Mystery tank

The log book is correct. 122 is the designation for a 500cc Model 88. The frame is from a 650 (designation 18) My 1965 SS has frame no 18SS 113XXX

regards

This bike is a bit of a mongrel, and nothing wrong with that. It can't have a 650 frame as they were not made in wideline so its not 62, unless its is a slimline 62 thats been remade to look like a wideline!, and yes this has been done before. But i think its a wideline that has been re-stamped with a slimline number ,don't think this is legal,but who cares?,unless its nicked!.The engine is an early 88 with an 88/650 ss head. Looks like a fun bike.

If it's anything like the one I have on a 1957 Dominator 99 are two tapped holes at the rear which look as though they are intended for rubber kneepads and two tapped holes at the front (different threads). Together they serve to mount the chrome side plates and Norton badge. As you say there are no knee grips available with the correct centres and everyone assures me that the original knee pads were stick on. You may find that the front screw holes have been filled and painted over on the tank you have.

It may well be that it is off a totally different model and therefore non of the above will apply.

Mel. Robert has it about right. The engine numbers state it is a 1955 500 Model 88, or at least the crankcases are. The frame is a Wideline, probably from 1957-on, otherwise that tank would not fit. The earlier ones had cutaways where the tank surrounds the headstock. Not all Wideline frames are the same; they evolved over the years. The frame has been re-stamped with a 1962 650 number; a bit dodgy, nothing you can do about it, except keep quiet... ahem..

I am sure Richard is correct about the tank, a 1957-on Wideline, when they went from stick-on knee pads to bolted on side panels c/w grips. The round badges screwed through the panel into threaded captive nuts in the tank, which in your case have been filled.

You could go for an earlier styling, by fitting stick-on knee pads and a Norton transfer, as per 1954 back.

Ian

Mel....can you post a photo of the side of the frame by the gearbox please? There is a hint of an open/lazy rear top loop suggesting a Manx style frame. I would agree that the tank is the version for the Norton Wideline with the front badge holes filed in.

I would also suggest that the front brake has some attention before an MoT is attempted.