What model do I have?

[Oldbikeguy]

Good morning, I am new here, as after 65 years of collecting and riding bikes, I just purchased my first Norton. It is a 1972 Commando 750. From my research, and the original title and all registrations from 1972 until 2012 when it was put into the original owner's garage with his car collection and not started since. I am guessing it is a Fastback MK. IV, as it has a front disk brake, directional signals, and black barrels. I believe that means it is the 65 HP Combat engine. The serial number is, 204742, and is matching on the Data Plate and the engine. The bike is a one owner, with 2000 miles on it. I've known the owner for 30 years, and nothing has been changed on the bike. What exactly do I have? Thanks for your help.

 

[L.A.B.]

I am guessing it is a Fastback MK. IV, as it has a front disk brake, directional signals, and black barrels.

No, not necessarily. Does it have the Fastback bodywork?

I believe that means it is the 65 HP Combat engine. The serial number is, 204742, and is matching on the Data Plate and the engine.

It is likely to be a Combat model.

Which model does it look like?

https://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1970/72NortonBrochure.pdf

 

[Oldbikeguy]

From the pictures I see there, it looks more like the Roadster. The gas tank, seat, and rear fender is like the roadster.

 

[L.A.B.]

From the pictures I see there, it looks more like the Roadster. The gas tank, seat, and rear fender is like the roadster.

Then it probably is a Roadster as the Fastback is the red one.

 

[concours]

Good morning, I am new here, as after 65 years of collecting and riding bikes, I just purchased my first Norton. It is a 1972 Commando 750. From my research, and the original title and all registrations from 1972 until 2012 when it was put into the original owner's garage with his car collection and not started since. I am guessing it is a Fastback MK. IV, as it has a front disk brake, directional signals, and black barrels. I believe that means it is the 65 HP Combat engine. The serial number is, 204742, and is matching on the Data Plate and the engine. The bike is a one owner, with 2000 miles on it. I've known the owner for 30 years, and nothing has been changed on the bike. What exactly do I have? Thanks for your help.

Hi, Welcome, what other bikes do you have?

 

[Oldbikeguy]

Hi, Welcome, what other bikes do you have?

I'm 83 years old now, so I have been thinning them out the past couple of years. I also have a 2006 Harley Sportster 1200 custom, a 2004 Honda Shadow aero 750, and my main ride now, a 2004 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 A, converted to a trike by "Motor Trike". I'm pretty much done with riding on 2 wheels, but I couldn't help buying the Norton, It was just too perfect, and just 2000 miles on it. Some habits you just can't break

 

[nortonmargie]

What are you planning to do with it? If the ultimate goal is to sell, suggest you get it running smoothly. "Running when parked" bikes are a drug on the market

 

[Oldbikeguy]

I do plan to get it running and ridable. It needs a good cleaning and polishing, and a few rubber parts need replacing. The paint and chrome is original and in great condition. I probably won't ride it more than a test ride, to make sure everything is functional. Selling it is not in my immediate plans. It is yellow, as is my Harley, Honda, and my '23 T-Bucket. I like yellow vehicles, and will just look at my collection for awhile.

 

[L.A.B.]

I don't know if you have a manual or have found an online manual and parts book but here they are.

https://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Repair/70up_Commando/70upCommando.pdf

https://www.tioc.org/partsbooksnorton/pb-nort-750%201972%2006-3402.pdf

Also the Andover Norton parts pages are useful.

Andover Norton Spare Parts Drawings - Andover Norton Factory Parts - Commando Parts

Andover Norton Parts created from the original drawings.

andover-norton.co.uk

 

[Oldbikeguy]

Thank you, I do have a Haynes shop manual to work with. The original owner says he has the Owner's Manual, and the original Bill of Sale from the dealer it was purchased from. He just has to find them. The tool kit is there, and looks like it has never been opened. The links you gave me will help. Thank you once again.

 

[B+Bogus]

If it's still got its original '72 fibreglass gas tank you'll need to find ethanol free fuel, or seal the tank with Caswells or similar beforehand.

 

[L.A.B.]

Or buy a steel tank to use and keep the fibreglass original for show.
The Taiwanese Emgo tanks are good, others made in India may not be.

Norton Commando Roadster Steel Gas Petrol Tank 06-2701 06-2026 750 850 EMGO

Up for grabs is the new Norton Commando steel gas tank. Replaces part number 06-2701 and 06-2026. Great for replacing fiberglass and steel tanks as fitted on Norton models.

www.classicbritishspares.com

 

[B+Bogus]

As LAB says, the Emgo tank is an ideal replacement, but it will need painting.
The shape is correct, but they do need a bit of work.
Brent (thevintagevendor) may be able to help in the US.
These are a couple I'm doing for my bikes.

 

[Oldbikeguy]

If it's still got its original '72 fibreglass gas tank you'll need to find ethanol free fuel, or seal the tank with Caswells or similar beforehand.

It does have it's original fiberglass tank. Fortunately it was drained before being put in hibernation. When I look in with a flashlight, it has a smooth, even black finish. There are no cracks or dents on the outside, and the paint is excellent. I will be replacing the fuel lines, as they have turned yellow, and feel hard and brittle.

 

[ILLF8ED]

I resisted changing to a steel tank for many years on my ‘72. Eventually there is no solution if using ethanol spiked gas. No inside coating will prevent the fiberglass from dissolving . There will always be a pin hole. My original red fiberglass roadster tank resides in the attic storage. The only fiberglass on mine is that Corbin smuggler seat.

 

[nortonmargie]

Also suggest that "one test ride" is not enough to keep that bike in good condition. It needs to be used on a regular basis. Possibly you can interest a younger friend or relative into helping you with your Commando? They are, after all, really fun to ride.

 

[Oldbikeguy]

I have been taking the Commando 750 roadster apart to clean things up. When I removed the exhaust system, I realized I have not seen mufflers like this in any pictures. I know they are original to the bike, as I have seen a picture of it, with the original owner, the day he brought it home in 1972, and those are the mufflers on it. They have a removable baffle in them. I'll bet it has a great sound when the baffles are removed. My question is, Are they Factory, or perhaps a Dealer installed option? Well, I just found out I don't know how to add pictures. The mufflers narrow down at the end, and then flair out. There is a small bolt on the bottom that holds the baffle in. Sorry I can't add photos.

 

[kommando]

Sounds like Peashooter silencer with detachable baffles in the end.

Thread 'peashooters'

Apr 5, 2018

Does anyone know anything about their development? was the reverse cone an afterthought .. any gain apart from decibels in cutting them off?

• oldmikew
• Replies: 22
• Forum: Norton Commando Forum

• 

Which would be correct for a 72 Roadster

Andover Norton Parts Drawings - Andover Norton Factory Parts - Commando Parts

Andover Norton Parts are the only Norton spare parts in the market manufactured to original drawings, within the factory-approved tolerances, from the correct materials, and with the correct finish.

andover-norton.co.uk

 

[L.A.B.]

As you are not a VIP member you cannot directly upload pictures so you need to use a photo hosting website or become a VIP.

 

[Oldbikeguy]

After looking at pictures of 750 Commando Roadsters for a couple of hours, I found reference to my silencers. They are Tulip Tip peashooters, and were available on 1972, 750 Roadsters.