Roadholder 370 - October 2018

48 in order to get the wheel forward enough for a sensible chain tension. I could have used a ‘half-link’ but personally have never been too fond of these items. There may well be alternative belt lengths available but despite searching around I have yet to find one of the type, length and width I want. After the first 500 miles of riding, I really wanted a larger front pulley or bigger gearbox sprocket on my 650. I suspect the same would happen with many other 650 and Atlas bike owners. The reason for this is that the 70mph motorway cruising speed coincided with that nasty 4,500rpm vibration point, which is exactly what my numbing fingers confirmed. Perhaps I need to re-balance my crankshaft? The RGM belt drive set comes with no obvious alternative engine pulleys. I note that other kits do have these as options. This RGM kit, as it stands, would be ideally more suited to an 88 or 99 engine size. It is 20 years since I first fitted a belt- drive conversion. The full kits have since doubled in price (so have many Norton parts). My conversion set cost over £500 but you can purchase the basic kit that allows the use of original Dominator type SS clutch plates etc. Which can almost halve the cost. Is it worth it? This conversion most definitely was, as my ageing arthritic hands will confirm. In my case the other bonuses will probably be … not having to replace clutch cables every year, or sooner, reduced worry about primary chain wear and oil levels plus not having to spend a fortune on Silicone goo to seal up the cases. Since 1998, advances in technology have seen higher quality components appear in these conversion kits that are both stronger and more durable. The material used for the drive belt is vastly different from that of earlier versions that I have fitted and seems to cope far better with problems caused by rubbing against the keeper plates, being over-tight and general abuse in use. These kits are now easier to fit, more reliable and overall are really good value. Forthcoming Events Please send details of forthcoming events to : events@nortonownersclub. org . or: +44 (0) 1392 487017 . October 2018 6th October: CRMC Track Parade at Cadwell Park 09:00 - 17:00. Take your Norton for a spin. For details contact: publicity@nortonownersclub.org ------------------------ 28th October: Surrey Branch will be having a stand at the South of England Classic Bike Show. To enter your bike for this event go to the web site for your free entrance ticket: www.elk-promotions.co.uk for the application form. ................ where are they now? If the reg. does appear on the DVLA website it will be marked thus: (plus other info if available + ) or: x if it is not displayed. Note that if the reg. is not displayed this could mean that the vehicle has been exported. Commando Fastback TUO 42J I have been trying to trace my brother's Norton Commando 750 Fastback that we had from new. I have found that it is still insured but with no MoT. I would love to be able to make 13th - 14th October: The 25th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show. Staffordshire County Showground ST18 0BD. www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com/october ------------------------ 2019 2019: 'Under Canvas Rally' 26th - 28th July Morpeth Rugby Club, Northumbria. 2019: 'Inside Rally': September 27th - 29th Sept. St Audries Bay, Somerset. 2019: 'International Rally', 21st - 24th June. The Netherlands.