Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Norton bulletin board 1975 850 Commando Mk3 Headlight Wiring

After opening the headlight nacelle, I noticed a red wire with a small metal tab on the end with a hole in it. Obviously, this connects to something. I'm wondering if the tab with the hole in it came loose from the rivet on the bottom of the nacelle where the long metal strap is located.

Edit. I think the next is more valid.

Looks like a repair job but would normally be attached to the bottom of the shell by a rivet.


It is not a headlamp earth/ground as sometimes thought (Edit: and doesn't locate the headlamp rim) but is a ground connection (to red) for the front direction indicators/blinkers using a solderless brass sleeve bullet.

https://www.autoelectricalspares.co...terminal-solderless-type-x-10-2891-p.asp

GC
You may want to keep in mind the first 2000 (approx) 325-327000 are the early wiring system. Then the next version made upgrades to the WLA and adding Canadian running llight option are a few. They are not often mentioned.
New wiring manufactures don't seem to make this distinction known.
Currently, I have both versions at my shop. I documented the differences and are tucked away in my file cabinet.

If "early" then there should be at least some evidence of the (x3) additional fuse holders in GC's picture.

I saw no declaration of VIN or pure stock vs modified. With out a vin there is no need to continue or look farther!

I can now see where the tab was riveted on mine. In your photo, there are two holes on the bottom that are open. In your photo the ground tab is riveted in the middle between the two open holes. On mine, the tab was riveted to the hole on the left side of the bike and the other hole is open. There is no hole in the middle for a rivet like your photo shows. Unfortunately, my photo doesn't show the holes. Thanks for the feedback and photo.

Headlamp shells going back to the 1930s even have that grounding point / similar.
Which is well before the introduction of blinkers ... !

Those open hole(s) - at the base / lowest point- are for drainage ?

I think you are correct that they are drainage holes. I'm going to drill out the old rivet and re-attach the tab with either a pop-rivet or a stainless steel screw and nut.