JPN Commando

Previously steve_nairn wrote:

Hi - bought a 850 JPN last year from a guy that owned it since 1981 - looks to be the real deal but is there any way of verifying this?

He bought it as a genuine JPN, it has the correct ally brackets for fairing, frame plate under seat, usual things but I guess these can all be replicated.

I know the engine/frame numbers were not recorded, thought about tracing bike origins with the reg no. (it is a UK bike) but not sure if that will help unless dealer still exists - any ideas? Steve

They don't even have matching frame/engine numbers so they are difficult to authenticate,

. Key location to battery tray left side, Avon fairings sticker in front of clock nacel. 3 phase alternator,

19 tooth gearbox sprocket. The red and blue stripes are transfers not painted. Post a picture, someone may spot something....

A number of the Commando factory records at the VMCC (and thus the NOC microfilm copies presumably) comprise copies of the first Vehicle Excise Duty applications for UK market machines. If it exists for your machine, it would at least show the colour at the time of first registration.

Sometimes the model is shown. I have a copy of one that shows 'Interstate' but from memory, most just say 'Commando'.

Based on the colour though, if it shows 'white' then you won't be able to rule out a late Mk2A Roadster but if it's one of the other colours then it didn't leave the factory as a JPN

Previously steve_nairn wrote:

Thanks Jonathan, I have resprayed the bike so the original transfers have gone! I have rebuilt up to rolling chassis but will post a pic once I complete the build.

The reg is GKJ 4N - if anyone knows history of bike would be good to hear, the guy I got it from bought it in 1981 - he is based in Forfar, Scotland. Steve

Mine is also a Scottish reg - "GSL" and N suffix. Check there is no remnants of a VIN plate at the headstock.... rivet holes etc. Fact is they are difficult to authenticate but as most went stateside and the ones here down graded to a regular Commi, I would suggest yours my have been abandoned for some years then revived. Not a lot converted the other way around. Fairspares fairings were good copies from teh original moulds but not the weight of the original Avon. They are not the most comfortable ride but stonking good fun. I'm up to 22 on the gearbox sprocket to take best advantage of the enormous torque they knock out. The 19t fitted as standard gave a fair acceleration but topped out just over the ton.

I believe it's a genuine bike but may have been re framed at some point, It's been kicking around in Scotland for a long time! I'll ask some of the guys and try to get the full story. However, as long as you like it does it matter?

gino

The ones I have seen documented in restoration threads have all had the plate under the seat but also had the empty holes in the headstock postion, but then Interpols with fairings are the same. The engine and frame numbers should match as they were built as MK2A's and the alternator would be standard single phase but with 2 headlamps it was the higher power version.

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/183/jpn-alternator-electrics-mirrors-side-covers