Interstate side covers

My Mark IIA Interstate was built in June 1974 and it is equipped with fiberglass side panels. The oil tank cover has a cutout in the front so that it will clear the plastic air filter. I am wondering if the Mark II also used the same oil tank cover or did they continue using the earlier type without the oil filter cutout?

The Dzus stud that is supplied by Norton is too short for fiberglass side cover, but I am sure it is fine for the steel side covers. It's kind of weird that the Norton supplement sheets don't show 2 different Dzus studs - one for fiberglass and the other for steel. I was able to cut the stud tabs so that it would work with the fiberglass side cover.

With the fiberglass oil tank cover as thick as it is, the oil tank cover interferes with the oil tank at the top rear corner. This forces the side cover to rub on the frame tube and messes up the paint on both side cover and frame. Using a body hammer, I was able to reshape the top rear corner so that now the side cover does not interfere with the oil tank and the frame tube. The steel oil tank is really malleable and easy to reshape with just gentle tapping. Maybe steel side covers have an interference problem as well, so I thought I would pass this on. Here is a picture of my oil tank:





Peter Firkins

PeterJoe said:

The oil tank cover has a cutout in the front so that it will clear the plastic air filter. I am wondering if the Mark II also used the same oil tank cover or did they continue using the earlier type without the oil filter cutout?

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According to the 850 Mk1 parts list, Mk1A and Mk2/2A supplements:
The Mk1 and Mk2 Interstate steel oil tank cover was part 063506.
The Mk1A and Mk2A Interstate steel oil tank cover was 064136.
The same colour codes for both; /9 (Black), /14 (Blue) & /15 (Red).

The 850 Mk3 Interstate oil tank cover is also "06-4136" (-090, -150, & -170 Silver).

robs ss said:

So,,, why do some LH steel side covers have that rectangular depression in the lower rear corner? Mine does but I note @johnm doesn't.

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Rob,
I just looked at the ones I got and don’t see any depression in the lower left corner.They fit nicely on both sides and I don’t know what to look at as far as the cut out for the larger air box on the right side.They both match the fiberglass I have been using.
Mike

YING said:

They fit nicely on both sides and I don’t know what to look at as far as the cut out for the larger air box on the right side.

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Left and right-hand Interstate 'A' (and Mk3) covers would be cut back in the area below to clear the A/Mk3 airbox intakes.

Thanks Les.Mine do not have that
Mike

L.A.B. said:

Left and right-hand Interstate 'A' (and Mk3) covers would be cut back in the area below to clear the A/Mk3 airbox intakes.

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Les
I note that AN don't show any of that fastening detail for any of the models.
Nor do they show the bracket that clamps to the frame to accept the dzu for the top front of that side cover. They show do the Mk3 one that is screwed to the airbox.
It seems these things are being lost in the mists of time.

Here is the front, upper bracket I was talking about above - I believe it to be genuine Norton - no?
It does not appear in either RGM or AN's lists (that I can see anyway)

robs ss said:

I note that AN don't show any of that fastening detail for any of the models.
Nor do they show the bracket that clamps to the frame to accept the dzu for the top front of that side cover.

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Yes, well that's AN for you.

robs ss said:

They show do the Mk3 one that is screwed to the airbox.

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The bracket that screws to the plastic airbox is Mk1A and Mk2A.

The different Mk3 bracket is riveted to the airbox.
Now available as a separate part:

robs ss said:

Here is the front, upper bracket I was talking about above - I believe it to be genuine Norton - no?

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No.

The Mk3 accessory cover attachment is different to the 'A' (and non-A) models.
850 Mk3 Dzus bracket: