Getting old sucks

Status
Not open for further replies.
DogT said:
For me it's like every day is a new adventure (read issue), and not that pleasant. But I'm learning to live with it and stay away from the dr's (and booze) as much as possible. I've not seen dr's do that much other than give me pills to keep my heart rate down and blood pressure too, 125/70 is not bad at 77. I just haven't been on the bike for a couple years though. I just haven't got the balance and reflexes I feel I need.
Click to expand...

I would give serious consideration toa sidecar outfit.. they arefun and you cannot overbalance and topple over. If you can afford ,go for one of the new Morgans
 
With respect to light clutch pulls, I think I have the best that I have had in years this year. Started with the correct stack height, then added a Venhill cable, lubed with Fluid Film. I can't say enough good things about Fluid Film.

I am also running a late '80's GSXR 750 clutch lever, which is longer and a has more favorable lever ratio, plus if you break one they are super easy to find. It is about a 1.5 finger clutch, progressive yet very positive action, no slip, no drag.

The clutch pull feels easier with the engine running, or maybe it is just the excitement that I get every time I fire up the bike - LOL!!

Having a nice working clutch has transformed the riding experience for me, especially when combined with good handling and braking.
 
Enthusiasm at its finest..... You've gotten my day off to a positive beginning.
 
I couldn’t agree more, having a smooth clutch and throttle, and brakes with good feel does indeed absolutely transform the riding pleasure of a bike for me too.

Might be an age thing tho, cos I never gavestuff like that a second thought as an uncouth youth !!
 
Hydraulic clutch on commando is old as time.
In the 80's it was ?Greg Albaugh? from Tennessee. Into the 90's it was Dennis John Cavalier north of NYC (Mr. drouin supercharger).
Can't argue it is an easy pull but I'd be surprised if instead of mechanical advantage, like on the cable/mechanical system with the atlas arm, I'd bet the active hydraulic lever stroke length, while easier, is longer to create the adequate movement for the diaphragm.
But $489 ?
 
The hydraulic path has crossed my mind a few times over the years, but the cost of ownership just has not been justifiable as of yet. I am in the Great White North, so we are spending little dollars, and then the shipping, duty, tax....

I rode my buddy's Ducati Monster 1200R the other day (hydraulic clutch) and my Commando's left lever is not far off of his for ease of pull. And a $30 clutch cable plus a bit of good quality lube, that is something that is within the budget.

Maybe someday I will spring for the hydraulic solution... I did shell out for an Alton this year, which is something that I had poo-poo'ed in the past....
 
dynodave said:
Hydraulic clutch on commando is old as time.
In the 80's it was ?Greg Albaugh? from Tennessee. Into the 90's it was Dennis John Cavalier north of NYC (Mr. drouin supercharger).
Can't argue it is an easy pull but I'd be surprised if instead of mechanical advantage, like on the cable/mechanical system with the atlas arm, I'd bet the active hydraulic lever stroke length, while easier, is longer to create the adequate movement for the diaphragm.
But $489 ?
Click to expand...

Bill Albaugh. I'm still using one of his conversions that I bought in 1989.

Ken
 
The clutch mechanism inside the TTI box is much better than the one inside the Norton box.
 
dynodave said:
Hydraulic clutch on commando is old as time.
In the 80's it was ?Greg Albaugh? from Tennessee. Into the 90's it was Dennis John Cavalier north of NYC (Mr. drouin supercharger).
Can't argue it is an easy pull but I'd be surprised if instead of mechanical advantage, like on the cable/mechanical system with the atlas arm, I'd bet the active hydraulic lever stroke length, while easier, is longer to create the adequate movement for the diaphragm.
But $489 ?
Click to expand...

I knew Denis when I lived in New York. He tried his best to tempt me into supercharging my commando. The amount of bullshit he talked about supercharging a commando yet none of the commandos he had were supercharged was my clue to stay clear of that disaster waiting to happen. He had 3 drouins at the time for sale and offered to sell me one for $750. Thankfully I did not go down that road, and neither did he... I bet. I know he sold out is parts collection completely a while ago. He painted a bunch of stuff in the spray booth in my shop in the 90's. I haven't heard his name in a long time, since he's 3000 miles away and out of the norton parts business.
 
acotrel said:
The clutch mechanism inside the TTI box is much better than the one inside the Norton box.
Click to expand...

That’s coz it’s from a unit construction Triumph !

But it does work well. I had a hydraulic clutch on my Commando and fully intended to fit one with the TTI box too. It was a bit more involved than I realised so I decided to fit the cable as a temporary measure.

I’m glad I did. It’s a super sweet clutch action. No need for the hydraulic kit with a TTI.
 
I only use the clutch at the start of a race or when down-shifting to match the revs. On the up-shifts, I simply back the throttle off a bit to reduce the load and then press the change lever down.
 
After fitting new clutch plates from RGM a few years ago, my clutch became much lighter. All is still original, and I run ATF in both g/box and Primary. I don't have a heavy clutch, and I can select neutral when stationary. Maybe my clan moto helps [ Manu Forte ] . I am in my 70th orbit as well. I do carry with me spare cables everywhere I go. My spare clutch cable is laid beside the working one, just waiting for action. Throttle and rear brake cables, in a plastic bag, looped beside my battery.
Dereck
 
My clutch is the same as its always been since I brought my Norton new, its supper light and one finger operation if you want as who uses one finger when riding, I am still running the stock clutch plates that came with the bike, have never done the clutch height thing, my clutch cable runs straight with nice smooth bends or twist, a dab of grease on the nipple ends of the cable, ATF F in the primary and of course still running the stock lever, if your clutch is a hard pull then there is something not right.

Ashley
 
acotrel said:
I only use the clutch at the start of a race or when down-shifting to match the revs. On the up-shifts, I simply back the throttle off a bit to reduce the load and then press the change lever down.
Click to expand...
:)
 
Concur with Ashman...clutch on my Commando is as light as any of the clutches on my other bikes - easy two finger pull - including hydraulic on my R1200RS. Nothing special - regular gear oil in tranny, OEM cable, lubed occasionally the old fashioned way - oil dribbled though overnight with a plastic bag.

Based on my Commando from back in the day, which had a VERY stiff clutch from new, I believe that Norton paid no attention at the factory to the correct setup/lever pull, simply assembling the parts. Due to manufacturing/assembly tolerances, some clutch assemblies fell within proper setup specs and were easy to operate and some didn't/weren't. ;)
 
I agree with Mike. I wore out my left glove with the heavy clutch my 750 had in those early days. Didn't know any better then.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top