Norvil vernier iso kit?

I'm considering buying the vernier iso upgrade kits from Norvil. They're attractively priced, even with shipping to the US, and they have one for the front that does not require milling the mount. Their kits apparently don't include the end caps, ptfe washers, and gaiters, but I have all those parts in good or new condition.

Can anyone comment on the quality of these parts or what Norvil is like to do business with? I vaguely recall some people reporting negative experiences but couldn't find the threads back when I searched. Their website says they do not accept tech questions via email so I guess if questions arise I have to make an international call to the UK which sounds like a real PITA.

I could just play it safe and buy from a domestic supplier who I know will stand behind their products and not give me a hard time. The kits available domestically are about double the cost though, even when shipping is factored in.

So, just wondering what to do...

Debby

Debbie

I have all three in my bike. The two bottom ones have given me a number of pleasuable years, with no adjustments, so far...bit difficult to fit in, but they have the look of the original isos and are well made. The head steady could be a bit better built, in that even if kept really tight, the center bolt can eventually loosen and make an egg shapped hole in the two side plates. But...all in all...much better than the original setup. These isos have essentually made my bike rideable again, and they are the first thing I would build in, if I ever got a commando with the original ones still in it. Only the head steady, would I, maybe try another type...but then again...maybe the new model has been improved, mine is a good seven years old. The other fellows can advise of this.

The thing with tech help. Les is the only one that will give advise...and he only takes calls at certain times and days...but...he knows his stuff and is straightforward with his advise. The shipping has been good, and the only time I had problems with the parts, was with the chromed slides for the Amals and Sue saw my points of reasoning and even refunded the cost of my shipping them back to be replaced. I somehow think RGM is cheaper on most parts and I deal more with them, but Norvil is honest and reputable...and there are just no other sources for some of the parts they offer...peace and ride safe!

norvil iso kit

Debby, you might give Stirling a go, they seem to have the cheapest price, although I can't vouch for their quality, as every time I try to order anything from them they seem to be out of stock at that moment.
I have used Fair Spares America and Old Britts with success.
I have also used Norvil, RGM and others in GB with success. Their prices used to be a great deal years ago, however the exchange rate now is not in our favor. It is still less expensive even with air freight and no VAT, however, it is worth the 20.00-30.00 extra, to eliminate the unknown factors in overseas transactions, to purchase from a North American source, to me.
There seems to be more than one type of kit on the market now, and at least one that doesn't require any modification to the front mount.
I purchased my last one from Old Britts a couple of weeks ago, to go into a Norvil PR replica, and paid 250.00 for it. I have the 2 piece factory tool to install it, but one really does not need it. Good luck.
jt

Debby,

Norvil are a well established professional company and I have bought spares from them myself (although not the parts in question) so I don't think you should have any problems with either themselves or their products.

Possibly their attitude towards customers could be a little better, (most times they have been fine when I have phoned them) but that is only my opinion.

As for not answering tech questions by email I would think that a genuine enquiry about a product that you were considering to buy from them wouldn't really fall into that category anyway?

Les Emery (the boss) used to have a 'technical hour' between 4-5pm UK time during weekdays when you could phone and ask him tech questions, but I'm not sure he does this now as I believe he has been trying to reduce his workload lately.

iso's

debbie
I have used trhe norvil drop in iso kits in a few bikes. it is a easy install. the stock old style gaitors will not fit if i remember right. the front is a little tight to get to the adjustment holes but still beats changing shims :evil: also the rubber is firmer in the norvil nount so the engine will need to rev higher before it smothes out. . on my bike I no longer have to EVER adjust the front mount as I have made a link rod to keep ALL side to side play out and will not go back to a mount that needs to be kept in adjustment. I have made a link rod headsteady with NO rubber parts to. I ride my bike very hard in the tenn mountains and have found it has helped with the handeling . the next project will be to put a link rod at the rear mount to eleminate the play at that place to tightin up the bike even more.

windy

debbie,I am currently using the stainless steel Iso. kit from Mick Hemmings, easy to fit , no mods. required, cost is 52 pounds sterling (approx. $91 US),Mick does not have a WEB site,he is a terrific fellow to talk with, responds to fax immediately, has an Ad. in Norton News, here is his Fax # 01604 631838.
good luck, ride safely. James.

update

I went ahead and purchased the Norvil kits. Picked them up from the post office yesterday. The package took about two weeks to get here.

Norvil customer service wasn't too impressive - no order acknowledgment except the automated website reply and I never did hear what the shipping was going to be (even when I asked them!) until I received the package. But the delivery time was reasonable and the parts look good. So I'd order from them again.

I had been using the Hemmings collars (actually just the front) before the teardown. That's a nice way to go if you don't want to do a full teardown and all the buffers etc are ok. In my case the rubbers were all worn out and the rear spacer tubes were thoroughly rusted. I had to beat the rear spindle out with a big Texas hammer. So all that stuff had to be replaced anyway.

The thing I don't like about the Hemmings collars is that tiny little grub screw you have to deal with when making adjustments. Kind of a pain. With "real" vernier isos you don't have that. Just loosen the spindle nut, turn the collar, tighten the nut. What could be simpler?

Debby