1962 650ss Build

The Commando has that peg whereas Sean's bike just has a hole in the case as anchor, so the springs are different.
I wonder if the shafts are the same though? Also, when did Norton add the peg?
Its the other end that is giving trouble but there must have been a reason they added a bit of cost by adding the peg.

Glen
 
Looks like 62 on to the end of the Commandos all used the same KS shaft.
Early slimline FB used the spring like Sean's , late Slimline FB had the peg like the Commando.
So from all of that, I think the hole location in the shaft ought to be aligned the same as in the Hemmings video.
 
Looks like 62 on to the end of the Commandos all used the same KS shaft.
Early slimline FB used the spring like Sean's , late Slimline FB had the peg like the Commando.
So from all of that, I think the hole location in the shaft ought to be aligned the same as in the Hemmings video.
Agree about the switch over time line but I seem to remember that the hole in the kickstarter shaft is located differently. I know I've seen a discussion about this. Maybe on the NOC site.
 

"THIS KICKSTART SHAFT IS SUITABLE FOR COMMANDO, ATLAS AND DOMINATOR. THERE ARE 2 SPRING HOLES IN THE SHAFT. THE HOLE NEAREST THE SPLINED END IS FOR COMMANDO. THE HOLE FURTHEST AWAY FROM THE SPLINED END IS FOR DOMINATOR/ATLAS."

 
That sorts that!
So if the later type shaft (with one hole) is put in the earlier box, there could be a problem with the return spring function?

Glen
 
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So now all is revealed. Lol
But I think these are the aftermarket pattern shafts right? An earlier shaft would still just have one hole, no? Seeing as how the later shaft had yet to be invented.

Isn't this how they kill two birds with one stone?
 
But I think these are the aftermarket pattern shafts right? An earlier shaft would still just have one hole, no? Seeing as how the later shaft had yet to be invented.

However, your "1962" model's gearbox (NA1001 onwards) should have the later 040477 kickstart shaft, 040475 spring, and 040467 inner cover (with the spring peg) so the question is why doesn't it have the later inner cover unless it's not an actual '62 gearbox?
 
However, your "1962" model's gearbox (NA1001 onwards) should have the later 040477 kickstart shaft, 040475 spring, and 040467 inner cover (with the spring peg) so the question is why doesn't it have the later inner cover unless it's not an actual '62 gearbox?

thanks for this post. It really stopped me dead in my tracks, and I've been thinking about it for a full day. I don't know how many times this box has been rebuilt, or if there are mismatched parts, or whatever. I have a spare gearbox that I was saving for a future commando build.

Just tore the whole thing down tonight. It is unbelievably better quality inside than the one that came with the 650ss. Washing all the individual parts now, and will put new bearings in. Then will try to swap the box into the frame.

The other thought I had was just trying to use the inner cover with the box thats already in the bike.

IDK, I realize there's a lot of work to go yet with it, but I'm at least feeling more optimistic .
 
You might already know this- the 650ss mainshaft is different from the Commando mainshaft due to the different clutches.

Glen
 
You might already know this- the 650ss mainshaft is different from the Commando mainshaft due to the different clutches.

Glen
I had a funny feeling it wouldn't be that simple.

But could I mix and match the parts from the two different boxes? Like use the Earlier main shaft in the later box?
 
I believe so although I haven't tried this.
I recall reading that the only difference ( aside from spring, peg etc)
is in the length of the mainshaft on the clutch end. IIRC the Commando shaft is longer for the diaphragm clutch. It also has a circlip to locate the clutch whereas the Dominator has a shoulder.
Is your second gearbox definitely from a Commando?

Glen
 
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to my knowledge, yes, it is from a commando. and yes it does have the circlip.

I guess if anything I'm hoping that I can use some of the better looking gears, and the kickstart shaft/spring/innercase.

I'm fine to use the domi/650 main shaft, and even the case tbh. I'd very much like to not have to remove the box/and drive in new bearings. Let alone buy new bearings.
 
However, your "1962" model's gearbox (NA1001 onwards) should have the later 040477 kickstart shaft, 040475 spring, and 040467 inner cover (with the spring peg) so the question is why doesn't it have the later inner cover unless it's not an actual '62 gearbox?
FWIW I have a '62 Atlas with the early spring and kickstarter shaft.
 
to my knowledge, yes, it is from a commando. and yes it does have the circlip.

I guess if anything I'm hoping that I can use some of the better looking gears, and the kickstart shaft/spring/innercase.

I'm fine to use the domi/650 main shaft, and even the case tbh. I'd very much like to not have to remove the box/and drive in new bearings. Let alone buy new bearings.

In addition to the difference in mainshaft, the Commando clutch pushrod and actuator are different.
To fit the Commando case requires upper lug spacer 030023.
The Commando clutch cable entry in the outer cover is in a different position and unthreaded.
Changes were made to the 2nd., 3rd, and 4th. gear sets at various times during Commando production (not just changes in ratio) so should only be used in pairs.
 
FWIW I have a '62 Atlas with the early spring and kickstarter shaft.

Ok, as according to the '61-'62 parts list, the change occurred at gearbox NA1001 for "1962".

1962 650ss Build

The other parts, (K/s shaft, bush, spring etc.) similarly marked "1962".
 
Being a barn yard shade tree engineer educated at Whatsamatta U, I'd probably put that kick start shaft in a vise on the drill press and put another hole in it before throwing in the towel and trying to make Commando mismatched parts work. All you would need to know is how to clock the shaft in the vise to get the hole where it belongs in relationship to the stop. Drilling it might not be so easy though. You would need the right drills and a good drill press. Or find out how to clock the shaft and take it to a machinist.
 
Here’s a question, can anyone think of why a later inner case may not work in the earlier box?

If I used the mainshaft and gears from the old box, then the inner cover from the newer one?

Just to get the better kick shaft and spring tang.

I’m now thinking the larger issue is the locating hole being effed on the older inner case.
 
Nothing negative comes to mind. However, I have not done it. That late Atlas (Commando like) inner and Atlas outer case with short main shaft configuration is how mine came from the factory.

So I'm thinking it should work.

I thought the spring might have been coming out of the shaft hole, hence the drill press new hole bologna I brought up.
 
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