Date: Tue, 06 Aug 1996 21:07:28 -0700
From: Michael Hosafros
If it can't kill ya, It ain't a sport wrote:
> All the questions regarding serial numbers has made me curious
> about the transition of the standard 750 to the Combat model in 72.
> My Commando is supposedly a 71 with a serial of 146### and I always
> thought it was the last Commando before the introduction of the Combat.
> I thought the Combats started production with the disk brake but
I've
> never confirmed this. What's the definitive method of identifying
> the Combat engine. Does anyone have a serial number/year list online?
>
> Mark
Hi Mark,
To identify a Combat head, .070 (approx.) was milled off the head face
to bump up compression. The top of the head was stamped with the letter
`C`, but with the plate of the headsteady bolted atop this area that's
stamped, It's hard to spot. 750 Combat heads are 32mm. Through, from the
32mm. carb, 32mm. thru manifolds, 32mm. intake hole in the head itself.
I've found if you can slide a book of matches between the fins where the head and cylinders meet it's not a Combat.
Best of luck.
Mike
31.2 The Norton 'Scrambler' and other models.
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 1996 14:58:07 GMT+0100
From: Knut Sonsteby
Carl I. Johnson wrote 19 Sep 1996:
> Can anyone tell me what a Norton Scrambler is?? I have obviously
> heard of an Atlas, Commando, etc. but never a Scrambler. All the
ad
> says is "1975 Norton Scrambler 750".
I think the ad may contain a typing error.
1958--61 - Norton Nomad 500/600 scrambler, based on models 77/99
(single downtube frame). Potent but somewhat heavy I
believe. (There could be models made 1957 around...)
1964--65 - Norton Atlas Scrambler - first of the hybrids (Matchless
G12CS derived chassis, Atlas engine), actually more of a
enduro bike due to excessive weight (for a scrambles bike)
1966--68 - Norton N15CS - still hybrid scrambler, details only
differentiates it from the MX model. Still heavy.
1967--69 - Norton P11/P11A/P11A Ranger/Ranger - the only really
competitive scrambler due to favourable power/weight ratio
(actually more of a race bike than an enduro, although
marketed as such from 1968 P11A onwards).
Commando - unaware of a scrambler model. Someone is stretching the
term too far if they claim S/SS versions to be a scrambler.
Regards,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knut Sonsteby