Frame numbers location,

What year is the bike.

71 had no separate frame identification. Prior to the 69 commando, the 68 (before VIN plates) had some stamping on the neck.

In 73, eventually the 850 started with the stamping of the government mandated seperate frame #. It was running up and down the RH side of the neck. The continuing vin plate did have rh or lh skew on the neck depending on Brit/imperial  or italian/metric tubing.  

more info here:

http://atlanticgreen.com/commandoframes.htm

There is very often a frame build date only under the LH Z plate .

I am looking at a rare 1969 Norton R 750.  There is no aluminum ID plate on the head stock as I have in my 70 roadster. I think it is original as it matches the engine number.  I have enclosed a picture.  Any thoughts if this is the way they were identified in 68 69.  I seem to remember my dad had a 68 fastback and if memory serves me well it was on the head stock like the pic

Dave L

What your pix shows is what I have seen before. Your  VIN/serial# is very early MY(model year) 69 according to published charts.

Thanks David.  I asked the owner to check the head stock and make sure there are no holes where the later ID plate would be attached to.  My Roadster is a 70 and has the aluminum plate so I agree it is a very early 69 before they went to the plate, so I think it is safe to say that it is legit and not something that has been messed with.