A review of correspondence from NOC-L
Side panels and battery boxes on various Commando models are not all interchangeable
Roadster to Interstate conversion - what are the differences?
To complete the conversion of my Roadster to an Interstate, what parts between the side covers have to be exchanged, if any?
On my Interstate, the battery and carrier are the same as my Roadster. Both are Mk.lls. It seems that on the Mk.lll the right side is the same as earlier models. The left side attaches at a different point, and thus will not fit.
Dave Hatch (aef@icx.net) on NOC-L 15th. Apr 1997
Battery boxes & air cleaners
On the Mk.llls imported to North America, both Roadster and Interstate had the same huge oil bath air cleaner and, therefore, the traverse-mounted battery (the earlier style wouldn't fit with that air cleaner). All Mk.llls had a larger battery (for the 'electric start'), higher output (RM23) alternator and twin zeners. That battery tray could, in fact, hold the battery from a Honda Goldwing). The Canadian models also had an additional little bit of electronics tucked away in there, to keep the headlights on all the time (per our temporary legislation), but only after the motorcycle had started. The 1974 JPN also had the RM23 alternator and twin zeners, but that was for the twin 5" headlights. I thing the air cleaner and battery tray were the same as for the other pre-Mk.lll models.
John Kula (johnkula@islandnet.com) on NOC-L 15th. Apr 1997
No differences, except for Interpols
My parts book shows the same set up for all models, except the Interpol, which had a different battery and battery tray.
Eric Lamberts (ewl@med.unr.edu) on NOC-L 17th. Apr 1997
Mk.lll side covers are different
It's a fine point, but I know from personal experience (guess why) that the Mk.lll Interstate side covers are indeed different.... these are a few of the things to watch for:-
- 1. The lower front edges of both Mk.lll side covers are cut away to clear the curved intake horns of the airbox
- 2. There is no tool pocket in the Mk.lll left hand side cover (it has to clear the battery)
- 3. The left hand side cover has a tab with a rubber bung on its lower edge to locate behind the footrest "Z" plate
- 4. The left hand side cover has only one grommet/hole to catch a pin on the frame ... it's at the upper right
- 5. The Mk.lll left hand side cover is supposed to use a plastic Dzus fastener clipped to the airbox.
However, the plastic Dzus is a pathetically silly piece of kit, and so I'd recommend using the earlier style of bracket that curves under the tank to a metal Dzus on the frame
For my Mk.lll, I used a stock oil tank cover, but modified a Mk.lll left hand side cover by adding a tab to the bottom, removing the tool pocket , and cutting away enough to clear the airbox.
Greg Kricorissian (grkricor@ccs.carleton.ca) on NOC-L 17th. Apr 1997
Battery boxes & air cleaners
If you're willing to dispense with the huge oil-bath air cleaner, the Mk.ll battery tray fits in the Mk.lll so you can fit a larger battery.
A scan of the parts book indicates the following differences:-
| Roadster | Interstate | |
| Battery Cover (left hand side) | 06-6330 | 06-6329 |
| Oil Tank Cover (right hand side) | 06-3504 | 06-4136 |
John S. Morris (jsm@mediaone.net) on NOC-L 17th. Apr 1997
No tool pocket on the Mk.lll
The side cover on the Mk.lll does not have a tool pocket, perhaps to make room for the larger battery.
Jim Duncan (duncanj@mail.dnb.com) on NOC-L 17th. Apr 1997
