Your Norton as noisy?

Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Messages
171
I think I have a noisy clutch basket.
Real metallic kind of sound that is quite loud under load (when riding)

You guys?

[video]https://youtu.be/C1jS5mFMcsA[/video]
 
Hard to tell on the vid, but sounds like the normal characteristic of the bike. They are a bit mechanical sounding.
 
Best way to see if anything going on in there is drain primary oil and check for any metal chunks ,shavings. if its clean then replace with 1.2 litre of new oil.

My clutch basket came loose last year , i had chunks in the oil ,Rocker came and collected the bike from my house and clutch was replaced under Warranty.

cheers
Paul
 
Thanks gents.

Will check the oil.
The fact that seems to be getting slightly noisier makes me suspicious.

Thanks again.
 
Hello,

open the primary case and check the clutch-basket.
try to turn clock and anti clockwise.
If you can move it, change the basket.
I had this several times.

Panetone
 
The BALANCE GEAR SPRING is one of the biggest causes if engine noise. Order one from Norton, grab the ONE07 balance tension tool and gear jam from CNW and read my manual on how to propery set tension.

We have replaced enough of them to know they were almost always over tensioned on bikes pre-2015.

Then the next culprit is timing chain tension. But do note 961's do have a machanical noise to them.
 
Cool.

When I disengage the clutch (lever in) while riding and maintain revs it doesn't sound as bad (less metallic/mechanical) hence why I think it could be clutch basket related.


Am all for looking at that balance gear spring as well.
Early 2015 model in Oz so engine could have been put together well before then I guess.
 
I agree with Richard about the tension spring.

I just replaced a clutch basket and I really think they are good or bad and you would know right away. You also could have one of those shoulder bolts that hold the ring gear coming loose?

I would drain as other say and see what you have. It is very easy to take the cover off, just be careful not to tear the gasket. They are heavy duty to say the least. My Japanese gaskets are half the thickness?

Good luck! Let us know what you figure out.
 
Hi,

Ha ENT got to the tension spring but noticed engine is a lot more nosier when quite warm (oil getting to hesads? thinner?)

Oil level is spot on but I suspect more crank sound not clutch basket because of above.

What do you guys reckon?
 
Hi Just to throw my minimal experience into the ring. My Mk11 was/is noisy, annoyingly so, but was told this is the norm. I grew used to it. However I did have the issue of fluctuating revs at just over tick over. Norton took the bike and remapped it (new mapping) not only did it cure the Fluctuating revs but it smoothed out the harsh mechanical engine noise. Its still evident but no where near as bad.
To me the bike always seemed to be running too far advanced. Or as if it required a higher octane fuel, it had that sort of feel and sound. But since the remap she runs not only quieter but much smoother. Just as thought.
 
Its balance spring tension or timing chain tension or both. But if it developed over time then not balance spring more likely timing chain tension. And if it developed over night and you havent inspected clutch basket ring gear I wouldnt even ride anymore until you do. All these things you can check on your own. I have manuals for all of the engine and we have tools from CNW to make it easy.

Hope this helps.
 
Good and interesting points gents.
Here's the symptom check list.

1. Starts easily
2. Idles great - very quiet while engine still cool
3. Warm up over a short ride
4. Gets noisy.
5. If it's hotter (ambient) gets noisier again

New clutch basket recently.

But it is true fuelling is not perfect t as hunts on parts throttle between idle and 2k.
So I will look at that plus timing separately.

Would can chain tensioner issue get noisier due to warmer/thinner oil over a longer ride? Sounds plausible.
 
Check the Valve lifter adjustment . There are new specs , check Richards manual . I seem to remember 2 and 1/4 turns ? Initially the workshop manual stated 1 turn , now it is 2 and 1/4 turns in from just touching . As the oil heats up it gets thinner , what is the year ? I hope that Simon Marshall can tell us what is currently the recommended valve clearance spec on the 961 ..
 
Thanks Tony.
It's a 2015.

Will check clearances.
Doesn't sound 'tappety' (well there is that but I can hear that one even in video) but sounds quite lower in pitch.

I know they are noisy but we all have our own thresholds I guess.
 
my money is on the balance spring. We've corrected enough of them to know. By the way; if the balance spring was missing or broken the engine is not in danger. The spring is to reduce engine noise. Sole purpose.
 
Hello Richard , That's good to know. Then a check of oil pressure might be in order. It is non-invasive , Just remove oil pressure sending unit and screw in a pressure gauge ? Start the motor and check cold and warm . Check the results with the manual. Thanks for your reply. Tony
 
Richard,

The balance spring that you refer to, is this the backlash spring in the balancer shaft gear?
 
Good idea Tony.

Yes. Thats the spring I'm talking about. We have a tool for setting that at CNW. You will just need to get a new spring as once its over stretched, it no longer works.
 
OK
I'm gonna do it.

- check oil pressure
- check spring
- set timing chain tension


Thanks gents.
 
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