Disc Brake Conversion

montelatici · Sep 1, 2009

I have rebuilt the front and rear brake hydraulics and calipers too often over the past 30 years on my 75 Mark III. Besides that Colorado company that wants over $2,500 for the front and year conversion to Brembo, are there any less expensive conversions that include the calipers and hydraulics?

Jeandr · Sep 1, 2009

If you don't mind NOT being original, why not replace the whole front end with something from a Japanese bike? I am sure you could find a used front end with dual disks and wire wheels for much less than $2500. I have pictures a Norton with the front end of a GL1000, others with the front end of a Laverda or Ducati and many others. You get the benefit of a centered hub with those too.

Jean

ILLF8ED · Sep 1, 2009

more to the point, why are you having to rebuild "many times". I have 25,000 miles on my front caliper since rebuilding it in '98. I change the fluid every 5,000 miles and have not needed to replace the pads yet.

Ron L · Sep 2, 2009

Are you seeking to increase reliability or performance? As Ilf8ed stated, changing fluid regularly is maintenance needed for any hydraulic system. I have the original master on my '73 Roadster that does not leak nor has it ever needed rebuilding.

That being said, my Interstate and cafe racer both have Brembo calipers and rotors and a Magura master on one and a sleeved Norton on the other. They both have Brembo rear caliper and disc also. This was for improved performance, but still get fresh fluid every other year.

My argument against the complete Japanese front end is you need to be selective as to the donor to maintain the proper rake and trail or you can spoil the handling. If you get into custom made triple trees keep the proper geometry your costs go up considerably.

Ron L

montelatici · Sep 2, 2009

The probable reason the brakes require more rebuilds than normal is probably because they don't get used much and I don't have a lot of time for maintenance.

I maintain 3 vintage racebikes and race in the late spring, early autumn and summer so spare time in the winters are spent rebuilding engines and updating racebike chassis. I don't ride the Norton much and cannot dedicate a lot of maintenance time to the Norton. I am not looking for performance, I ride very slowly on the street (the street scares the crap out of me), I just want reliable brakes that don't need a lot of maintenance. Heck, a drum conversion might be the best thing.

I was actually looking for a bolt-on front and rear hydraulic disc brake affairs that someone has already thought through. Like the Colorado Norton Works front and rear systems which are too expensive to justify (~$2,200 for front and rear):

http://www.coloradonortonworks.com/catalog/brakes.asp

Thanks anyway

Fred

Mowog4 · Sep 2, 2009

Check out RGM Motors out of UK. He does a single big disk, new caliper and new M/C. Much less expensive than the other options.

79x100 · Sep 2, 2009

I'd agree with the RGM suggestion. Using a Grimeca caliper and an adapter plate is a much more cost-effective option but won't look like an up-market modern set up.

JimC · Sep 2, 2009

79x100 said:
I'd agree with the RGM suggestion. Using a Grimeca caliper and an adapter plate is a much more cost-effective option but won't look like an up-market modern set up.

Hang a 11mm master cylinder on that upgrade and you'll have a great stopper.

Nithburg · Sep 2, 2009

I use an aftermarket universal M/C (about $150) along with a used Nissin caliper off a CBR600 (about $75) mounted using an adapter kit made by Derek Wilson ($100-$150). With a stainless braided line it stops like a modern bike and retains the stock fork leg and rotor.
Not the best pic of my bike, but you can see what I mean...

Gary

daveh · Sep 2, 2009

I inherited an RGM 12 inch disc and Lockheed caliper on my Mark 1 850. With a 13 mm sleeved Norton master cylinder, it's an excellent stopper. Don't put a drum on the front, unless it's some big 4 leading shoe job, and even then, one of those is no match for a half decent disc. The RGM conversion is quite reasonably priced in comparison with other options, I think.

daveh · Sep 2, 2009

P.S. But, I should have said, Nithburg's conversion looks very neat and beats RGM on price!

Jeandr · Sep 2, 2009

A BIG drum is so sexy :mrgreen:

And the cost may be in line with an upgraded disk/MC/caliper and adapter.

Jean

montelatici · Sep 2, 2009

I guess my question is, where do I buy any of the suggested solutions?

swooshdave · Sep 2, 2009

montelatici said:
I guess my question is, where do I buy any of the suggested solutions?

Depends on where you are...

You can add your location to your profile. 8)

Jeandr · Sep 2, 2009

For BIG drums like a Grimeca 4LS, I have found these suppliers http://www.discovolantemoto.co.uk/brakes/cat_3.html and http://www.ajs-shop.co.uk/acatalog/230mm_Hub.html I have not ordered from these guys yet because I have a Suzuki 4LS front brake, but if it doesn't brake well, I will most likely get a Grimeca. If I had lots and lots of money, I would get a replica TZ 4LS front brake from Disco Volante http://www.discovolantemoto.co.uk/brake ... d_224.html but at 1200£ it is 3 times the cost of the Grimeca. Funny how 800£ buys only 30mm more in diameter and to think I almost bought a real TZ brake for $50 about 30 years ago :lol:

Jean

montelatici · Sep 3, 2009

"to think I almost bought a real TZ brake for $50 about 30 years ago"

You mean like the one on this bike? I guess I could take it off my TD-3 and put it on the Norton. Naw!

http://picasaweb.google.com/fmontelatic ... 8330912690

bigstu · Sep 4, 2009

You could spend 1000's of dollars on a CNW disc and caliper upgrade, or 100's on an RGM one. You could even spend a load of cash on a sexy big drum (that still won't work that well, but will look great) :roll:
Or you could do like JimC says, and buy a second hand 11mm dia master cylinder piston lever assy for five pounds, strap it on, and have a great front brake.
The choise is yours...

Reggie · Sep 5, 2009

I can't vouch for how good the conversions are that are listed below, but the information/products are from Andover Nortons website, and if you go to the page there are pictures of the conversions too.

Just thought it might be of interest.

Go to; http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/Accessories.htm and scroll over half way down the page.

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£190.00 + VAT

Norton 850Mk3 Disc Brake Upgrade Kit

As above, but specifically for the Mk3 models with the throttle twistgrip part of its different switchgear. To adapt our kit the design of a different adaptor plate (anodized black) proved necessary, which offsets the master cylinder towards the fork yoke and tilts the lever blade towards the rider. This now gives perfect position for the lever blade.

Part#13-1620

Price UK£199.80 + VAT

plj850 · Sep 7, 2009

Mowog4 said:
Check out RGM Motors out of UK. He does a single big disk, new caliper and new M/C. Much less expensive than the other options.

Good choice reasonable price and I fitted one a few years back no problems with it but then again my Commando is used every day...

montelatici · Sep 23, 2009

Just to close out this thread. After much research, telephone calls, forum answers etc. I decided to go with the Colorado Norton Works front and rear. Yes, expensive, but after discussing it with guy in Colorado (Matt?) I was convinced that these are well-engineered systems using the highest quality components (Brembo) and are complete with everything, e.g. steel lines, adapter plates, electrical switchgear, brake light switches, levers etc. Adding up the cost of the RGM or Andover components to make up a complete front system like the CNW one brings the price close to the CNW price. For the rear, it was no contest as neither RGM or Andover had engineered systems for the MK3 rear disc setup as far as I could tell.

Disc Brake Conversion

Similar threads