Norton 880 long-term project

I was figuring you would be about to pass out after that. Just minor stuff and you'll be rideing her.

Yep, it's awfully close. Basically, all I can do for now is install the chain, and sort a proper throttle cable, then there's nothing but cosmetics and non-priority stuff until the bloody Right-foot-shift tranny parts get here.

What parts do you have to swap? I ask that because I might want to go left foot shiter on mine and that seems an easy way. I'm also thinking about a jackshaft.

Cookie,
Going from leftside to rightside on Mk3 is much easier than changing right to left on an early model. The Mk3 uses a cross-shaft ending in a gear inside the primary cover. The outer primary cover has a short shaft with a matching gear that meshes when you bolt it to the inner cover.

Now that sounds like all you need to do is use a set of Mk3 primary covers and your home free. Wrong! The Mk3 uses a different stud arrangement to bolt the inner primary to the engine. You would need to plug the existing holes in the crankcase and drill and tap new ones. I believe the boss on the Mk3 cases is larger also. In addition using Mk3 primary covers would prevent moving the transmission for chain adjustment. (However, you might be able to use the Mk3's hydraulic adjusters).

Now you would also need to use Mk3 foot pegs and convert the rear brake to disc, which means welding and grinding on the original swingarm or mounting a Mk3 arm, sprocket, wheel, etc.

Using some generic rearsets and mounting a small rear mastercylinder can make this somewhat simpler, but in no way will it be an easy swap.

Thanks Ron,

Especially with my engine in the featherbed that might be problematic. I might be better off doing my own. No real rush on this as my last part is supposed to hit town today, and once licensed that will be it for the summer on the Norton.
That sounds like about twice as much work as I thought it would be.

If you have a donor Mark III primary system, and access to a machine shop, and plenty of bulk stock materials, you can fab up everything you need, but it would involve some fiddling about.

Nothing worthwhile is ever easy....

The rear brake pedal is done, brake is now functioning, including brake light



I couldn't wait any longer for the right-foot-shift parts, borrowed the ones of the rolling project bike I just sold (just for the weekend). I've always loved the spaghetti bowl of the Norton rearset linkage-



It took a while to figure out that the timing was set wrong, as were the carbs; it now starts right up and runs pretty well, still need to figure out why my timing light is going flaky on me, I had it hooked up to my deep-cycle battery that's fully charged.

Anyway, I took the bike out on it's maiden voyage and JUST made it back in my driveway. I definitely need to adjust the rear shock & linkage to give the rear tire more clearance, and need the smaller battery, mounted upright to help with clearance issues.

The only oil leak i can see is very slight weepage from the primary cover that's installed with no gasket or sealer; I'm going to remedy that on Saturday while killing time.

Great,

Just a little sorting now. Do you think you need a heavier rear spring?

No, I need a heavier, and longer intermediate adjustable heim joint link for the rear shock linkage so that the lower arm of the pivot is farther from the tire at rest, and then might have to move the upper pivot point back an inch or so (more disassembly, welding, and re-assembly). For now, I'm going to add a link or two to the chain and scoot the rear tire back. i might also get a very small battery and just use the kickstarter so I can ride it this weekend instead of just working on it and showing it.

GP, looks great!!!!
Nice to see some color on those pipes.

grandpaul said:

The rear brake pedal is done, brake is now functioning, including brake light

I couldn't wait any longer for the right-foot-shift parts, borrowed the ones of the rolling project bike I just sold (just for the weekend). I've always loved the spaghetti bowl of the Norton rearset linkage-

Click to expand...

Those look like the CRA/Lemoto Rearsets. Do you like them? Build quality about the same as Dunstall?

The rearsets were purchased through Clubman, but I don't believe Frank makes these, not sure who makes them for his stock. I've received different looking sets all under the same model number over the years. They are typical good quality.

People were all over the bike the entire rallye weekend; you could see the quizzical look when they couldn't find the shocks and left-foot shifter under the e-start lump...

A little reward for all those hours you put in.

grandpaul said:

... you could see the quizzical look when they couldn't find the shocks and left-foot shifter under the e-start lump...

Click to expand...

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Looks great.

HUGE Thanx to Jean for making me this set of nifty FCR adapters for stock Norton manifolds!



I'll have 'em on in a week or so, after Kevin heads back to Iraq; meanwhile we're going to do some riding & water skiing.

Wow, I'm impressed!

Paul,

Wow! What a project. I just found this thread and plan to take some time devouring it. Just out of curiosity, what class are you going to race this in? That frame should cause a bit of a problem in most of the AHRMA classes. However, given the current state of ARHMA and AMA, you may fare better in WERA Vintage I suspect. I'm confident that I don't have to worry about you gridding up beside me in Classic 60's! If you do, I may as well just go back to the paddock!

As you know, I have a special fondness for Nortons. Besides my racebike that you helped me with at Barber's last year, I have a Commando that is my current passion. It's a bit of a special, but nothing like yours. I'm just using a Corbin gunfighter seat, a Fastback fender and a Triumph cast aluminum rear tail light. Other than that, she's pretty much a stock 750 Commando with a Combat engine (which a reallllllly like).

I know this is a Commando forum, but don't want to take the opportunity to thank you for the work on my Triumph bits. That bike is my favorite for an early morning bimble on the backroads (however rare they are down here in Florida). The Commando is my scrapping bike. She's roarty, snorty and a general nuisance to my neighbors.

Good luck with the Norton. If I can assist you in any way in the pits, don't hesitate to call on me. Unfortunately, the next race that I will attend will probably be Barber's. Cheers Paul.

Hey Steve.

The "racing" aspect of this bike has been binned, for several reasons (mostly lack of budget for ANY type of racing). The "Plan B" aspect of it is for it to be a log-term regular rider /touring bike that is "essentially" British.

Really sorry to hear that Paul. I'd love to see (and hear) another Norton on the track. Your timing may be good though given what's going on with AHRMA. They make it sound like all is well, but the grids will tell the tale. Personally, I've really enjoyed AHRMA and very much appreciate the people who work so hard so that we can play. I think the world of Cindy for that. She's been put in some tough spots but always soldiered on to make sure the races went on.

I hope the downturn in the economy doesn't affect you too badly. I wish you all the best.