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Inherited Commando and query...

Submitted by dave_brace on Sat, 17/02/2018
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Commando

Hi All,

Recently I haveacquired a Norton Commando from my uncle who was a member of NOC and has sadly passed away, he always said that he would leave "Big Mandy" as he called herto me but we never hoped it was going to be so soon, a sad loss, but it brings me into the exciting world of british classics and although ill never be as talented as him I hope to join this group with the same enthusiasm, which leads me onto my query... (apologies for the length of this post)

I now own a '73 Norton Commando 850 interstate, these details are confirmed by some paperwork I received with the bike from a query my uncle placed with this club.

The bike is yellow, and I do not believe she is currently wearing interstate clothes, the tank is smaller with knee cut outs and the tank and side panels are yellow matched, I have a picture of my uncle with the bike where she is wearing a BRG 5 gallon tank with matching side panels, these may make their way to me in the future. The front mudguard was a fibre glass type in yellow, and the seat although it looks the shape of the interstate seems shorter in length than the interstate.

So this is the bike I have, and im already in love with it, however id like to put my own stamp on the bike and enjoy it for many years to come as my uncle would have liked.

The paint scheme I have always loved with nortons is the silver with black and red pin stripe, so I guess my query is, what model commando came with this paint scheme and can I alter my interstate to become that model?

And secondly what would I need to do to, parts to buy etc to complete the change?

And any help in identifying the different parts so I don't end up with a mismatched bike would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance if you managed to get this far through my post, and also if youre able to assist in any way. I hope to see you at a future meet soon!

Regards

Dave

Submitted by john_holmes on Sat, 17/02/2018

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The MK3 850 came with a Silver scheme with the black and red stripes on an Interstate tank, never seen one for a Roadster tank so copying a factory scheme limits you to the Interstate tank. What I have done is fitted an Interpol tank which is based on the Dominator tank and applied a Silver scheme with black and red stripes. The Interpol tanks are steel and go cheaply as they have a slot in the top for a radio but sized in the middle between the Roadster and Interstate so need an Interstate seat with the mounting ears moved back to bring the seat forward to fill the gap.

Attachments Commando005.jpg norton001-jpg

Submitted by ian_soady on Sat, 17/02/2018

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I too like the traditional Norton livery so painted my own Commando Interstate a bit like a Manx as in the photo. Not standard of course but who cares?

Attachments dscn0964-jpg

Submitted by dave_brace on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Here is a picture of my Norton, I hope it works.

Ive swapped the front mudguard for stainless original, she has a huge front norvill floating disc, belt primary, boyer electronic ignition and that is all I know.

Attachments norton2-png

Submitted by ian_soady on Sat, 17/02/2018

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That looks very nice - actually I like the front mudguard! Looks a bit like the one on Sammy Miller's Ariel GOV132.

My first Commando was a Roadster like that but the small tank was a pain for touring. I fitted Roadster side panels to my Interstate as they're much tidier in my opinion.

Submitted by dave_brace on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Previously ian_soady wrote:

That looks very nice - actually I like the front mudguard! Looks a bit like the one on Sammy Miller's Ariel GOV132.

My first Commando was a Roadster like that but the small tank was a pain for touring. I fitted Roadster side panels to my Interstate as they're much tidier in my opinion.

thanks for that, shes been well looked after, but also ridden as it was my uncles daily commuter.

Are you able to tell me,are the tank and side panels roadster ones? or is it a roadster tank and interstate panels?

If they are both roadster, can I get a roadster seat for it?

Submitted by ian_soady on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Both roadster. The interstate side panels are much more bulky hence why I changed mine.

That actually looks like the right seat to me - do the tabs either side that fit under the knurled alloy knobs line up?

Submitted by tim_harrison on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Hi Dave. Almost all parts for all Commando models are available from Andover Norton, Norvil or RGM. Dependent on where you live a visit to your local NOC branch will provide a wealth of expertise. Details are under branches on this website. Best of Luck with the project. Tim

Submitted by dave_brace on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Previously ian_soady wrote:

Both roadster. The interstate side panels are much more bulky hence why I changed mine.

That actually looks like the right seat to me - do the tabs either side that fit under the knurled alloy knobs line up?

Thanks Ian, so I assume my uncle had a roadster set up (as seen) and an interstate setup also, the other picture I have of her in the british racing green looks totally different, im hoping they are still at his house. The tabs as you mention I assume line up fine as removing and replacing the seat is no issue what so ever.

Submitted by dave_brace on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Previously tim_harrison wrote:

Hi Dave. Almost all parts for all Commando models are available from Andover Norton, Norvil or RGM. Dependent on where you live a visit to your local NOC branch will provide a wealth of expertise. Details are under branches on this website. Best of Luck with the project. Tim

Thanks Tim, I live in west wales, Pembrokeshire and it doesn't appear there is a club near me unless im mistaken.

I sourced the stainless front mudguard from RGM, prices seemed reasonable until I went to pay and realised they were excl. VAT, im looking to replace the seat and some other worn parts.

Submitted by michael_sullivan on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Dave:

Not wanting to be unfeeling, but have you had a look around your (sadly) passed Uncle's garage. Perhaps there are spares stuck up in the rafters, etc.

Mike

Submitted by dave_brace on Sat, 17/02/2018

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Previously michael_sullivan wrote:

Dave:

Not wanting to be unfeeling, but have you had a look around your (sadly) passed Uncle's garage. Perhaps there are spares stuck up in the rafters, etc.

Mike

I havenât as his son is moving into the house, we suspect itâll be there somewhere but heâs still coming to terms with the loss of his dad so it may take some time understandably, hopefully it will materialise.

 


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