71 Commando with Disc Brake???

Hi,
i am looking at a commando which was first registered in 1972 but on the VIN Plate is says it was manufactured in Oktober 1971. She has an original Lockheed Disc Brake (750 Style with caliper on the right) on the front.

Am i right in thinking, that it has been "upgraded" and originally had a drum brake, or ist it possible that machines destined for america were produced with disc in late 1971, but weren't sold until 1972 ?

I think an October 71' manufacturing date would make it a 72. Might be a Combat...

thank goodness 750 Cdo's are so modular for mixing/matching but 6 gallon tank and R disc brake were introduced for '72 Combat black barrel only to set it apart though vendors might of put those on a '71 in that era or a later owner convertion as might be done with turn signals standard for '73's on.

Could be either a late production 1971 model year that has been upgraded or an early production 1972 model year. What are the numbers? Does the engine have the timed breather or the Combat-style breather? 1971 models had the funky sidestand that is held on with a circlip that falls off when you're riding. 1972 has the later style sidestand.

My first Commando was built Oct 71. VIN 201123. If your machine has a number 200xxx it is a 72 model. If 15xxxx it is 71 model. An easy indication is the crankcase changed between these years. 71 has the engine breather at the end of the camshaft on the drive side crankcase.

My 71 roadster has a right side disc front setup. Seems that some commando histories you find online say that disc came in for 71 others say 72. I trust you guys the most but have seen contradictory historical accounts regarding disc brake arrival. Not sure what month my bike was produced in but vin said its a 71.

65tiger said:

My 71 roadster has a right side disc front setup. Seems that some commando histories you find online say that disc came in for 71 others say 72. I trust you guys the most but have seen contradictory historical accounts regarding disc brake arrival. Not sure what month my bike was produced in but vin said its a 71.

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The disc front brake was supposed to have been a new feature introduced for 1972:

There's exceptions to every Norton rule of thumb w/o exception. I'd think someone would have to have some significant swing with Norton to even know to ask for a a disc on a '71 cam end breather. I only know the IS tank and new tech disc and black barrel were part of sale pitch for Combat features so highly unlikely any '71 came with a disc but still entirely possible. Is there a part number for a long HyRyder disc brake hose? As flashy and different as Norton made the HyRyder I'd think they'd put the disc on it too, but I don't know the mind of Norton management nor insider deals.

hobot said:

Is there a part number for a long HyRyder disc brake hose? As flashy and different as Norton made the HyRyder I'd think they'd put the disc on it too, but I don't know the mind of Norton management nor insider.

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There are several lengths of disc brake hose listed in the 850 parts manual. Probably the longest 063540 at 34" is the one for the hi rider. I know the 850 hi rider did come with a disc.

A 20M3S engine number Commando with a disc brake from the factory, where are the pictures ?

hobot said:

Is there a part number for a long HyRyder disc brake hose? As flashy and different as Norton made the HyRyder I'd think they'd put the disc on it too, but I don't know the mind of Norton management nor insider deals.

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Yes, there was a "Hi-Rider handlebar length" hose available, intended for use: "Where disc braked Commando models are equipped with alternative heights of handlebar....."

SERVICE RELEASE

No. N1/02

Alternative hydraulic hose lengths (disc brake)
1972 and later Commando with disc brake

Distributors only

It has been decided to make available alternative lengths of brake hose which can be ordered by
distributors and made available at their discretion. Below are listed all the available
hydraulic brake hoses with part numbers and lengths:
Alternatives : 063508 " 23in.
063507 "" 28in.
063541 "" 31in.
063540 "" 34in.
Where disc braked Commando models are equipped with alternative heights of handlebar, select the
most suitable hose length from the list above.

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Ok thanks for finding the longer brake hose number, though the description implies the long hose was for after first sale owner installed combos of disc brake with extra tall bars, that were never issued for sale together by Norton factory. I've pestered a few groups for most of 2 decades now but only this forum has the odd ball non Combat spec '71 disc brake models including Hi Rider that were never discussed or revealed on other groups nick pickings. Brian Slark might know but sure he's too busy to bother on such a few exceptions that might of been sneaked out of the factory before their time. Disc brake on any model is good upgrade to me over drum though some like the drum looks as proper and work well enough to enjoy their Commando like my buddy Wes who does admit to extra work ahead of time to slow when needed. What evidence is a picture unless its an oldie from Norton or sale sticker with options listed.

I'll be buying from a few ancient vendors again soon so will quiz them on this.

The longer range hoses were only to supply demand for higher handlebars in the USA.
The rest of the world preferred (European) lower bars, thats it.
I have a set of NOS Hi Rider Lucas switch blocks, they have extra long cable take off's.

1971 year model disc brake = fanciful thinking. :lol:

Back to watching the history of Comet crashes............

I recall my brother bought a new 1971 Long Range fastback in Australia and it was offered with an optional disc brake for $100. The cost of the bike was $1495. He opted for the drum brake as $100 was a lot in those days!

Time Warp said:

The longer range hoses were only to supply demand for higher handlebars in the USA.
The rest of the world preferred (European) lower bars, thats it.
I have a set of NOS Hi Rider Lucas switch blocks, they have extra long cable take off's.

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That would explain the extra cable that had to be wadded-up under that gas tank after the tall bars were replaced with "proper" non-USA bars on mine. The Norton should never be made-up like an American chopper wanna-be, nor should it.

Nathan