Mk3 Cradle Fitment (2016)

The gearbox cradle on my Mk2 850 has worn centre stand pivot holes and I don't feel I can obtain the parts to do the swing arm spindle modification so am considering purchasing a NEW Mk3 cradle for my Commando.

Questions: Will it fit to my frame without any problems?

I have purchased the Mick Hemmings vernier caliper conversion for my bike; will it fit in the new cradle?

Is Andover Norton the only people that produce the Mk3 Cradle?

Is the cradle made to exact specifications and quality as the original? Or does anyone have one they don't want in good condition?

All help appreciated.

Thanks

Don

You wouldn't necessarily want a Mk3 cradle as it has no slots for gearbox/primary chain adjustment, also the Mk3 primary case support stud is in a different location due to the (approx. 1" Dia.) hole required for the Mk3 gearchange cross-shaft where the pre-Mk3 support stud would be, and the lower engine mounting stud/bolt hole is bigger.

What you need is the AN 06-6972 cottered cradle now available for pre-Mk3 models.

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/16872

Thanks Les, that makes sense concerning the adjustability of the gearbox.

I did not know that cradle was available. Is it only available from AN?

Can my original swing arm fit this cradle with the oil wicks, etc? Would I use Mk2 or Mk3 swing arm bushes?

Thanks

Don

thunderbolt said:

I did not know that cradle was available. Is it only available from AN?

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Norvil also lists 066972.

066972 CRADLE - REAR ENGINE & GEARBOX MOUNTING PLATE - BARE - PRE ELECTRIC START - COTTER TYPE - W10

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RGM used to list it, and also an alloy version (066972A), however, I can't find either on their website now.

thunderbolt said:

Can my original swing arm fit this cradle with the oil wicks, etc?

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Yes.

thunderbolt said:

Would I use Mk2 or Mk3 swing arm bushes?

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As your Mk2 has the 'sealed' (felts and welch plugs) spindle assembly then you need the 'short' 1-1/4" 06-5230 'Mk3' bushes and 6.32" Mk3 spindle (so should be the same lengths as the bushes and spindle that you have?)

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-de ... mk3-short-
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-de ... 6-32-long-

Go on Andover Norton's web site and look at 06.6972. These are the MK3 style with the transmission slots. I asked about these a few months back. Haven't gotten the money together to buy one, they are pricy.

John in Texas

About 35 years ago I installed a mk III gearbox cradle and swingarm in my '73 850 and the only mod I recall was filing the adjustment slots. Of course I can't remember what I had for breakfast some days............

Reviving this thread so I can be clear about my intended use of 06.6972 "cottered cradle for pre-Mk3" in a late Mk2.

I understand if I use the cottered cradle for pre-Mk3, I will use all Mk3 fittings as well. That is, not just the Mk3 version spindle and bushes, but also the Mk3 pivot seal (06.5227), the welch plug (06.6623), and oil wick felt (06.5229)?

A better way to phrase is to ask if the later Mk2 (that did NOT use the swing arm rod assembly (06.0873)) is identical to the Mk3 excepting the spindle and bush?

Thank you and sorry for my confusion.

Jdub said:

I understand if I use the cottered cradle for pre-Mk3, I will use all Mk3 fittings as well. That is, not just the Mk3 version spindle and bushes, but also the Mk3 pivot seal (06.5227), the welch plug (06.6623), and oil wick felt (06.5229)?

Click to expand...

I don't think that is necessary if the latest pre-late Mk2 'long' (6.96") spindle is used as that has cotter flats as well as the central bolt hole.

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/15274/swing-arm-spindle-std-dia-6-96-long-
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/15271/swing-arm-pivot-bush-pre-mk3-long-

I think a pre-late Mk2 swingarm might have to be machined to take the outer felt wicks or the outer felts would have to be omitted as the 'sealed' pivot bushes and spindle were both reduced in length to accommodate the outer felts.

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/16353/swing-arm-spindle-850mk3-06-5053-6-32-long-
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/16491/swing-arm-bush-mk3-short-