WI Newbie Post with some pics:)

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Newbie Norton owner just writing to say hi, ask a few ridiculous newbie questions (i did search a bit, but found nothing - so please forgive in advance) and post some pictures of my bike.

Question #1 - from my research, it appears as though Norton made several different models (roadster, interstate, etc) each year. Are the differences purely in appearance or do certain models have different brake options, carbs, etc? I was hoping i would stumble across a post that elaborates on this, but no luck.

Question #2 - I've also noticed that most 1974-model MkIIs still have drum brakes in the back. Does this just mean that my bike might be a late model 74, or is it in fact actually a 1975? no electric start btw.

Question #3 - turn signals. i'd kinda like to have em. Hand signals are ok, but i don't want to assume other idiot drivers actually know what they mean:p Any advice or suggestions? Is my best bet to find turn signals from a later Norton or are there aftermarket kits available for this sort of application? Prefereably something that does not look incredibly tacky or non-stock.

WI Newbie Post with some pics:)


WI Newbie Post with some pics:)


WI Newbie Post with some pics:)


Thanks!

-Tom
Wausau, WI
 
#1 up to 72 all had drum brake on front
72 could have either drum or disc - most had disc

#2 75 was only year with disc rear

#3 turn signals are up to you, shop several Norton parts suppliers and pick your poison

and please add in your sig where you are located :D

windy
 
ahhh! well, it is titled as a 1974. this must be incorrect, then?
(im located in central wisconsin [Wausau] btw)
 
Looks like someone put a mark 3 motor in an earlier frame aye? I can't see someone pulling off the swing arm off a mark three to retro fit a drum.
 
Nice job milling the primary to remove all evidence of the starter...

Hmmmmmmmm...

By the way, the "Combat" 750 Commando had a high compression head with 2mm larger intakes & carbs; other than that a Roadster is a Roadster is a Roadster.

(early Combat Commandos are ticking time bombs from the factory)
 
Except for the lack of the warning light console and the hump on the inner primary for the starter it looks like a '75 MK III. Do the frame and engine numbers match and what are they? That will tell the story.

Scooter
 
Everything that I can see looks Mk111 850 to me. Frame with seat hinge. Left hand front brake, disc rear and standard Mk111 gearchange set up.

The main difference is that the electric start and mounting has been removed. I did the same with my Mk111. No suggestion of milling Norbsa, I took a hacksaw and files to mine and then used the cut off bits to fill the hole up. :)

There's a 17lb weight saving with all the bits removed.

I'm sure that I've read here that the earliest Mk111s were delivered late 1974. Are you basing the date on first registration or headstock stamp ? What are the numbers ?
 
It's got to be a MarkIII case, it has perimiter screws and left foot shift.
 
grandpaul said:
By the way, the "Combat" 750 Commando had a high compression head with 2mm larger intakes & carbs; other than that a Roadster is a Roadster is a Roadster.

(early Commandos are ticking time bombs from the factory)

NOT TRUE just the combats!!!

as for the combat if you know how to properly defuse one it makes a wonderful ride. the combat also had a hotter camshaft.

not all 72's were combats but most were.
 
tom2240zap said:
Question #1 - from my research, it appears as though Norton made several different models (roadster, interstate, etc) each year. Are the differences purely in appearance or do certain models have different brake options, carbs, etc? I was hoping i would stumble across a post that elaborates on this, but no luck.

Broadly speaking, differences in models for each year were purely changes in bodywork, seat, tank, and handlebars; not changes in engine performance. I believe even the John Player Norton with race bodywork was otherwise completely stock, although others here are much more knowledgeable! As GrandPaul notes, the Combat 750 was the major exception, which offered a hopped up engine with higher compression, hot cams, etc.

- HJ

Eagerly anticipating my '75 Commando
 
bill said:
NOT TRUE just the combats!!!

Oops. Fixed it. That's what I meant.

"Superblend" F.A.G. main bearings and oil sump modification to the crankcase are the basic fixes.

Nobody needs to sell me on the Combat's strong points, this one's in my garage-
WI Newbie Post with some pics:)
 
Primary case, timing cover, frame, fuel tank, seat (hinge), wheels, upper yoke, brakes, L/H switchgear, and NVT speedo all point to it being a MkIII model, - even down to the hole in the L/H Z-plate for the second Zener diode.
 
thanks to all for your direction! i will take a looksie at the numbers when i get home and also do a closer inspection as to the questionable starter removal. should have some news to post soon.

this is my first motorcycle however i do have fond memories of my dads '69 triumph bonnie when i was knee-high to a grasshopper. I've always loved the classic bittish vehicles (cars in particular), but being a bit too tall to squeeze into a MGB or spitfire, i came to the conclusion that the only way this is going to happen is to sacrafice a few wheels and go with a bike. I have a older datsun(240z) thats almost done and am really anxious to get the norton roadworthy.

i was a little disappointed as i ended up buying the first bike i looked at (something i seldom do), but for $2k i hope it turns out to be a good bike, regardless of and engine/chassis discrapencies. Thanks again and i'll have some numbers to post shortly :D
 
tom2240zap said:
thanks to all for your direction! i will take a looksie at the numbers when i get home and also do a closer inspection as to the questionable starter removal. should have some news to post soon.

You may find there are two different numbers stamped in the headstock area?

One serial number on the plate, along with the date of manufacture (if the plate is still there?) And another number should also be stamped right alongside the plate, which may or may not match the plate number? It could begin with "F1"? If so, then it's not a problem.

The plate, engine and gearbox (stamped across the top lug) numbers would all have matched when it originally left the factory.
 
There is no plate, all numbers are stamped into the material. They are as follows:

Frame: 850 332539
Engine: F110302 COMMANDO (F110302 is what appears on the title as the VIN)
Trans: 332539
 
tom2240zap said:
Frame: 850 332539
Engine: F110302 COMMANDO (F110302 is what appears on the title as the VIN)


Have you mixed up the engine and frame numbers?

As it's the frame that should have the F number?

Are you saying that "COMMANDO" is stamped on the engine or frame? As that would be unusual.
 
yes, that is correct. the 850 332539 is stamped into the frame (on the yoke, behind the headlamp) and yes, COMMANDO is stamped in after the F110302.
 
tom2240zap said:
yes, that is correct. the 850 332539 is stamped into the frame (on the yoke, behind the headlamp) and yes, COMMANDO is stamped in after the F110302.

OK, thanks, as an engine stamped "F110302 COMMANDO" would be rather odd?
 
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