand...


Unless you intend to travel long distances at high speed in very hot weather then an oil cooler probably isn't necessary.
Click to expand...


That is what I thought... Thanks. It's GONE!!!
 
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