Best value exhaust pipes

marshg246 said:
Wow! I never noticed that some 235xxx where 850s!


Also interesting is that I have 300xxx 850s with dates before the one you caught which in a way verifies your statement about 235xxx being built out of sequence.
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Yes, and the odd '235xxx' 850s appear to have been 850 Mk2/2As so were certainly out of sequence with the usual 850 3xxxxx series numbers.
 
YING said:
I have purchased 2 sets of Les Harris pipes for my 74 850 and both sets on the left side did not fit properly at all.Finally went to an Emgo set and right out of the box fit perfectly.Very satisfied
Mike
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We should get together. I have a nearly new set of unknown origin where the right side is kicked out too far. These have been hanging in the garage for about a decade or more. I tried them on once and said nope.
 
SEd27 said:
What is the consensus on the best source for the emgo pipes?
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Any respectable vendor can get them.Just make sure you specify Emgo. I had a bad experience with the Bonneville Shop but that could be a fluke.
Mike
 
www.classicbritishspares.com

Norton Commando 750 / 850 Exhaust Pipes - 1969-75 - Choose Exhaust Pipe Type

Keep your Norton Commando in top shape by purchasing and installing a new set of chrome plated exhaust pipes. We stock a few different types of pipes that will work with most Norton 750 and 850 models (including the MKIII) from approx 1968-1975. Choose from high quality and popular brands from...
www.classicbritishspares.com www.classicbritishspares.com
Listing them as a source. Bought some items from them. No issues.
No experience with the pipes.

Looks like Baxter's has them. Very good experience with Baxter's.
www.baxtercycle.com

06-3375 / 06-3376 – Set – Taiwan – EMGO

www.baxtercycle.com www.baxtercycle.com
 
Last edited:
MarcD said:
Planning to buy a pair of unbalanced roadster pipes for my ‘73 750.

I know this topic has been discussed, but variations in supply might make a current rehash worthwhile.

I’m in the US and considering the LE Harris pipes over Emgo; any opinions or other options?

Thanks
Marc in SF
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I had just purchased a set of LE Harris pipes for my Commando from the Bonneville shop. I had to send them back because once they heat it up, they started forming little spiderweb crazing throughout the heat area. The Bonneville Shop sent me another pair and they are doing the same thing. Apparently it’s an issue with chrome and restrictions in the UK. Go for the EMGO. I’ve had good luck with them in the past. I was told I could send the second pair back to the Bonneville shop, but it would be at my expense and I’m already losing money on this issue. Decided to keep the pipes until I buy another pair somewhere else. Good luck.
 
Emgo it is. I placed an order with CBS and paid a bit extra for quicker shipping; they left Lancaster Thursday afternoon and are passing through San Jose this morning…probably arrive in SF Monday. Will report back.

Interesting thread diversion about 235
serial numbers; some nice detective work there! My bike’s data plate reads 2/73 production date.

Thanks to all for your input. As with vintage guitars/amps and special interest cars, half the enjoyment is sharing the experience, and this forum certainly does that!
 
MarcD said:
Emgo it is. I placed an order with CBS and paid a bit extra for quicker shipping; they left Lancaster Thursday afternoon and are passing through San Jose this morning…probably arrive in SF Monday. Will report back.

Interesting thread diversion about 235
serial numbers; some nice detective work there! My bike’s data plate reads 2/73 production date.

Thanks to all for your input. As with vintage guitars/amps and special interest cars, half the enjoyment is sharing the experience, and this forum certainly does that!
Click to expand...
Why not send me all your bike info so I can post it?
 
MarcD said:
Emgo it is. I placed an order with CBS and paid a bit extra for quicker shipping; they left Lancaster Thursday afternoon and are passing through San Jose this morning…probably arrive in SF Monday. Will report back.

Interesting thread diversion about 235
serial numbers; some nice detective work there! My bike’s data plate reads 2/73 production date.

Thanks to all for your input. As with vintage guitars/amps and special interest cars, half the enjoyment is sharing the experience, and this forum certainly does that!
Click to expand...
Let us know about the kick start lever clearance to the right muffler. I have not come across any aftermarket pipes that are correctly bent to allow the 750 type kick lever to be used. Everyone has had to use the 850 MkIII lever.
 
ILLF8ED said:
Let us know about the kick start lever clearance to the right muffler. I have not come across any aftermarket pipes that are correctly bent to allow the 750 type kick lever to be used. Everyone has had to use the 850 MkIII lever.
Click to expand...
OEM pipes/mufflers hit just as bad!
 
I don't remember this being a problem back in the 70's on my 73 Mk1 850.
 
ILLF8ED said:
Let us know about the kick start lever clearance to the right muffler. I have not come across any aftermarket pipes that are correctly bent to allow the 750 type kick lever to be used. Everyone has had to use the 850 MkIII lever.
Click to expand...
Dave,
The Emgo pipes that I have installed clear both the side stand pivot and the stock kick arm. I was very pleased.
Mike
 
Just get a stepped mounting plate. Not only does it provide more clearance, it looks better (stepped plate on the left, stock on the right)

Best value exhaust pipes
 
ILLF8ED said:
There is definitely an opportunity for a supplier to make exhaust pipes that are to original spec.
Click to expand...
Agreed,

I have a set of original 1970 Roadster pipes which are a different bend to later types, and exit the head at a more tucked in angle.
No idea if they offer better kickstart clearance as they're parked awaiting re-chroming.
I believe the original Production Racer pipes were similar - but not the same numbers.
I had a conversation with a 'Leading Norton Parts Manufacturer' somewhere in Central England who listed various pipes under the correct part numbers, but admitted that whatever was ordered I'd just get a air of later type Roadster pipes...

This famous photo shows the early pipes.

 
Emgo pipes arrived Sunday Thank you, USPS!)

Beautiful chrome, smooth kink-free bends, solid and substantial flanges.

Left side fits perfectly, right side kicks out about an inch at the end when parallel with the left side.

Spoke with the vendor (easily reached by phone and very friendly); some discussion about possible fit variations due to isolastics, and offered either refund or exchange for another set, but no guarantee of better fit. An honorable response, and will continue to order from them on other items.

Given the idiosyncratic manufacturing nature if these machines, I’m inclined to accept that ‘adjustment’ is inevitable and will tweak as needed, hoping that the excellent chrome holds up to a little gradual persuasion. If I get it right, it looks like the kick start will clear.

Thanks again to all for the helpful posts!

Marc
 
MarcD said:
Emgo pipes arrived Sunday Thank you, USPS!)

Beautiful chrome, smooth kink-free bends, solid and substantial flanges.

Left side fits perfectly, right side kicks out about an inch at the end when parallel with the left side.

Spoke with the vendor (easily reached by phone and very friendly); some discussion about possible fit variations due to isolastics, and offered either refund or exchange for another set, but no guarantee of better fit. An honorable response, and will continue to order from them on other items.

Given the idiosyncratic manufacturing nature if these machines, I’m inclined to accept that ‘adjustment’ is inevitable and will tweak as needed, hoping that the excellent chrome holds up to a little gradual persuasion. If I get it right, it looks like the kick start will clear.

Thanks again to all for the helpful posts!

Marc
Click to expand...
Marc. Tighten the head nut while pushing the pipe in towards the frame with your foot. It will "tweak" it enough to clear the kicker. Or, before tightening the exhaust nut tie a tie-rap around the muffler end of pipe and the frame bottom loop. Then tighten the nut. The problem with tightening the right side is when you tighten the nut it twists the pipe out from the frame. The left side moves the pipe in towards the frame.
 
Norton said:
Marc. Tighten the head nut while pushing the pipe in towards the frame with your foot. It will "tweak" it enough to clear the kicker. Or, before tightening the exhaust nut tie a tie-rap around the muffler end of pipe and the frame bottom loop. Then tighten the nut. The problem with tightening the right side is when you tighten the nut it twists the pipe out from the frame. The left side moves the pipe in towards the frame.
Click to expand...
With my Steve Maney style pipe I had to use a small block of wood to act as a lever on the timing side to keep the orientation correct while initially tightening the exhaust rose.
 

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