Haven't had a Commando for about 40 years TBH, but I've got enough parts from a Seeley Weslake that makes building one (Not standard.) a viable option.
However I'm short of a few "Minor" components, namely a frame and engine, but most importantly it seems a V5c.
There's so much conflicting advice out there and things have changed a lot since I last registered anything, I wondered if any of you had done this recently?
I'd like it registered before I spend loads of money and build something that might need a MSVA.
TIA Paul.
An existing frame with a V5,…
- Log in to post comments
Ref' An existing frame with a V5,…
TY for the reply George.
That's pretty much as I thought it worked George, but as my plans involve converting to a cantilever frame (Twin Maxton shocks.), Marzochii or Ceriani forks (Lockheed race discs.), Quaife 5 speed 'box, Newby belt drive etc (All parts I have.). I suspected I'd be opening a can of worms if I didn't have a V5c.
I've been intouch ref' that frame on Ebay and there's no V5c or logbook as seems to be the norm'.
There are plenty of frames about but so far I haven't found one with a V5C or logbook.
I was wondering if there was any way I could register a frame BEFORE I get started.
- Log in to post comments
registration
Hi Paul
Without a V5 you will only be able to register the bike once it is complete. The DVLA may well require an inspection. You should be able to get it on the road one way or another but worst case scenario would be with a Q plate. If you buy a frame make sure it has a vin number in which case you should be able to get an age related plate once the bike is roadworthy.
- Log in to post comments
Bearing in mind
What you wish to achieve, perhaps the best solution is to buy a complete Commando and comvert that. You could then sell on the parts you have no need for to get some money back in the pot?
At least if you start with a complete bike you will have all the odd bits that are sometimes hard to find. There will be some who might not like the idea of "breaking" a good bike, but Commandos aren't particularly rare in the grand scheme of things.
Regards, George
- Log in to post comments
Better off buying a NOVA…
Better off buying a NOVA Commando, then use that as the basis. These days the likelihood of even obtaining a Q plate is minimal. Keep receipts of any new parts you buy, they can ask you to send them off.
- Log in to post comments
On that eBay listing if you…
On that eBay listing if you look behind the bike for sale there is a second commando frame with a headstock plate. As long as the frame number on that plate was despatched to a UK dealer you can, with work, get a V5.
- Log in to post comments
Thanks guys!
Sorry for the delay, real life's caught up with me!
Anyway, lots to think about here!
- Log in to post comments
That looks like one I saw in…
That looks like one I saw in Florida in 2012, same advert? One used to cut the numbered piece of frame off a bike with Log Book and weld it to the one you wanted, then apply for a change of engine number. I did this with a Range Rover a few years ago that was berift of documents. nobody checked. I phoned DVLA to ask if I could claim the Reg Number and vehicle on a V62, they said Yes! So I sent a declaration in, and got a Log Book by return!
- Log in to post comments
registering
the NOC want bike without V5 to be assembled before they will provide back up to send off to DVLA . So complete old bike to start that can be on DVla system straight away saves worries later.
- Log in to post comments
An existing frame with a V5, V5C or even the old buff or green log books is without doubt the easiest way. The official line on 'Historic' is:
There is a Commando frame on evilbay at the moment is this - any good?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Norton-Commando-Fastback-Project-Frame-Tank-Seat-Look-Spares-Refurb-Project/154083033354?hash=item23e010810a:g:JRAAAOSwRrVfQOyR
If you contact the sellers and it has a V5c, then you are home and dry. As long as you retain the same number of cylinders in the engine they won't be bothered too much with a new engine number or all the other bits.
Otherwise, the official info is here:
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/old-vehicles
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/reconstructed-classic-vehicles
My understanding is that they are really interested in the major components - frame, engine, forks, swinging arm, wheels, gearbox etc, not the minor stuff like wiring looms, handlebars and rear shocks, but I could well be wrong. Not too sure who is the club chap/chapess who inspects it and writes you the required report, but there is a link to the process in the 'Records' section above the banner at the top of this page.
To me, the grey area is the 'new' parts - in their wording, use of replica parts means reconstructed classic and adds extra hoops to go through. I suppose that if you used genuine 'Andover Norton' supplied parts then you could argue that they aren't replicas?
Good luck,
George.