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Norton Commando engine and frame numbers

Submitted by david_henshaw on Wed, 11/05/2011
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Commando

Hello,

I'm a very new member who has just got the Norton bug. I am keen to buy a Commando 850 Mk III with its original engine. Do the numbers match on Commandos - or other Nortons come to that? Also what should I look for to make sure that any bike I buy is actuially what it seems to be and not stolen ringed or otherwise adulterated?

Any help appreciated. Thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/05/2011

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Ian, welcome to the Norton Owners Club.

All Engine and Frame Nos. on post-war Nortons should be the same. The only exception I know is the Italian framed 850 Commandos where the Engine No. is a 300000 series number and the Frame No. is a 100000 series number. I believe the Italian frames only made it as far as the Mk.lla Commandos and that on the Mk.llls everything was back to normal. I am sure I will be put right if I am wrong on that.

The NOC now charges for records investigations for DVLA purposes and Factory Record certificates. However, if anyone wants just a quick and simple uncertificated check by the NOC Records Officers on a bike they are looking to purchase, this is not chargeable.

The other check you can do for yourself is to see what information DVLA has on the machine. Go to this URL:-

www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/application?origin=vnav_bar.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=Vehicle+Enquiry

click on the tab marked Vehicle Enquiry and enter the details. This will tell you the current status of the vehicle.

I have always assumed that if the vehicle has been reported stolen this will be shown, but I do not know this. A stolen bike is very unlikely to come with a V5 or V5C document anyway.

Lastly, always take a good look at the numbers on the bike to check they have not been altered. [If the bike is an Inter or a Manx then take several more close looks as both of these are prime candidates for adulteration.] A problem with Commandos is that they have a VIN plate like a car rather than the traditional stamped Frame No. VIN plates can be forged and/or transferred from another bike so look carefully. Most of them should have abrasions where the wiring loom has rubbed up against the plate; look also for new rivets holding the plate on if you are suspicious.

I hope that helps,

 


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