Roadholder 364 - April 2018

30 In the spring, I plan to do some stopping distance tests with this set-up before trying a master cylinder upgrade and getting some 'after' measurements for comparison. Andover Norton, who are usually sticklers for keeping most things standard, are supplying an original-looking master cylinder with a reduced diameter 13mm piston (Part No. 06.1939/13) compared with the 5/8" (15.875mm) standard and are also manufacturing new standard lookalike callipers (Part No. 06.1926). A narrower master cylinder piston is widely endorsed as one of the best means of improving efficiency of the front brake. Modifications to improve the effectiveness of the brakes are all likely to result in improvements. However, only changing the calliper to either the larger racing one (Lockheed CP2696, CP2195 or similar) or one of the various four-pot alternatives, will address the issue of brake fade from heat retention under heavy use with the standard calliper. My objective is to try to improve the braking of my bike without changing the appearance too much and to back this up with some data. We'll see how it works out. References: Norton Commando Workshop Manual (Part No. 065146) Section H13 and www.motorcycleclassics.com/ classic-motorcycle-repair/rebuild-norton- commando-disc-brake-caliper. Acknowledgement: Thanks are due to fellow NOC member, John Holmes, for reviewing the draft and providing additional input concerning the brake calliper piston seals and the limitations of modifying the standard set-up. What does he mean? Skip Brolund/Anthony Curzon Legendary racer, Dave Aldana, on his Norton Flat Tracker - year unknown - winning, Skip thinks, at Ascot Park in California. It was sent to Anthony by Skip Brolund. Anthony informs me that, in North America, it is called 'Filiping' and, in plain English, 'F*** Off'. This may be to do with the fact that Norton won at Ascot Park and Dave Aldana was doing this to the HD mob who would always win at that venue A Commando V8, what a beast. Fitted with a Rover 3,500cc motor. It was seen at a gathering of motorcycles at the IOM GP circa 1995. I'd bet it went like the wind (in a straight line!). a pokey machine John Lythe The Buick (aka Rover) 3.5 V8 (see above)