1975 Norton Commando 850 Mk 3 E Start Cush Drive

sreid

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Dec 13, 2022
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HI Guys,

I've got a 1975 850 commando Mk 3 Electric Start that I am restoring and I am having all sorts of fun and games in trying to assemble the cush drive. My bike came in bits and I had to buy most of the cush drive parts including new rubbers. My issue is that although being the proper replacement rubber parts they just don't fit easily. I understand its a tight fit with the rubbers but there's got to be a trick to it ! and I thought some of you guys might know a good method I can try and use to get it all assembled ?

Cheers

Steve
 
It's supposed to fit tightly because it's new rubbers after all . You want that . Use a lubricant like red rubber grease on the paddles . Press the wheel hard to the left when lined up to fitting . Strap down hard the bike itself to counter act the strong left push / wiggle to accomplish this .
Left side assembly should be nipped up snug . Get violent . The hardest part is the weight of the wheel . A friend / victim can help . Enjoy .
 
Torontonian said:
It's supposed to fit tightly because it's new rubbers after all . You want that . Use a lubricant like red rubber grease on the paddles . Press the wheel hard to the left when lined up to fitting . Strap down hard the bike itself to counter act the strong left push / wiggle to accomplish this .
Left side assembly should be nipped up snug . Get violent . The hardest part is the weight of the wheel . A friend / victim can help . Enjoy .
Click to expand...
They seem to be instructions for fitting a pre-Mk3 cush drive wheel (to the drum sprocket).
 
L.A.B. said:
They seem to be instructions for fitting a pre-Mk3 cush drive wheel (to the drum sprocket).
Click to expand...
I have 2 MK111 bikes . A 70 and 72 were both sold after many years of fun.
MK111 now on , changed out to a new rear tire 2 months back . I drive a lot . Wheel went in and out easily on the left side . The hard part is fitting and lining up the spacers and brake support on the right side and then inserting the axle . Ask for help to lift wheel , etc . Yes , my help could well be applied to Pre- MK 111 's too . Off to Nipigon next summer season and back , for trout fishing solo . 2,600 Kms. return as I plan it . Love fishing on my Norty , alone . CAA Plus for rescue or my list of contacts in Ont. .. Never ever used it . Enjoy .
 
Torontonian said:
The hard part is fitting and lining up the spacers and brake support on the right side and then inserting the axle . Ask for help to lift wheel , etc .
Click to expand...

However, the OP's question was about assembling the Mk3 cush drive, not fitting the wheel. Even so, there would be no need to apply red rubber grease to the Mk3 sprocket paddles as they engage with the alloy drive centre slots not the rubbers, also no need for "getting violent, strapping the bike down or assistance" to refit the Mk3 wheel assembly in my opinion.

1975 Norton Commando 850 Mk 3 E Start Cush Drive

Torontonian said:
Yes , my help could well be applied to Pre- MK 111 's too .
Click to expand...

I can't honestly see how any of it could be applied where assembling the Mk3 cush drive is concerned.
 
Is there 1 rubber missing in the photo, at 3-o'clock?

I don't recall how I got mine in. I seem to remember a block of wood and a rubber mallet :(.
 
My usual technique is to use a few tool makers clamps. Assemble the hub and fit all the larger rubbers, then using the tool makers clamps engage the jaws of the clamps in the drive slots and the relevant void in the hub. tighten the clamps to squeeze the drive plate so it compresses the fitted rubbers. You will have to go around the clamps progressively tightening them to get enough space to slide the small rubbers in. A bit fiddly but it works. When removing the clamps you also have to slacken them progressively.
 
L.A.B. said:
However, the OP's question was about assembling the Mk3 cush drive, not fitting the wheel. Even so, there would be no need to apply red rubber grease to the Mk3 sprocket paddles as they engage with the alloy drive centre slots not the rubbers, also no need for "getting violent, strapping the bike down or assistance" to refit the Mk3 wheel assembly in my opinion.

1975 Norton Commando 850 Mk 3 E Start Cush Drive



I can't honestly see how any of it could be applied where assembling the Mk3 cush drive is concerned.
Click to expand...
Yes , I slipped into pre-75 thinking mode after being interrupted and returning to the computer . Sorry about confusion . Enjoy .
 
Thanks for the info guys and Marcelx appreciate finding that video, that really hit the spot. I knew there was some method to that cush madness. That's great. I'm off to find myself a victim to help.

Cheers

Steve
 
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