961 Norton – Removing the Clutch Basket Manual
Download the complete PDF version using the green download button at the top right of this page for a detailed Norton 961 clutch basket removal guide. Created by Richard Coote, this illustrated workshop manual explains how to remove the clutch basket and attached ring gear in order to gain access to a difficult starter bolt, while also covering the surrounding gears, timing marks, clutch components and important spacers that must be handled carefully during the procedure.
The guide uses clear workshop photographs with arrows and notes to identify the ring gear, starter bolts, clutch basket, crankshaft magnet, trigger plate, clutch bolts, bearing washers and specialist holding tools used during disassembly. It also explains the correct crankshaft alignment position, installation of the gear jam tool, safe removal of the crankshaft magnet and the sequence for removing the clutch cover plate, bearing parts and selected clutch plates.
Later sections cover removal of the clutch plate stack, use of the gear puller tool on the balancer gear, the importance of protecting the balancer shaft, timing dimple alignment for reassembly and removal of the clutch basket with its ring gear attached. The manual also highlights small but critical parts that must not be lost, including spacers and the loose ball bearing removed near the final stages of the work.
Contents Include
- Norton 961 clutch basket removal overview
- Accessing the difficult starter bolt
- Ring gear, starter bolt and clutch basket identification
- Crankshaft alignment mark positioning
- Gear jam tool and clutch jam tool use
- Crankshaft magnet and trigger plate removal
- Clutch cover plate, bearing and washer removal
- Clutch plate stack removal guidance
- Balancer gear puller procedure and shaft protection
- Timing dimple alignment warning for reassembly
- Clutch basket and attached ring gear removal
- Spacer and ball bearing retention reminders
