Andover Norton front Brake Upgrade

I just installed the Norton Front brake Upgrade from Andover Norton. It is handled and sold by Old Brits and was sent to me last week by Fred and Ella. It was a very easy install with no fitting or modification required. It makes the front brake totally different and totally effective. I can not say enough about this. Even with a rebuild, the old Norton Lockheed master cylinder was just pathetic. It would hold you at a stop light but it wouldn't stop you. It is no longer an issue.

Norton Disc Brake Upgrade Kit

Using a new master cylinder with carefully calibrated bore, this kit will stop your front wheel at any given speed using the standard production caliper- and gives you feedback, too!

The visually unobtrusive kit fits all pre-Mk3 disc brake models using the original Lucas switchgear. It consists of a new Grimeca master cylinder, a CNC-machined adaptor plate with threaded mounting hole for the original mirror, stainless steel brake hose, brake light switch and all fittings. Suits European and the US-type handlebars. Comes with instructions.

Part#13-1600

Price UK£220.00 + VAT

King,

It's all about size. The stock Norton master cylinder is way too big for the size caliper used.

Thanks Jim for your note. I am still using the Lockheed Caliper and Norton Disc. They seem fine to this application. I guess the old adage about bigger being better doesn't always apply.

kingdaddyo said:

I just installed the Norton Front brake Upgrade from Andover Norton. It is handled and sold by Old Brits and was sent to me last week by Fred and Ella. It was a very easy install with no fitting or modification required. It makes the front brake totally different and totally effective. I can not say enough about this. Even with a rebuild, the old Norton Lockheed master cylinder was just pathetic. It would hold you at a stop light but it wouldn't stop you. It is no longer an issue.

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Rebuilt to stock? Have you felt a sleeved one?

To back up what Swoosh says, RGM in the UK offer a re-sleeving service for £80, or £40 for the kit on its own if you have the inclination to do it yourself.

It looks totally stock and works well... the next hurdle is finding a good pad compound which will fit the standard caliper.
I've used EMGO, which was OK, and EBC which was good, but wore out fast. I've heard of folks machining different brands of pad to fit the caliper, and it's something I may try in future to keep the stock look throughout.

Alternatively...



Master cylinder ratio is adjustable from 16-19mm, so only really viable for twin disc setups. I believe a single-disc version was done, but scarce now.

the next hurdle is finding a good pad compound which will fit the standard caliper.
I've used EMGO, which was OK, and EBC which was good, but wore out fast.

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Brembo pads in mine. Old stock from Ebay a few years ago. They work well and wear rate is good also. That's with RGM 13mm conversion.

Rebuilt to stock? Have you felt a sleeved one?[/quote]


I have not tried a resleved stock master cylinder. It probably would have been ok but I guess it would depend who did the resleeving.

On a different note, I managed to get pulled over by the local police yesterday evening. A young officer about 30 years old walked up to me. I was puzzled as I was just loping along in second gear. I asked him what the problem was and he told me there was no problem, he just wanted to look at the bike. We talked for a few minutes and I pointed out that the Norton was older than he was. He then asked me "where are your glasses?" I told him they were at home along with my helmet and registration. He then suggested I go home and get them and to enjoy my riding.

i have this conversion on my mk3 now, amazing differance and now have 1 finger stopping, i have heard that back in the day there were good pads available that were used in the mini and mini cooper cars, may still be a lot of stock out there;