Upper Fork bushing extensions

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jseng1

jseng1

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Norton top and bottom fork bushings are spaced too close to each other and that close proximity creates binding and friction. When I was racing I made some extensions to space the bushings further apart (using sythetic bushings). The extra spacing along with the slippery sythetics made for a much smoother ride that kept my tires planted on the pavement for better traction and steeper lean angles (no more chatter). Here is one of the first extended bushing collars from the 80s.

Upper Fork bushing extensions


Here's the lower teflon bushing setup I was using in the 1980s
Upper Fork bushing extensions
 
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Ron Williams at Maxton Engineering told me a long time ago, that even with better internals, Roadholders still have one big problem, in that the sliders are too short. I was always suprised that he never addressed this given the number of Norton forks his company must have modified.

Martyn.
 
Matchless
Here's some other solution's people have tried for extending the bushings. (these are FB images so they may not last). If anyone's done this - please PM me.
Upper Fork bushing extensions

Upper Fork bushing extensions
 
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jseng1 said:
Norton top and bottom fork bushings are spaced too close to each other and that close proximity creates binding and friction. When I was racing I made some extensions to space the bushings further apart (using sythetic bushings). The extra spacing along with the slippery sythetics made for a much smoother ride that kept my tires planted on the pavement for better traction and steeper lean angles (no more chatter). Here is one of the first extended bushing collars from the 80s.

Upper Fork bushing extensions


Here's the lower teflon bushing setup I was using in the 1980s
Upper Fork bushing extensions
Click to expand...
Hi Jim. This is a picture I think I got from you, showing your monoshock bike with those extensions. It has to be back in the '80s somewhere.

Upper Fork bushing extensions


Ken
 
The forks on my 750 Commando were modified by Maxton years ago, & are so much nicer than standard that I doubt that longer sliders would make any difference for fast road use. Racing might be another matter. I think the Delrin bushes used are a huge improvement.
 
coloradonortonworks.net

Fork Bushing / Seal Extension

Direct replacement for your upper bushing, seal and seal retainer Smoother fork action throughout its range Made from 6061 billet aluminum Low friction bushing material Modern dual lip seal Extends the lower fork leg and therefore making it more rigid Weighs 248 grams. Same weight as the stock...
coloradonortonworks.net coloradonortonworks.net
 
MichaelB said:
coloradonortonworks.net

Fork Bushing / Seal Extension

Direct replacement for your upper bushing, seal and seal retainer Smoother fork action throughout its range Made from 6061 billet aluminum Low friction bushing material Modern dual lip seal Extends the lower fork leg and therefore making it more rigid Weighs 248 grams. Same weight as the stock...
coloradonortonworks.net coloradonortonworks.net
Click to expand...
Dunno why I haven’t noticed this before ?!
Thanks.
 
It depends if the load on the threads is acceptable and that load increases with the length of the extension. A 1" or so extension should be fine. But I'm not sure about racing strain with the long units as in the photos below.
Upper Fork bushing extensions

Upper Fork bushing extensions
 
gortnipper said:
Ask Matt when they came out when you order. I never saw them on his site before.
Click to expand...
Too late, order is in.

Actually I think I have seen them there before, just never ‘registered’ them.

But I have some movement in my forks I’m struggling to remove / resolve and think this might be part of the answer.
 
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