Belt drive questions (2006)

If the RGM drive is the same as Hayward then the belt is ok to run in oil or ATF. This gets rid of the need to ventilate the case to cool the alternator & would keep various bearings/sprag clutches lubricated. ~I must have thi only clutch that has worked great from day one with original bronze plates. It did need the plates cleaning every 3000 miles or so as it would slip under power, until I cut radial grooves in all the bronze plates about 1/2 inch apart, to disperse the oil off the surfaces quicker. I have not needed to touch the clutch since.
 
I just talked with the owner of British/Italian MCs on this subject. He has owned and ridden Commandos since they first came out and was a mechanic for British Motorcycles in Vancouver. He later bought British Motorcycles and now operates it as British/Italian. They have a good stock of Norton parts and he is extremely knowledgable on the Commando. He tells me that belt drives work well and are a good upgrade on old Triumphs as they have a very weak primary, and fast wearing sprockets. He says the stock primary on the Norton is very strong, the chains and sprockets are extremely long wearing. He also said that the Norton clutch is over engineered and can handle over 100 HP when properly setup.
He pointed out that the Atlas had essentially the same engine running thru a single row primary whereas the Commando was beefed up to a triplex, and seems more than up to the job. He wasn't sure how well the sprag would live without lube, but wondered why one would want to go this route.
He said he will sell me a belt drive if I really want one though.
Not really a hard sell kind of guy, which is nice.
Thanks for that complement, I closed the shop, retired and moved to Vancouver Island in 2019. I am now doing repairs/restorations/parts for select customers on a part time basis. At first I thought maybe I wouldn't get much work but I have had to put off some work because my customers keep finding me. I still cannot figure why people would want to go to belt drive on a Commando. I have never seen a primary chain break and the clutch is the best in the business. I usually tell people to spend their money on something that will make it better like electronic ignition, Hagon shocks, electric start kit, new carbs or a new set of tires. Basically, "If it works well, don't fix it." Charlie Waggett
 
Charlie, you are thanking Worntorn for a compliment he made in 2007, 15 years ago. This is confusing.
 
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Happy to get a thank you any old time, instantly or after 15 years, no matter.
I did install a belt drive on the 920 as that is a lightweight bike and the weight savings was just too much to pass up.
The clutch is still Commando type but with lightened parts.


Glen
 
The standard clutch may well be bulletproof but it is a weighty old thing. I have never had a problem with overheating the alternator with a belt and you are free of the primary oil leaks that may appear.
 
The weight saving, both in terms of gross weight, and reciprocating weight are huge. Actually, for the money involved it’s a tremendous saving.

If those things aren’t a priority to you then don’t buy. But if they are, it’s a bloody good value mod.
 
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The weight saving, both in terms of gross weight, and reciprocating weight are huge. Actually, for the money involved it’s a tremendous saving.

If those things aren’t a priority to you then don’t buy. But if they are, it’s a bloody good value mod.
I trust you meant "rotating". What is the (static) weight difference?
 
Thanks for that complement, I closed the shop, retired and moved to Vancouver Island in 2019. I am now doing repairs/restorations/parts for select customers on a part time basis. At first I thought maybe I wouldn't get much work but I have had to put off some work because my customers keep finding me. I still cannot figure why people would want to go to belt drive on a Commando. I have never seen a primary chain break and the clutch is the best in the business. I usually tell people to spend their money on something that will make it better like electronic ignition, Hagon shocks, electric start kit, new carbs or a new set of tires. Basically, "If it works well, don't fix it." Charlie Waggett
Nope there's nothing wrong with the original primary chain drive
But a belt drive is better quieter and above all lighter giving the gearbox an easier life
Hagon shocks better than original girlings? Hmmmm
 
If you use the stock commando clutch in the belt drive the weight savings isn't huge, but still worthwhile. Iirc the belt drive pulleys and belt are about 5 lbs lighter than the stock chain setup.
If you change to an alloy clutch centre, alloy pressure plate and friction plates, the difference is quite great. Of course those clutch changes can also be done with a chain drive.
The lightest of all has to be a Newby with his clutch.
I think the Commando clutch is just a little bit nicer in use, although the Newby doesn't present any problems.

Glen
 
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