Lay shaft bearing fears

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AMC-Norton modifications
AMC-Norton boxes, used on a wide variety of
models, sometimes suffer from layshaft bearing
wear. At one end of the layshaft is a ball bearing,
housed inside the shell. When this breaks up, the
layshaft flops about under load and rubs against the
adjacent output bearing; occasionally troubles ensue
in the kickstart mechanism when the bike is under
way.
Originally, Norton boxes had roller bearings in
this position, a much more satisfactory
arrangement. Due to a number of complaints,
Nortons eventually cottoned-on and recommended
replacement of the later ball races with roller
bearings of the old type.
If your AMC box is giving trouble, the re-
placement roller race is Norton part number
067710. A better (cheaper!) solution is to purchase it
from a bearing supplier. In this case the SKF
number is NJ203, or an equivalent FAG or R&M,
with a C3 (three dot) fit.


Page 116 The Vintage Motorcyclist Workshop

 
The brass cage Portuguese 6203 was a poor choice of bearing. Probably used because it was cheap (cheapest?).

Talking about Portuguese bearings, I just changed my clutch bearing in my 73 850 and lo and behold that was also Portuguese.
 
I recently went through a 72 Combat gear box.
It had Japanese NTN 6203 Layshaft bearing. Condition was fine.
I assumed this was a replacement at one time, but wondering,
Is it possible NV sourced Japanese bearings in 72 as original?
Replaced it with a roller BTW.
 
I used the roller bearing that Matt sells at CNW. Obviously it works or Matt wouldn't be using it in his bikes. Any comments on the preference for roller bearing being used there versus a ball bearing???
 
Is it possible NV sourced Japanese bearings in 72 as original?

I believe so (it was mentioned earlier).
https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/shims-on-the-kickstart-shaft.13661/#post-193488



Lay shaft bearing fears


Edit:
Japanese replacement? Probably not.
https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/2nd-layshaft-bearing-failure-please-advise.15184/
 
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I had the Portutese bearing with the brass cages removed from my '74 bike and replaced at about 23,000 miles.
It was in good condition, though it seems like it rolled a bit rough (clean). I'm set, awaiting the next sky_is_falling
issue. Do it!
 
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