My '74 MK11A, a few pics

Gents,
I finally got around to setting up a photobucket account etc...
So (hopefully) here's some pics of my '74 Roadster that I bought recently and am currently playing with the engine of. Its story is that it was rebuilt around 10 years ago and has done approx 2000 miles since. It has circa 20,000 miles on the clock, has a low number of owners and is a UK bike. I strongly suspect, given the overall condition of fthings, that the mileage is genuine.
This is the bike I have discussed on here regarding fitting JS cams and followers, high comp pistons, and twin JS carbs over the winter. Given that it had a single carb, and only 7.6:1 CR when I last rode it, I can't wait to try it out when done!
Cosmetics aren't going to change much, but it now has Koni dail-a-ride shocks and a big RGM floating disc. I was going to paint it in JPS colours, but that will have to wait a while as I've got my hands full with the engine currently!











Hope the pics come out, and they're of interest.

Rgds,

Nigel :roll:

Mmnnm looks familiar

Think it looks pretty c o o l in Blue .

They original 70s roadrunners on it ?

trident sam said:

Mmnnm looks familiar

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And so it should Sam!
As you can see, we're getting along fine. Although I'm having to do more engine work than I'd initially anticipated, I'm not concerned, as its all in the 'improvement' rather than 'fixing' category.
Can't wait til it's back on the road as it should be a blast... ideal for a spot of Trident hunting....

Matt Spencer said:

Think it looks pretty c o o l in Blue .

They original 70s roadrunners on it ?

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Is got Avon Roadriders on now Matt!

Looks good Eddie/Nigel. Let me know how the Trident hunting goes.
I have a friend with a modified BSA Rocket 3, claims it will eat a Commando. At this point, I am not above adding a few tricks to the Commando internals in order to prevent such a catastrophe!

Glen

Whats wrong with blue, its been a good luck colour for my Norton, anyways it looks great and good luck with chasing the Trident down, shouldn't have to much troubles.

Ashley

ashman said:

Whats wrong with blue, its been a good luck colour for my Norton, anyways it looks great and good luck with chasing the Trident down, shouldn't have to much troubles.

Ashley

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To answer your question Ashley... there is nothing wrong with blue!

I do like it, and it is a good quality paint job (hence it will remain blue for the foreseeable future at least).

My 'problem' is that I've always liked the JPS colours, this used to be ultra rare, but is gaining in popularity it seems.

Another reason to stick with the blue then!

BTW, mine is apparently an off the shelf Ford colour.

Maybe chase up another tank and side covers, paint them the JPS colours, then you could have 2 bikes with the one, when I brought my 74 Norton new there was only 2 left in Brisbane of this model, one was at a bike shop with the JPS colour and the other at another shop that was Black with gold pinstrips, both were $1,999 on the road, I ended up with the black one.

Looks like it has some good bits and peices on your Norton, enjoy your bike.

Ashley

With the other post talking about modifications, it prompted me to share a couple more pics with you guys, showing the recently fitted Avon Roadriders, RGM front disc and Koni rear shocks...

Fast Eddie said:

RGM front disc

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I assume that it was your choice to orient the front brake in the drive side. Please share your thought process in this regard.

Other then having to reverse the direction of the tire on the rim, what other changes will be needed. I have worked hard getting the offset just right and the alignment as perfect as I could. These are my concerns but if the wheel is centered between the tubes, then a simple fippity do da out of the triple tree should be all it takes. Is there a braking performance increase?

I do like the look of the fender brace on the bottom rather than the top.

Having the Lansdown dampers, is it better having it on the compression side rather than the rebound side or am I over think this as usual?
I have RGM system also, you will like it a lot.

Hi Pete,
I can't help you much I'm afraid. This is how the bike was built by the POs PO! My understanding is that it is purely cosmetic, as it keeps the lower stay which looks more 'right'. The wheel is central though, I did check that!
The bike had the Grimeca caliper and RGM bracket, but a standard disc when I got it. Plus it has a Triumph master cylinder. When I got it still had the Grimeca pads, and the MC barrel was screwed in too far, thus, the brake was awful. I adjusted the MC correctly and fitted EBC HH pads and WOW, brake was transformed! I haven't ridden it with the new disc yet, but that should make it better still.
Re the Lansdowne internals, I would suggest that it does not really matter which way around they are installed, however, when I get around to fitting them to mine, I will be sure to fit the compression damping side to the disc side. Just cos it 'seems' correct that way!
Rgds,
Nigel.

Thanks Nigel, I do like the look. I will be changing my seals in the forks and I may play with this idea. I would say I might be able to get rid of the extension tube from the old brake setup and connect it direct as yours is, for the length looks shorter.

Maybe someone will tells why it won't work well or visa versa. Then we can tell them to go bugger off.

I do believe there is a safety reason Norton oriented the brake on the left for the MK III. The bearing lock ring will tighten instead of loosen or something to this effect. Maybe someone can expound on this.