1974 NORTON COMMANDO 750 SHORT STROKE on EBAY (2015)

I have to agree that it is a bitsa. my complaint is it should be represented as such not a factory bike.

pete.v said:

I am sure it's a bitsa, albeit the nicest bitsa I have seen. I have no doubt that it is worth what he wants for it. I feel that this bike didn't start out this way but as with CNW creation, it is what it is and that's not bad.

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pete.v said:

L.A.B. said:

ZFD said:

207000 left the factory on 25th July 1972 as a black Roadster.

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The VMCC records department confirmed that 207000 was a black Roadster, date of manufacture, 24th May 1972.

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Are all the CNW bike all numbers matching, and does it make them less valuable if their not.

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As a matter of fact, 95 % of them are matching numbers. The only time they would not be matching is if a customer supplies a core that is mismatched. That's the core that their build is based on so they get those same, mismatched parts back. It certainly doesn't make it a lesser machine though

However, I don't think this is the point here. I would never lead anyone to believe that a cNw machine is a factory model

No one is arguing the fact that it appears to be a nice bike. The problem is that its represented as a factory built bike and I think its pretty clear that it is not. This forums members have a lot of combined expertise but there are many that don't visit here to get information and if they come across an advertised bike, like the one in question, they can easily be made to believe that they are getting something that is different than what it really is.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com

Is there any reason not to make numbers match stem tag on say a set of Maney cases that have a blank flat for them?

hobot said:

Is there any reason not to make numbers match

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In some jurisdictions, falsifying VIN No's is jail time.

Which is not to say in some times/places it was more than commonplace...

Ok but still gotta catch me first. If ole east coast race builder Ron is behind this cycle you can not go wrong even if its a one in a row.

I only found the number in the despatch (shipping) book which is not numerical but gives information when the bike was shipped, not produced. Not sure where in the various late microfilms the VMCC found it- late 750 numbers are somewhat sketchily/chaotically recorded.

ZFD said:

Not sure where in the various late microfilms the VMCC found it- late 750 numbers are somewhat sketchily/chaotically recorded.

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Book 44, if that means anything to you?

Yes. Will have a look on Monday.

The Ebay "Short Stroke 750" has one less cylinder fin than either of my 850s, so the engine seems to be a short stroke, but my '73, the Titanic, build date 3/73, has matching numbers in the 300 range, so how could a '74 be a 235, much less a 200? The engine, sure. the bike, don't think so.

That being said, the factory didn't fold the race teams (Norton and Triumph) until the whole deal tanked, so why would they dump spare short stroke engines into earlier chassis unless they figured no way would they be able to sell all the short strokes (200?) to racers.

Danno said:

The Ebay "Short Stroke 750" has one less cylinder fin than either of my 850s, so the engine seems to be a short stroke.

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The short stroke 750 cylinder is just a standard 850 cylinder. It does not have fewer fins. The short stroke motor has longer rods to accommodate the shorter stroke, not a shorter barrel.

Ken

lcrken said:

The short stroke 750 cylinder is just a standard 850 cylinder. It does not have fewer fins. The short stroke motor has longer rods to accommodate the shorter stroke, not a shorter barrel.

Ken

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I'll look again. I blew up the Ebay pic and tried to count fins.