Andover Norton shocks

[chasbmw]

Andover Norton just got into stock some shocks for Commandos at a very keen price of around £75 for the pair.

will these fit my 1969 Bonnie? In other words what is the centre to center length of a Commando rear shock?

many thanks

charles

 

[Fast Eddie]

Wherever you buy them from Chad, buy good ’uns.

There are nice looking Far Eastern made Girling look-alikes on the market for Triumphs now, and they’d be poor value for money even if they were free...

 

[EstuaryBoy]

12.9" I believe (though Mk3 manual says 13)
(NJB offer good 'budget' shocks)

 

[kommando]

NJB are ran by an ex Girling guy who has made improvements. The Asian Girling copies are made down to a price.

 

[marshg246]

BTW, Genuine Girling = Wassell. I've found them to be of good quality, they have universal bushing kits, adjustable length, and most importantly for a Norton, no interference with the chain guard. There is no indication of where they are made on the box. They are very different from the Girling-type I bought from Wassell a couple of years ago.

I wonder if NJB makes them for Wassell?

 

[EstuaryBoy]

Not familiar with the Wassell shocks, but NJB have five positions as per the Andover offerings.
Looking at the latest 'Source' newsletter, did wonder if NJB are supplying Andover

 

[olympus]

NJB are ran by an ex Girling guy who has made improvements. The Asian Girling copies are made down to a price.

Can only speak as i find, they may not be the most expensive or race orientated S/A but they have adequate damping, rebound & spring rating for my solo & two up use

 

[cliffa]

BTW, Genuine Girling = Wassell. I've found them to be of good quality, they have universal bushing kits, adjustable length, and most importantly for a Norton, no interference with the chain guard. There is no indication of where they are made on the box. They are very different from the Girling-type I bought from Wassell a couple of years ago.

I wonder if NJB makes them for Wassell?

I wondered that too.

I also wondered if he is supplying AN.

 

[peter12]

I bought Andover Norton shocks, seem fine for normal riding.

 

[Stephen Hill]

I always thought the Commando shock was longer than the Triumph shock. Yet most suppliers list them both at 12.9". Are we getting "shorted"?

 

[batrider]

It is 12.9". I have the NJBs and had to space out the left bottom mount slightly (1/8") to avoid interference from the chainguard when the shock spring is at maximum length.

 

[L.A.B.]

I always thought the Commando shock was longer than the Triumph shock. Yet most suppliers list them both at 12.9". Are we getting "shorted"?

That depends on which "Triumph" model and year it is.

 

[concours]

The EMGO shocks I bought from my local dealer were crap. Later bought IKON. Should have bought the good stuff first.

 

[Stephen Hill]

Re: LAB's comment: "That depends on which "Triumph" model and year it is."
The opening post referred to a 1969 Triumph Bonneville.
So was I.

 

[marshg246]

Re: LAB's comment: "That depends on which "Triumph" model and year it is."
The opening post referred to a 1969 Triumph Bonneville.
So was I.

12.9" According to the Girling doc I have - Norton also 12.9" but a different shock.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Are the shocks shown below Emgo? I removed these. They were not good...

 

[kommando]

There is more than the shock length to consider, shock travel comes into this as well, Koni listed different part numbers for pre OIF Unit Triumphs vs Norton Commando, both are 12.9" but the Norton Koni has reduced travel , fit a Triumph Pre OIF Koni shock to a Norton Commando and the rear tyre will touch the mudguard over large bumps. Later Koni ride a dials which came as standard with fatter springs over the previous Koni's have different springs on the Norton as well, slimmer to clear the chainguard.

 

[L.A.B.]

Re: LAB's comment: "That depends on which "Triumph" model and year it is."
The opening post referred to a 1969 Triumph Bonneville.
So was I.

Ok, I didn't know you were also referring to a 1969 Bonneville. It seems there were two types for 1969.

According to the Girling list, the 1969-70 T120 shocks were 12.4", 9.9" compressed, with a 145 lb./in. springs.
1969-70 T120R shocks were 12.9", 10.7" compressed, with a 100 lb./in. springs.

12.9" all Commandos, 10.2" compressed, with 126 lb./in. springs.

 

[concours]

Are the shocks shown below Emgo? I removed these. They were not good...

I don't remember the P/N, the "EG" might suggest so?

 

[EstuaryBoy]

NJB on Mk3, fit fine but the wider lower spacer needed for the Mk3 gave the bush too much lateral movement, hence the large washers. But no clearance issues here... (Yes... needs a polish!)