TLS Front Brake for a Dominator

Hi John,

A change from 7 inches between  Yoke centers to 7/38  was a part of the upgrade for 1964. This may have started during the 1963 season?. (12v & 3/8 chain etc) This will accommodate a twin leader.

I have seen a twin leader using 7 inch centers (Talking to the owner) but this required some machining. 

The short answer is yes, just choice and cost to consider.

Sorry I can't help with the other questions. I just stick with what I know.

PS: Nowt wrong with a well set up SLS.

The Commando has different thread in the cable anchor and different gap from anchor to clevis.  So you do need to change the cable.  Commando ones are longer, and cable runs outside the left fork ear unless you shorten it or order a special.

I am fairly sure the wider forks had 1/8" bosses inside the stanchions.  So the wheel width up to 1963 is the same.  Commando spindle will fit if you need one but again the thread changed so nut is different from Dommie variants.

I can't see much point in changing to TLS unless you go the whole way and include stiffening kit.  But Bacon suggests don't open the air scoop.  They let dirt and water in for road use.  Maybe other users have strong views?  They are also sold without air scoop.

I fitted a TLS with stiffening plate to my 59 dommie with 7" fork centres without any issues whatsoever, it just slotted straight in exactly the same.   I did have to fit a commando brake cable to accomdate the different adjuster thread and then shortened it to suit the flat bars.

i fitted a TLS to a 1960 dommie with 7" centres . without a issues the same as Bob 

John;  Your last question about possibly adding the stiffener later. Are you aware that the earlier TLS will not take the stock stiffening plate with out at least replacing the expanders? Also I have found that TLS replacement shoes from FRODO p/n FSB 920 will not mount on the later plate. Don't know about other brands. Just checking. Mark 

John,

I fitted a Commando TLS brake to my ES2 and was impressed with the improved braking. My brake had the stiffening plate. I also had the hub skimmed at the same time.

Some months later I rode the bike in pouring rain and my front brake ceased to work within a few minutes. The big front air vent simply scooped in the water. Once all had dried out I blocked off the front vent with tape, which remains to this day, and have had no problems since. Initially I was concerned about overheating but no problems identified.

Hope this helps.

A TLS brake plate will fit the pre-63 bikes, just make sure that the torque pin does not bottom out in its slot in the slider. There is also a cable that is the correct length and and has the correct thread on the adjuster that screws into the boss on the brake plate. 

There are blanking plates available as proper Norton parts to seal off the air scoop/exit holes, these are essential fitments as the TLS brake is extremely prone to getting wet as Alan says.

RGM do a TLS brake plate of a similar / identical design to the Norton TLS which they claim has been strengthened so that it doesn’t need the stiffening kit. I haven’t seen / used this so just offering as something worth looking into.

I fitted a TLS to my 61 Dommi with no real issues, except that the the stiffener plate was nor machined very precisely and the brakes would not release properly until I filed one of the holes oval.

Made it less stiff in the process of course.