Date of manufacture

Does the gearbox number match the engine?

My interest in the dates came about when the gearbox developed a leak from the primary end, after removing the clutch and inner primary I could move the sleeve gear bearing around in the gearbox case. Pulled the box apart and removed the casing for closer inspection and realised the casing needed either major repairs or replacement. That was when I looked at the gearbox numbers...
Casing turns out to have been from a mid 50s Norton!
I had always known that the mounting spacers were incorrect but it would align ok in the cradle. New casing from AN and now sweet as a nut.


So in response, no the gearbox numbers did not match!

Mark

Hi all, a mate of mine is looking at an 850 commando which has engine number 306426 & a frame number 850 F 126286. Its been imported from USA to the UK.
Anyone know if these numbers seem to originate from about the same date ?
I dont know if these Italian frames were fitted in numerical order along with the engines.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers Don

Don Tovey said:

Hi all, a mate of mine is looking at an 850 commando which has engine number 306426 & a frame number 850 F 126286. Its been imported from USA to the UK.
Anyone know if these numbers seem to originate from about the same date ?

Click to expand...

Engine number 306426 would be from around mid '73 (850 MkI). F126286 should make it an early 850 MkIII frame, so '75.

If it is an 850 MkIII frame, then it should be easy enough to identify it as such by the MkIII style asymmetrical shock mounting plates and hinged seat mounting. Also the MkIII frame part number 06-5632 would normally be stamped on the front face of the left hand fuel tank mounting bracket.

Thanks for the info L.A.B. about frame numbers.
My pal is most grateful. Looks like it was a bitsa.
Just taken my 750 for a spin with the Landsdowne slider liners & adjustable dampers now fitted.
At last, movement up & down & no topping out on the forks. MOT here I come.
Cheers Don

lol after reading this thread I come to learn my headlamp brackets ears are on the wrong side too... no wonder the shell and gauges are so close to each other. Another item for the winter maintenance list.