1969 commando center stand

seattle##gs · May 8, 2021

Is it possible to fit a later cradle into a 1969 Commando so the good center stand can be used? There is a crossbar under the trans and the frame lugs which mount the original mickey mouse center stand. I have 3 spare cradles and a good centerstand. Has anyone done this?

seattle##gs · Jun 29, 2021

I want to refresh this topic...problem still exists.

Derek Wilson · Jun 29, 2021

Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I think you may need to modify the frame, as the cross member may be in the way.

If you were to do that, I would install the later forward crossmember and fit the later style side stand as well. My $0.02

rivera · Jun 29, 2021

You can use the later cradle and centerstand without modifying the frame. I did that on my 1970 Commando with the crossbar for the early centerstand.
The gearbox cradle which came with the bike was a 1971 onwards type with the holes for the centerstand.

seattle##gs · Jun 29, 2021

rivera said:
You can use the later cradle and centerstand without modifying the frame. I did that on my 1970 Commando with the crossbar for the early centerstand.
The gearbox cradle which came with the bike was a 1971 onwards type with the holes for the centerstand.

Can anyone verify this? Anyone else done this? It looks like a close fit at best, don't want to find out the hard way but I really need the center stand.

ILLF8ED · Jun 29, 2021

Might be easier to sell the ‘69 and buy a ‘71 or later Commando.

Stephen Hill · Jul 1, 2021

I believe that you can drill an early cradle and mount a later center stand on it.

gortnipper · Jul 1, 2021

See this post.

Centre Stand I don't have holes?

Hi Been thinking about fitting a centre stand to my 72 and found I don't have holes for the stand or the spring, earlier engine/gearbox mount maybe? Any how anyone out there in Norton land have the measurements for the position of these holes, I guess mainly for balance purposes and ease of...

www.accessnorton.com

baldy · Jul 2, 2021

I used a later centerstand and cradle on my 1970. Have seen where owner just drilled his earlier cradle to add better centerstand.

seattle##gs · Jul 3, 2021

OK...this sounds like a possibility. Final 2 questions. Is there any conflict with the crossover tube when the center stand is fully extended? Do I need to cut off the old centerstand mounts?

ILLF8ED · Jul 3, 2021

seattle##gs said:
OK...this sounds like a possibility. Final 2 questions. Is there any conflict with the crossover tube when the center stand is fully extended? Do I need to cut off the old centerstand mounts?

I have to stop listening when you talk about cutting pieces from a Commando frame. It’s your’s of course. Just my 40 years of the Norton Owners Club…. dedicated to the enjoyment and “preservation” of the Norton motorcycle.

seattle##gs · Jul 3, 2021

illf8ed said:
I have to stop listening when you talk about cutting pieces from a Commando frame. It’s your’s of course. Just my 40 years of the Norton Owners Club…. dedicated to the enjoyment and “preservation” of the Norton motorcycle.

I have 2 free 1969 center stands for you, both need a little work.
The owner is fed up with no center stand, wants to have the better one. I don't want to cut out the frame cross member or the cs lugs. I'm not making a chopper, just making the bike more usable.

rivera · Jul 4, 2021

Exclusive photos from under the skirt:

Drilling the centerstand holes in the correct positions into an early cradle might be difficult because the frame rails are in the way.
As mentioned this is a later cradel with holes for the centerstand and oil filter, which I also added.
And yes , bike needs cleaning!
Uli

seattle##gs · Jul 4, 2021

great pictures. They answer all my questions. I have a later cradle to install

1969 commando center stand

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