I have an ex road race bike that I am converting to road use. It is a Featherbed with a Commando engine fitted upright. The gearbox is a five speed Quaife with a race first gear and no kick start. Obvious conversion if the Quaife box is to be retained, or failing that swop for a road box. Have contacted Quaife who were very informative but cannot help, the late Mick Hemmings did the fitting and his company has been sold on. Who is/are the gearbox gurus to speak to? Have heard of David Coates (spelling?) but cannot find any contact details. Any help to amend the Quaife box or source a road box would be gratefully appreciated (see one is presently for sale in the classifieds).
I have a spare box was in a…
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There is/was a version of…
There is/was a version of the Quaife 5-speed that accepted the kickstart. I think you can just change the 1st gear pair. Ratio info here: https://www.nortonownersclub.org/support/technical-support-commando/gearbox-ratios
Angie Hemmings is still the agent for Quaife Norton gearboxes. Give her a call.
And, if you want to do a swap for a standard 4-speed Commando box drop me a line.
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Quite 5 speed
Sounds good. Am away for a couple of days. Will be in touch on return. I live in Liverpool, where abouts do you live?
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I have a spare box was in a batch made in early 1960's according to the records and could have been fitted to any of the featherbed bikes .Has the earlier KS spring as my 1960 99 has. I am contemplating building a Dommyracer type machine so there may be a mutual benefit .