Interchangeable Parts

[Norcoastal]

So I’m getting my first Norton project and I’m going to have a lot of questions.

I bought a frame with matching engine cases and a title. I’m starting from scratch.

It’s a 1973 850

I have a lead on some parts and I need to know if I can use them on my 73

I can get a rear wheel and fender with a swing arm and tranny cradle and a tranny. These are all from a 1970 750.

Will they fit? Are they bolt on? Can I use all these parts on an 850?

Any thoughts will be appreciated

Thanks!

 

[comnoz]

Yeah, they would bolt on but, if I remember right, you will not have holes for a centerstand.
The 73 cradle had holes for the centerstand.
The 70 model would have had the centerstand mount on the frame.

 

[B+Bogus]

Less of an issue but still relevant if you want the bike 'correct'; the 850 swingarm is braced, 750 isn't. Will still fit though.

 

[Gilesy]

Check the supplier websites. Andover Norton site is particularly good. At least if the part numbers are the same for different years you will know they will work, however some parts with different numbers may work too, but its a start. Parts books are also a great resource. Good luck.

 

[baz]

The 750 has parrelell yokes the 850 has de raked yokes
What parts are you planning to use from the 1970 commando?
I'd ask here first before any purchase
As you are building from scratch there's a whole mirriiad of upgrades and opinions
Layshaft bearing,MK3 Isos ,head steady, brake upgrade,back brake return spring, come to mind and that's not getting into the engine!
Personally I really like the 750 engine and your 850 cases will take all of the 750 components as far as I'm aware (others will correct if I'm wrong) good luck with your project
Cheers

 

[mdt-son]

So I’m getting my first Norton project and I’m going to have a lot of questions.
I bought a frame with matching engine cases and a title. I’m starting from scratch.
It’s a 1973 850

If I were you I'd construct the bike as an 850 mk1 with subtle Mk3 upgrades like the cradle and front mount, the isos, the swinging arm, and the rear wheel. These parts are considered superior to the former versions, engineeringwise. You need to use 850 fork yokes to match your frame's geometry.

Using parts off a 1970 model means taking several steps backwards. Resurrecting a bike will not be cheap, but may become more costly if you make detours. Please also consider the final value of a bitza. I think you will be happier with the correct spec in the long run.

-Knut

 

[Norcoastal]

Great advice everyone

I assume the rear wheel and trans wouldn’t work either.

 

[marshg246]

So I’m getting my first Norton project and I’m going to have a lot of questions.

I bought a frame with matching engine cases and a title. I’m starting from scratch.

It’s a 1973 850

I'm about done rebuilding a 74 850 that started exactly where you are, see: https://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Norton_1974.aspx

If you're near VA, you might want to stop by - I have extra parts. If I had a cradle and swingarm, I could make a roller from them.

 

[Danno]

Great advice everyone

I assume the rear wheel and trans wouldn’t work either.

Rear wheels (drum brake) were pretty much interchangeable up to 1974. Although there are differences, complete assemblies should swap straight up. Swingarm will work, as will trans, but later parts are more robust.

 

[baz]

Rear wheels (drum brake) were pretty much interchangeable up to 1974. Although there are differences, complete assemblies should swap straight up. Swingarm will work, as will trans, but later parts are more robust.

Only the very early commando back wheel didn't have a cush drive

 

[Danno]

Only the very early commando back wheel didn't have a cush drive

Cush drive wheels are definitely preferable.

 

[Norcoastal]

I'm about done rebuilding a 74 850 that started exactly where you are, see: https://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Norton_1974.aspx

If you're near VA, you might want to stop by - I have extra parts. If I had a cradle and swingarm, I could make a roller from them.

Hi

What do you have? I have nothing. A bare frame and engine case. I’m looking for all parts.

I’ve been known to jump in the car to drive the pick up parts, so send me what you have. And how much you’re looking for them?

I appreciate you reaching out, could be a big help.

Thank you

 

[Norcoastal]

This is my first commando, so I have a lot to learn. I’ve had Triumphs, and I just finished a BSA 441.

I love British motorcycles, and I’m really excited about my new project.

I’m sure you’ll be getting a lot more questions out of me overtime. I always appreciate all the help I get from these forums.

The Britbike forum guys were great when I got into trouble.

Everyone is always so happy to help.

 

[Norcoastal]

I'm about done rebuilding a 74 850 that started exactly where you are, see: https://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/Norton/Norton_1974.aspx

If you're near VA, you might want to stop by - I have extra parts. If I had a cradle and swingarm, I could make a roller from them.

You did exactly what I'm beginning, although you have many more parts than I have. I just looked at your pictures because I'm at work, I'll read your entire build over the weekend.

I'm sure I'll be asking you many questions.

Is that a Triumph Tr25W in the background? I just sold mine.

 

[o0norton0o]

You really don't have a lot of parts so far. To start with just engine cases and an 850 frame (which is different from an early 750 frame) and be buying early 750 parts to use on it is crazy. At some point you'll need to know the differences in parts from one model year to the next to discern which "different" parts are compatible with your project. That kind of restoration method works better for those who are already norton experts and know about model differences. (I believe the '70 rear fender is also different than later models.. so even things that seem generic like a fender can be diffferent)

Buy yourself a complete bike in any state of disrepair for a fair price and go from there. You'll probably have 90% of the parts that will be usable or able to be refurbished. You'll find that to be challenging as hell without having to find every nut and bolt for every part of the bike. That's my unsolicited $.02 worth of advise.

Beyond that look in the norton rebuilds section here to get an idea of where you're going...

 

[Norcoastal]

You really don't have a lot of parts so far. To start with just engine cases and an 850 frame (which is different from an early 750 frame) and be buying early 750 parts to use on it is crazy. At some point you'll need to know the differences in parts from one model year to the next to discern which "different" parts are compatible with your project. That kind of restoration method works better for those who are already norton experts and know about model differences. (I believe the '70 rear fender is also different than later models.. so even things that seem generic like a fender can be diffferent)

Buy yourself a complete bike in any state of disrepair for a fair price and go from there. You'll probably have 90% of the parts that will be usable or able to be refurbished. You'll find that to be challenging as hell without having to find every nut and bolt for every part of the bike. That's my unsolicited $.02 worth of advise.

Beyond that look in the norton rebuilds section here to get an idea of where you're going...

I can appreciate that, but this is what I do. I find projects just like this and learn and search and slowly build. It doesn't matter that I'm not a Norton guy "yet", but I will be soon!

 

[baz]

I've built quite a few bikes from what you have IE frame and cases
I really enjoy it
I once built a pre unit triumph from a deal on 3 gearboxes that's literally all I had ,but those bikes are simple to build
Never worried about how much they cost or what they are worth at the end of it
For me it's the journey and getting to ride what I've built at the end of it
I would guess the cheapest way to get a commando or any old bike is to buy a restored one

 

[oldbeezer]

I’ve been known to jump in the car to drive the pick up parts

where abouts do you live?

 

[norton73]

Where are you located?

Many years ago I bought a couple bikes off a friend. Included was a 74 850 he had wrecked in the early 80s. Basically, it was a complete bike in boxes minus the wrecked parts, fork tubes, front rim, frame, body work.
I sold the motor to a friend and used some of the transmission parts. Most of the rest of it is still kicking around, I know I have the cradle, not sure of the swing arm.
I'd be willing to part with most of the parts, but not big on the hassle of boxing them up.

 

[ILLF8ED]

I can appreciate that, but this is what I do. I find projects just like this and learn and search and slowly build. It doesn't matter that I'm not a Norton guy "yet", but I will be soon!

Not trying to take the excitement out of it. The advise is good finding a nearly complete 850 will cost less overall. Merge the parts into one machine then sell off the extra stuff. If you intend to assemble this one then sell know that without the original gearbox with the same numbers as frame and engine this is not a matching numbers machine. Mixing different years parts is called a bitsa. Bitsa is valuable only to its owner.