Frame identification?

R is 1960, 13 is a Model 50, 84884 is a 1959 frame number and from the photo it is a wideline - i.e. pre 1960. Are you absolutely sure about the number? Does the log book match the frame? It wouldn't be the first bike to be sold with another's logbook. The provenance of any ex-racer is often suspect...

Previously paul_coombs wrote:

Guys,this is my other project.As you can see its a partial Vincent Comet, Norton framed special.The frame was originall part of a sidecar race team in the 60s, and has structural renforcement, as you can see.There seem to be no identifing marks on the frame.The log book reads as R1384884 for chassis number.The forks appear to be roadholders.

I was considering using Commando forks, and would like to know if they will fit this frame.Many Thanks

well its a singles cylinder wideline frame from 1959/60 letter R denotes 1960 but 1960 machines started from September 1959 so there is a over lap , in frames like the slimline started been made in this September 1959 year , and the older frames IE wide line were been used up, there should be a flat on the inside of the tube on the right hand side for the rock box on the single, hope its helps you out hear .your anna j

The frame number would be on the left side gusset just above the swinging arm mounting hole. You may need to acid etch it if the number is difficult to read. On many a racer of this era, the engine and frame numbers seem to be absent - odd that.

Commando forks are too long.

See what I mean Gordon about 1959/1960 wideline /slimline.

What everyone has missed by the looks of it is that the singles used the wideline frame for another year, ie 1960, becoming slimline in 1961.

All sorts of mysteries yet to be solved with regard to Norton's. Anyone know what ES2 stands for, apart from Enclosed Springs or theinitials of an ex racer? We should have asked these old boys while they were still with us. One good thing with this forum, our experience ETC is recorded.