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Copper is the rod big end bearings wearing down usually. Bronze could definitely be the cage on the mains. If the mains went the grit they create probably would take the rod big end bearings with them eventually. I'm surprised that Norton engines don't start making a bunch of noise when that happens. Although it might be hard to tell given how much noise old British bikes make.I've driven cars and motorcycles a long way with shot bearings. But only to get back home and tear down the engines. They get really loud and the engine gets shaky and unbalanced at certain revs before making it back to the garage. Never had it happen it with my Norton even though I've taken my Norton engine apart and the rod big end bearings were not looking too good. Never lost a main or a Norton engine yet. Probably just jinxed myself.Take it apart. You might enjoy rebuilding it, if you never have.
Copper is the rod big end bearings wearing down usually. Bronze could definitely be the cage on the mains. If the mains went the grit they create probably would take the rod big end bearings with them eventually. I'm surprised that Norton engines don't start making a bunch of noise when that happens. Although it might be hard to tell given how much noise old British bikes make.
I've driven cars and motorcycles a long way with shot bearings. But only to get back home and tear down the engines. They get really loud and the engine gets shaky and unbalanced at certain revs before making it back to the garage. Never had it happen it with my Norton even though I've taken my Norton engine apart and the rod big end bearings were not looking too good. Never lost a main or a Norton engine yet. Probably just jinxed myself.
Take it apart. You might enjoy rebuilding it, if you never have.
