CNW rear sprocket

I am a bit confused about this. CNW machines their rear sprocket to accept their x-ring chain. Why not the front sprocket. Can I not just buy their new x-ring chain and put it on new stock sprockets? Any help on this thanks

mcns said:

I am a bit confused about this. CNW machines their rear sprocket to accept their x-ring chain. Why not the front sprocket.

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The front sprocket is supplied in the 520 width size, so no machining is necessary,-unlike the Commando rear drum/sprocket that (presumably) is a standard Andover Norton part.

mcns said:

Can I not just buy their new x-ring chain and put it on new stock sprockets?

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No, in order to fit either an 'O' or 'X' ring chain to a Commando, the chain width must be reduced to 520 size (1/4" roller width) because O or X ring chains are wider than standard chain, so there isn't sufficient clearance to fit an O or X ring chain in the normal 50/530 3/8" roller width size.

Hi,

As mentioned, the rear sprocket is turned down to accept the narrower 520 chain and rather than turning down the front sprocket we supply a sprocket that is already made in the correct dimension.

For those that arent familiar with the conversion, the reason we have to use a 520 is that the o-ring or x-ring chains are wider than the standard chain. In other words just using a 530 o-ring or x-ring wont work since its to wide and may make contact with the transmission case, primary and chainguard. I do know of some people that have ran a 530 chain on their MKIII machines and even though it may clear it does get tight in certain areas and we feel that you are better off allowing a little more room for that chain to move around.

As far as strenght the 520 size is used by many modern superbikes and is plenty sufficient for our Commandos.

We also machine the rear sprocket to accept a sealed double row bearing as opposed to the original open version. This so you dont have to service your open bearing.

Matt

I fitted a 520 x'ring chain set up to my 71. Got the rear machined down to 1/4" and used a 1/4'' x 21 front from a Dommie. You still need to ensure that you got clearance from the Gbox shell since all Nortons are not created equal. :mrgreen:
JUG

Thanks for the info.

The reason being that my standard sprocket and chain are basically toast, and I noticed that if the chain was any wider I am pretty sure it will rub either on my inner primary or CNW chainguard.
So the way I am reading it nothing should change with the improved CNW set-up.(71 750)

Give Matt a call, its a great mod.
JUG

Matt,
I don't mean to hijack this thread (yes I do) but can I get the CNW 520 kit without the chain?, I like the bearing deal but I'm worried about the chain that you guys sell (I'm REAL jumpy about chains and Brit-bikes get RENOLD chain or they get pushed).

Unclviny

Vinny
I race & use 520 chain. Any Italian japanese etc chain. I have not used Renolds since? the old king died. The quality was better then!
Chris

Unclviny said:

Matt,
I don't mean to hijack this thread (yes I do) but can I get the CNW 520 kit without the chain?, I like the bearing deal but I'm worried about the chain that you guys sell (I'm REAL jumpy about chains and Brit-bikes get RENOLD chain or they get pushed).

Unclviny

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CNW isn't the only vendor to offer this conversion.

Vinny,

Just contact me at the shop and we'll talk about what you are looking for.

A note on the D.I.D chain we use. This is one of the highest quality chains on the market and we have used them on our bikes, and on all coversion kits, for the last 6 years without any issues. The x-ring version also produce 50% less friction and 50-100% longer wear life than standard o-ring chains. We used Regina and Tsubaki chains before the D.I.D's and even though we didnt have any problems with either one of those we felt that the D.I.D's was even better yet.

970-882-7163 or e-mail nortonworks@fone.net

Thanks

Matt

+1 on the 520 chaim conversion and also for the D I D chain. I got 24,000 miles on the last one :mrgreen:

It looks like I'm being dragged kicking and screaming into the (cue the spooky music) "future", a lot of the rules that I've lived by forever are going away.

The "old" rules:
1. If it has 2 wheels (and an engine) it gets Avon tires, if it has 4 wheels it gets Michelin tires.
Except that my Subaru is wearing a new set of Yokohama Geolandars (Michelin does not have off-road tires in the size I
needed for it), my BMW is getting whatever is available in 25" X 3" BUT the Commando and the TRW will be wearing Avons!.

2. Renold is the ONLY chain for British bikes.
Except that NO ONE has anything bad to say about D.I.D. and the X ring stuff sure sounds good.

If I decide to go with D.I.D. chain how do I get rid of my tin full of grease? (I can find another use for the hotplate).

Unclviny

Times change. Fortunately, for us, the Norton can now be made into a pretty respectable bike.