Rocker feed hardware

Does anyone know if the banjos and banjo bolts for a '73 Commando are available as separate pieces in either stock form or in stainless? I'm not crazy about the piggyback banjo arraignment that just about everyone offers. The closest I've come is a kit from Fair Spares that uses their own chromed double pipe banjo. Still expensive.
Thanks,
Dennis

Check with Rocky Point Cycle--Old Brits---someone will have them---just keep checking all the vendors----their out there.

If you're going to do that you might want to consider going to braided lines.

swooshdave said:

If you're going to do that you might want to consider going to braided lines.

Click to expand...

I was planning to use s/s lines. I think I can probably do it a lot cheaper than the pre-made kits that are available.
Dennis

Another possibility---cross drill your rocker spindles---only run your feed line to the right hand single banjo.
The oil will flow through the rocker spindles to the left side---then if so desired---run an oil pressure take off from the left side banjo to an oil pressure gauge. Just be sure to have a shut-off valve on the left hand feed in case your oil line to the gauge is damaged----oil is under pressure and will pump out quickly.
There is info on doing this---have to do some searching---have done several bikes this way and no adverse problems.

Goodrich sells a Y that is like the stock fitting on the right side but made for SS braided lines. I've been meaning to look it up and buy one myself but $ is to tight for such things.

Try a car shop and ask for Lockheed brake ware.

you ONLY need to drill the 2 on the INTAKE side. the trouble is to drill them as they are EXTREAMLY hard .

303 fmj said:

Another possibility---cross drill your rocker spindles---only run your feed line to the right hand single banjo.
The oil will flow through the rocker spindles to the left side-

Click to expand...

303 fmj said:

Another possibility---cross drill your rocker spindles---only run your feed line to the right hand single banjo.
The oil will flow through the rocker spindles to the left side---then if so desired---run an oil pressure take off from the left side banjo to an oil pressure gauge. Just be sure to have a shut-off valve on the left hand feed in case your oil line to the gauge is damaged----oil is under pressure and will pump out quickly.
There is info on doing this---have to do some searching---have done several bikes this way and no adverse problems.

Click to expand...

It may not be 'adverse', unless the oil guage feed breaks, but it does seem like a lot of effort for very little benefit, apart from aesthetics!

What exactly do you think the oil pressure guage will tell you that you need to know? The pressure shown will be top end pressure, not crank journal pressure, and after the restrictions of the top end as well, so what are you really measuring?

And say for example you notice the pressure drops when the oil is hot, you knew that would happen right? And surely we all know that at high RPM with hot oil the 'oil pressure' may run toward zero anyway as the oil flow centrifuges out of the crank....

SteveA said:

303 fmj said:

Another possibility---cross drill your rocker spindles---only run your feed line to the right hand single banjo.
The oil will flow through the rocker spindles to the left side---then if so desired---run an oil pressure take off from the left side banjo to an oil pressure gauge. Just be sure to have a shut-off valve on the left hand feed in case your oil line to the gauge is damaged----oil is under pressure and will pump out quickly.
There is info on doing this---have to do some searching---have done several bikes this way and no adverse problems.

Click to expand...

It may not be 'adverse', unless the oil guage feed breaks, but it does seem like a lot of effort for very little benefit, apart from aesthetics!

What exactly do you think the oil pressure guage will tell you that you need to know? The pressure shown will be top end pressure, not crank journal pressure, and after the restrictions of the top end as well, so what are you really measuring?

And say for example you notice the pressure drops when the oil is hot, you knew that would happen right? And surely we all know that at high RPM with hot oil the 'oil pressure' may run toward zero anyway as the oil flow centrifuges out of the crank....

Click to expand...

Since no Norton that I am aware of came equipped with an oil pressure gauge---something is better than nothing. The gauge at least gives hint that there is some pressure existing in the system--better than just riding along and then POP.
Unless you are in a racing event---I don't believe many bikes are driven at high RPM's for very long sustained periods of time---ocasional bursts yes but unless your pockets are stuffed to overflowing--your investment in the ride will to an extent determine how you care for it. An oil pressure gauge, may or may not be the kings gonads but it helps to give some feedback as to what may or may not be happening inside.
Yes, the pressure does drop when the oil gets hot---mine usually from 45--50psi to 35--40 at 3000--4000 rpm. At idle around 30--35 at 900--1000 rpm. If you like to set your idle speed to 500--600 rpm then of course it could show 0--to 10 or so. This is why I like a higher idle of 900--1000 rpm.
I've never had a problem yet. Good quality gauge and fittings--not Auto Zone / Walmart crapola.---- I was not the first person to do this mod---many others before me have done this- going back many many years--so I hope I'm in good company.

With all the improved parts people have developed over the years it amazes me that an improved oil pump hasen't ever been brought to market.
Perhaps others on line can chime in here to add or detract from this mod.

I thought I recall several people saying that the lack of oil isn't a problem. Hence there's no need for an "improved" pump.

Gauges can tell a lot.
One benefit is not so much the actual value it shows but how the value behaves over a longer period of time, say what is shows using the bike at same outdoor temp this season and next season. You get a feeling for that.
Friend of mine last year bought a 750, history unclear. He decided to put a gauge on. Pressure was less than 1.5 bar cold at say 2500rpm, stayed there, no further increase at higher revs. Took the timimg cover off, found a crack in the rubber on the pump outlet. Also did the pump up, some slack there. Testing, pressure now 2 bar, but no more. He was distressed, thought he had to take the motor apart. Then we put some small spacers behind the spring of the relief valve. Pressure now something like 3,5 bar. Friend is smiles all over. Will never ever remove that gauge off his bike.

I have a few of these NOS from an old dealer stock I got hold of: banjos, line and bolts. Might have a little bit of shelf wear and crud so I would flush it out with kerosene before I bolted it on. Plastic line is still very pliable and bendy, not hard at all, stored in a cellar not a hot garage.

If you are in the continental USA send me a M.O. for $40 and I will Priority it to you.

SNIP
303 fmj sez

" Since no Norton that I am aware of came equipped with an oil pressure gauge---something is better than nothing. "
SNIP

1949-1952 Model 7 the grandfather of norton twins came with oil pressure guage :mrgreen:
Now you all know ....

dave
1951 M7
!952 M7

swooshdave said:

I thought I recall several people saying that the lack of oil isn't a problem. Hence there's no need for an "improved" pump.

Click to expand...

lack of oil isn't a problem IF YOU HAVE A GOOD PUMP

dynodave said:

SNIP
303 fmj sez

" Since no Norton that I am aware of came equipped with an oil pressure gauge---something is better than nothing. "
SNIP

1949-1952 Model 7 the grandfather of norton twins came with oil pressure guage :mrgreen:
Now you all know ....

dave
1951 M7
!952 M7

Click to expand...

Thanks for that info Dave----I guess I should have added "Commando" after Norton.