Norton logbook

[Ratty543]

I’m not a biker at all, but hope someone will be able to help; my late brother had owned an 850 Commando for 25+years and I currently have the bike in my possession ( or rather I have a huge pile of bits that used to be a Commando! ). One of the problems is we’ve no logbook and have no idea of the registration number ( there’s no number plate and it isn’t visible on the few photos we have of my brother riding the bike ).

He moved house a few times whilst he owned the bike and I don’t know if he ever bothered to update the DVLA ( though probably not, he wasn’t the most organised person ).

I presume there’s an engine and frame number somewhere, but does anyone know if this is searchable with the DVLA?

And a second question, never having owned a bike, is a basket case Commando a realistic restoration proposition for me ( very experienced in classic car restoration and kit car builds )?

Thanks

[spanner10]

I don't think the numbers are searchable. Even without a V5, with the owners club help you stand a reasonable chance of retaining the registration number, but first you need to know what it is. In the absence of old tax discs, or anyone else having a photo with the registration plate,you would need to get it registered . Used to be easy, no doubt less so now - try a classic bike forum for help.

Its a brave first restoration but sure it can be done .First put it together as is so you can see all the vital/rare/expensive pieces that have disappeared , and remove the ' foreign' parts that always seem to be present. This makes it much easier to sell if you change your mind . . .

Dont underestimate the cost of parts, chroming. wheel building, engine and box renovation, paint, not to mention useful mods. An elderly friend had one brand new and said the build quality was very poor and it was 50/50 on any day that it would all work - Lucas Prince of Darkness electrics being a particular point

Good luck

[Ratty543]

Thanks for that; I’d intended to ‘loosely’ reassemble first to see what’s missing and no doubt there’ll be plenty of ‘foreign’ parts knocking around as he owned every Brit bike going at one time or another! I remember it was never very reliable after he first put it back together and was always a real pig to start ( high compression version of the engine he always said, but I’m not sure, he was never short of a tale ).

[spanner10]

The engine started life as a 500 , then 600 i think , 650 , 750 and finally 828. The early version, Dominator , was smooth and durable . Each 'improvement' in search of power tended to reduce both of these attributes! The hump top high compression pistons are probably best avoided today

British motorcycle engine development seemed to be start with something good and make it bigger and bigger til it vibrated enough to snap metal and blow bulbs , and be a PITA to start. The Japanese largely just designed a new larger engine that worked ( apart from cams made of cheese running straight in the alloy head on occasions)

Edited by spanner10 on Tuesday 16th February 20:08

[Ratty543]

I was really shocked by the weight of the engine and gearbox assembly; I tried to lift it off the floor and onto my workbench a while back and gave up before I did myself a mischief; by comparison I had no problem lifting a complete air cooled beetle engine recently so I’ve definitely not lost all my strength over the years! My eldest brother had a GSX750 at the time the middle brother had a succession of Brit stuff; the GSX never gave any trouble, it just worked every day as a commuter whilst I can’t recall the other brother ever having clean jeans or fingernails - they were constantly covered in oil ( probably not very good for you, but no-one bothered at the time ).

[crofty1984]

Call the DVLA. When you finally fight through the menus and talk to a human I've found them to be helpful.

[Fundoreen]

Good luck with this .Currently trying to convince my brother to re-assemble his pile of bits and he has also long since forgotten where the paperwork is. At least all the engine and frame numbers are there but it must be a bit galling to attempt to register something thats already registered to you from some time in the early 80s.

[bimsb6]

There are people on facebook groups who can find the reg from the frame number , a friendly mot tester may be able to do the same .

Edited by bimsb6 on Wednesday 17th February 21:59

[GadgeS3C]

The Norton Owners Club have some of the factory records. Andover Norton have most of the later 850 factory records. I don't know if either can trace engine/frame numbers to a registration number but they are worth a try.

Andover Norton are effectively the Norton factory for Commando parts. They own the rights and produce a huge amount of spares. RGM and Norvil also provide lots of parts. Spares availability for the Commando is superb and probably better than any other bike, new or old. You can get most parts from stock in a day or two. Prices are pretty reasonable too.

There is also plenty of helpful online groups. I'd recommend you join the Access Norton forum. Most problems, common or not , are already covered there. You'll get quick answers to any questions.

Norman White, one of the factory gurus has recently published the Norman White Restoration Manual which is worth reading before you start.

A Commando will always need much more TLC than any Japanese bike but a well prepped one is a wonderful thing. Not quick by modern standards but plenty of character. Compared to most British bikes the isolastics let you enjoy the rev range without losing fillings. I'm obviously biased but I wouldn't swap mine for anything.

Feel free to PM me with questions.

Edited by GadgeS3C on Thursday 18th February 16:09

[GadgeS3C]

I meant to include, with the skills from classic cars and kit cars you'll be experienced in dealing with similar challenges to the ones you'll have on a Commando. There are certain assembly processes that only work in a certain order. It looks like there's lots of room but there isn't! For example, the bike is built round the horn. I'm not kidding

You'll also already have the tools to deal with every thread form known to man being used on the Commando. There are a few special tools needed but they're easy to buy or make.

If you're not bothered about original, there are lots of parts available in stainless. Sometimes cheaper than painted or chromed and won't need painting again.

[Ratty543]

Thanks to all for the advice, I feel more positive about the project already.