Belt drive

David, Mick Hemmings supplied me with a complete kit- clutch, front pulley and belt. It runs dry, the release bearing is a sealed type so needs no oil so, no leaks! The clutch is a diaphragm type and is light and powerful. This was for my ES2, but I am sure the same type fits the twins as well. It has been reliable and totally maintenance free over three years. It is almost certain that you will have to modify the outer chaincase to clear the belt- it fouls on the stiffening plates- but not a drama, an hour's work with a file or grinder. I don't think there is a cush drive in the clutch. Best to ask him.

We fitted an RGM kit to my Dad's 650SS and it's absolutely perfect.

No modifications are needed at all, and I really like the fact that it uses a standard Commando clutch.

It's very reasonably priced, and was simple to setup.

Plus Roger and his team are great to deal with.

David,

I will be grateful for youe feedback when you do fit a belt drive, as I am looking into it myself for my 650ss,& it may save me some hassle.

regards.

Hi

I fitted the Norvil version to my 650 a few years ago. Very easy to do and being a belt drive you don't need oil in the primary so no leaks. I haven't done many miles due to other problems butI'm an expert at taking it off and on.

After the article in Classic M/c (11.2015) I contacted Les at Norvil about the longevity (or lack of)for belts.He suggests replacing every 40 years.

Peter

Hi

I fitted a RGM belt drive to my 1961 Dominator 99 nearly 5 years ago. I have completed 6,000 miles since then and have not had to touch it. Fitting was fairly easy and I took a lot of time to ensure correct alignment. The Commando clutch works well and is lighter than the old one and the bike is a bit smoother.

I checked the belt a couple of days ago and it looked perfect.

Best bit, no primary chain adjusting and NO oil leak problems!

Don

I've fitted the Norvil version with no problems.

The Classic Motorcycle had a question in their You Were Asking section, about the life of the belt in the belt drive clutch being only having a life of 3 years or 50,000 km, or which ever expires. They also explained even if you do not use the bike then the belt will still have to be changed after 3 years. I have never heard of this and after Les said it will last 40 years as above, I have fitted aNorton cush drive rear wheel to my Dominatorfrom the 1971 onward Commando's as the Commando clutch does not have a cush drive in the clutch. So who do you believe?

I've seen a few different companys offering belt drive kits,

I'm after a complete set up for my 650SS, can someone suggest which is the best kit to buy? One that will fit within the standard cover (happy to modify if required)

Previously anna jeannette Dixon wrote:

Previously David Tetley wrote:

I've seen a few different companys offering belt drive kits,

I'm after a complete set up for my 650SS, can someone suggest which is the best kit to buy? One that will fit within the standard cover (happy to modify if required)

BOB NEWBY Belt Drive 6 spring or 3 spring Clutches just like Norton AMC clutches

Well not quite like the original AMC clutch for a start it does not have a cush drive as was stated in an early post. The plates will not wear like the original ones and last much longer. However, you are right Anna it's not like the Commando clutch in operation, they are also a bit smaller od (I think).

I fitted one of Bob Newbys finest to my 650SS in the original tin chaincase. It ran a 25mm belt (because of the alternator)and even with plenty of thrashing lasted for years and the original belt was on when I sold the bike.

Having raced with belts for many years the trick is not to have them to tight. You must be able to turn the belt 90 deg in the centre between engine pully and clutch.

You would be best to fit an early Commando rear wheel with the inbuilt cush drive or you will not have shock absorber in the transmision system.

You pays your money and all that.

Cheers Tony