Hi all,
The performance of the forks on my 1971 Roadster have been in decline for a couple of years and after fitting a new disc and caliper I've come to the conclusion they're in need of an overhaul. Having had mixed results over the year reconditioning forks I think this one needs a pro. Before heading to one of the regular suspension companies I thought I'd ask if there was anyone in the club interested in helping out?
I'm based in Leamington Spa and so someone local'ish would be ideal.
Many thanks, Simon..
It is not that difficult.
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Depends what you're using as…
Depends what you're using as a reference and what you' want to achieve. Standard Roadholders will never match a modern bike.
Beyond changing bushes there's a limited amount you can sensibly do to the standard fork. And it sounds like you are quite capable of that.
You could take the forks to Maxton https://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files/forkconversions.htm. They will keep the sliders and stanchions and replace the internals to get you closer to modern performance. Makes quite a difference.
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At the risk of telling you…
At the risk of telling you something you already know, the alloy caps on the damper tubes wear quickly and reduced the damping effect. So, if you haven't replaced them already, it's something quick and cheap to try.
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Lansdowne
If it is the damping that you want improved, you could consider the so-called Lansdowne conversion.
It worked for me. And no more "clonk" when forks extend fully.
More info for example here: https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-motorcycle-repair/norton-commando-lansdowne-adjustable-dampers-zmmz19mazhur/
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Bush play advice
Hi all,
Can I get some feedback on the bush play in my forks please. Both sides have similar amounts of play.
thanks
Simon..
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Is that...
... a new bush? Is it pressed in to the slider? If so, might the bush clearance close up on assembly? It looks like too much but really needs to be checked when assembled.
Telescopic fork bushes need some clearance because the stanchions bend, very slightly, in use. Therefore, too good a fit will cause the forks stiffen up or even lock solid. As fork design has improved, (stiffer stanchions), the clearance has reduced.
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Much too much play. The…
Much too much play. The bushes should just glide along the length of the stantion without any rocking being perceived.
Who supplied them?
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Hi Simon,Have you looked at…
Hi Simon,
Have you looked at:-
https://shop.nortonownersclub.org/forks-brakes-wheels-dvd
Regards
Tony
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While your doing a full…
While your doing a full referb of the forks don't forget the small aluminium threaded bushes fitted to the top of the dampers. These are closely toleranced and do wear out. RGM sell cast iron version that last for ever.
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I would suggest the…
I would suggest the stanchions are either at or below bottom tolerance. The reason being that I know how the sintered bushes get sized. The bush may close down a little when pressed into the slider, but there is no way of telling by how much. If the sintered bush above has been machined using a cutting tool then it is most probably worth throwing it in the scrap bin.
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Hi, not that difficult and plenty of info on line etc.
However some improvements that I do on my Commando's are to add 180cc of 15wt oil and progressive springs which works for me, You can buy all the bushes and seals in a set from RGM or Andover Norton.