- Norton N15 750 twin N P11 750 twin P11 or 20 Jubilee 250 twin 17 All 650s 18 Naviator 350 twin 19 Atlas 750 twin 20 Early Commando 750 twin 20 MODEL IDENTIFICATION CODES Engine and Frame numbers are identical on all Norton motorcycles from 1946. All engine and frame numbers are prefixed by a letter and a number to identify the year of manufacture.
- I can check the original fuel tank, gear box and front girder serial numbers for you. With the exception of a few later parts (headlamp, handlebar levers, long gear indicator), this is a very original 1938 WD Norton.
- The first table has the general starting serial numbers and the two right-hand columns list the approximate 750 Commando engine build dates as listed in Mick Duckworth's Norton Commando book that is available from Andover Norton. Note that he lists very specific starting serial numbers that often do not match what others have published - who knows what is correct!
For information about a specific make or model of a motorcycle, the owner must have the frame (chassis) and engine numbers. Unfortunately, different manufacturers use different numbering systems and often place the numbers in odd places.
Later motorcycles (post-70s) typically have a stick-on decal or plate on the headstock. Besides detailing the bike's engine and frame number, the decal will show the makers, the model and year of manufacture. However, the model information can be confusing as machines offered for sale after September (in the United States) will technically be the following year's model.
For example, a motorcycle with a year model stated as 10/1982 on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) decal will actually be a 1983 model.
Matching Numbers
Early motorcycles generally had the same number for the engine and frame (often referred to as matching). However, occasionally an engine case (containing the original number) may have been replaced due to damage and will not, therefore, have a number stamped on it. Alternatively, the owner may have stamped the new case to match the frame number; a practice that may be frowned upon, but if photographed and logged properly, will not greatly affect the value. (This is a typical example of when it is imperative to save the old parts.)
Norton model identification with engine and frame numbers A simple guide to identifying the year of manufacture of a Norton from its engine and frame number. From 1945 to 1974 these should match, and up to 1960 should include a year letter code. There will also be a number code for the model and the serial number which ran from 10001 too. The photo of the alleged 1962 Norton 650 shows only the Shop Engine Number. It looks something like 1518 which would put it within the 1962 production range for this model. As Dave says the proper serial number should be stamped at the front left side of the crankcase next to the camshaft end. How to Decode Your Engine's Serial Number by Herman Cruz If you are looking to repair your vehicle's engine or simply want to find information and details about it, you can use the engine's serial number to find the necessary information.
Locating Numbers
Locating a frame number on an early machine, especially one that is dirty and in need of restoration (barn fresh for example), can be challenging. However, typically, the number will be found in one of the following locations:
Norton Engine Serial Numbers List
- Headstock (the most common location)
- Frame down tubes
- Lower frame rails (at the side)
- Stamped onto the plate that carries the swingarm pivot
- Under the gas tank on the frame's top tube
- Engine mounting plate (front or rear)
Engine numbers are generally stamped into aluminum cases. The location varies between manufacturers but will be located on the crankcases, just below the cylinder.
Help Through Clubs
Identifying a classic motorcycle from its frame and/or engine number is important for parts ordering or valuation purposes. Delorme serial emulator windows 10 download. Willing and able to help in this process are the many make specific clubs. In particular, the UK's Vintage Motorcycle Club Ltd. will undertake a search of any vintage motorcycle for a small fee (no charge if they cannot find the appropriate information).
Adobe photoshop elements free trial. Assuming the manufacturer is still in business, their websites are also a good source of information if the researcher is willing/able to spend time sifting through the various pages.
Finally, a word of caution: a classic motorcycle may be listed in a sale as a particular year and model but the prospective purchaser must research the engine and frame numbers to ensure they match the claimed model a model year error, for instance, can make a big difference to the value of a motorcycle.