Classic Norton Commando advice

[BillWright]

Having had a T160, I feel like getting a Norton Commando for sunny days. Is there any one knowledgeable in the collective?
For instance, I thought engine/frame/gearbox numbers should match. A 1975 MK2 I enquired about is non matching but the seller has said that the numbers didn’t match on the last models because they were built from parts from Italy, then Lockeed took over.
I’ve never heard anything like this before, so any information gratefully received.
Thanks

 

[Khulu]

I had a MkIIA and it didn't have matching frame and engine numbers.

 

[norbsa99]

It’s my understanding that matching engine and frame numbers was less common on the later built (1974 onwards) 850 Commandos.

I have a 1975 850 MK 2a which doesn’t have matching numbers, but I believe it has left the factory with its current engine /frame combination.

The 750 and 850 (Actually 828 cc) Commandos are quite different to start and ride, a 750 has faster steering and is easier to ride at slower speeds, the 850 with slower steering is better and more stable at higher speeds. Also, its easy to kick start a 750where as the 850 takes far more effort. Both bikes suffer from “Wet sumping” when not used on a regular basis.

Typical issues to look at is the condition exhaust port threads on the cylinder head, poor original threads will lead to constant loosening of the large threaded exhaust port locking nuts, the threads were originally cut into the aluminium cylinder head which are prone to failure especially if the nuts have become loose and allowed to chatter. A popular modification is the have steel sleeves fitted into the cylinder head to resolve this issue.

I would highly recommend fitting a Pazon electronic ignition and fitting a Mikuni singe carburettor to replace the worn out and always troublesome to set up original twin carbs.

Great bikes along as long as you get the right one.

The availability of spare parts is excellent and often better quality than the factory original parts from suppliers like Andover Norton and Norvil Motorcycles plus other specialist suppliers

I have attached a photo of my 1975 850 MK 2a for your perusal.

 

[seahorse]

As above, your bike wouldn't have matching numbers. I have plenty of experience of Commandos, a good one is a lovely bike and can be made reliable. I'll try and post more when I have a bit more time.

 

[notagser]

To add to the numbers confusion…

My 1973/4 850 Mk2 has matching numbers on the engine and red frame data plate. I has a different number stamped on the frame itself, which is normal for that era.

This is probably the most comprehensive work on Commando numbers etc.: https://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Info/CommandoSurvey.aspx

Mine is currently a work in progress:

 

[BillWright]

To add to the numbers confusion…

My 1973/4 850 Mk2 has matching numbers on the engine and red frame data plate. I has a different number stamped on the frame itself, which is normal for that era.

This is probably the most comprehensive work on Commando numbers etc.: https://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Info/CommandoSurvey.aspx

Mine is currently a work in progress:

Hi
Thanks for the link. Was the blue a standard colour?

 

[notagser]

Hi
Thanks for the link. Was the blue a standard colour?

Yes, an original colour. Fireflake Royal blue, I believe.
Post in thread '1974 Commando Paint - Blue'
https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/1974-commando-paint-blue.29532/post-455728

https://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Brochures/1970/74NortonBrochure.pdf

 

[snelly]

It’s my understanding that matching engine and frame numbers was less common on the later built (1974 onwards) 850 Commandos.

I have a 1975 850 MK 2a which doesn’t have matching numbers, but I believe it has left the factory with its current engine /frame combination.

The 750 and 850 (Actually 828 cc) Commandos are quite different to start and ride, a 750 has faster steering and is easier to ride at slower speeds, the 850 with slower steering is better and more stable at higher speeds. Also, its easy to kick start a 750where as the 850 takes far more effort. Both bikes suffer from “Wet sumping” when not used on a regular basis.

Typical issues to look at is the condition exhaust port threads on the cylinder head, poor original threads will lead to constant loosening of the large threaded exhaust port locking nuts, the threads were originally cut into the aluminium cylinder head which are prone to failure especially if the nuts have become loose and allowed to chatter. A popular modification is the have steel sleeves fitted into the cylinder head to resolve this issue.

I would highly recommend fitting a Pazon electronic ignition and fitting a Mikuni singe carburettor to replace the worn out and always troublesome to set up original twin carbs.

Great bikes along as long as you get the right one.View attachment 468012

The availability of spare parts is excellent and often better quality than the factory original parts from suppliers like Andover Norton and Norvil Motorcycles plus other specialist suppliers

I have attached a photo of my 1975 850 MK 2a for your perusal.

Very nice; i seem to remember Norton fitting a single su carb on one of the models towardsthe end of it's life;; i can't remember if it reached production or not;; my early comando snapped a rod which took out the crankcases and and a piece from the barrels;; i can't remember if the frame and cases were the same number tho;; they certainly weren't after;

 

[Smartbazza]

afternoon, this one was original and didnt have matching numbers. should have kept it.

Barry

 

[Lord Snooty]

They are certainly handsome looking bikes, classic shape and design.

 

[Smartbazza]

It’s my understanding that matching engine and frame numbers was less common on the later built (1974 onwards) 850 Commandos.

I have a 1975 850 MK 2a which doesn’t have matching numbers, but I believe it has left the factory with its current engine /frame combination.

The 750 and 850 (Actually 828 cc) Commandos are quite different to start and ride, a 750 has faster steering and is easier to ride at slower speeds, the 850 with slower steering is better and more stable at higher speeds. Also, its easy to kick start a 750where as the 850 takes far more effort. Both bikes suffer from “Wet sumping” when not used on a regular basis.

Typical issues to look at is the condition exhaust port threads on the cylinder head, poor original threads will lead to constant loosening of the large threaded exhaust port locking nuts, the threads were originally cut into the aluminium cylinder head which are prone to failure especially if the nuts have become loose and allowed to chatter. A popular modification is the have steel sleeves fitted into the cylinder head to resolve this issue.

I would highly recommend fitting a Pazon electronic ignition and fitting a Mikuni singe carburettor to replace the worn out and always troublesome to set up original twin carbs.

Great bikes along as long as you get the right one.View attachment 468012

The availability of spare parts is excellent and often better quality than the factory original parts from suppliers like Andover Norton and Norvil Motorcycles plus other specialist suppliers

I have attached a photo of my 1975 850 MK 2a for your perusal.

single carb is the way to go and if you look closely at mine I lock wired each exact flange as one fell off one day. Parts are easy to get. Buy an uprated front brake as the rumour was the disc performance was relaxed as they thought everyone would lock the front up when moving from drums - i can confirm the front disc was ridiculously bad.

Barry

 

[AdrianS]

Lovely looking bikes.
A good friend of mine has a 750 one in immaculate condition. He is getting on a bit and keeps talking about selling it, but after owning it for well over 45 years, he is finding it a wrench to sell it.
He did fit a single Amal carb with a new manifold from Norvil a couple of years ago. Greatly helped starting and made the bike much smoother to ride.

 

[GSADavidZH2]

I had a 1974 Mk11A (built Aug '74) that did not have matching numbers. I have several years worth of Norton Owners Club magazines up for grabs (Free) dating back to 1974 up to the 1980s . Collection only. I also fitted a single SU carb, and a belt drive replacement for the primary chain drive.

 

[BillWright]

Well, I've put in an offer on this 1973 850.

 

[walkingpictures]

Quick off topic question......didn't some of these bikes have what was called a combat engine?With different fins on the barrels?

I also remember reading an interesting article about an American company who specialise in Commandos,fitting them with things like electric starts and making them much more reliable and useable.

Kimbo

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Quick off topic question......didn't some of these bikes have what was called a combat engine?With different fins on the barrels?

Bill's photo Post #14 appears to show an alloy barrel, although this could be down to my failing eye sight and a blurry photo

 

[notagser]

Bill's photo Post #14 appears to show an alloy barrel, although this could be down to my failing eye sight and a blurry photo

Apparently 1973 models had silver painted barrels. But after 50+ years anything is possible!

 

[seahorse]

Black barrels was for the 750 Combat motors but yeh 50 years later most bikes have em painted black

 

[GSADavidZH2]

The Combat motor also had a higher lift cam.

 

[seahorse]

Yes, different cam, 32mm carbs and higher compression. Which they did by machining the head but not altering the pushrods, which gave further problems on some bikes