Commando Clutch on a 650 SS

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Stephen Hill

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In the pile of Norton parts I recently acquired, I found a Norton clutch that had been modified to go on an Atlas or Dominator. The three rows of teeth on the outside of the clutch basket/sprocket had been machined away, and a single row sprocket welded on. I suspect the previous owner used it on one of his race bikes.

I am considering using it on my Mercury, which is basically a 650 SS. The SS clutch is the old style and uses a single row primary chain.

I appreciate that I would be losing the benefit of a cush drive. The mainshaft would need to be changed (I have several spares).
I have a few different sizes of single row engine sprockets so can probably replicate the original primary ratios, if need be.

The main question: Is there any advantage to using a Commando clutch with a single row primary chain on a 650?
 
I could never get the stock 650ss clutch to hold.
If it holds OK, then I can't see much advantage in using the Commando clutch, especially when you would be losing the cush in making the switch.
 
You don't need to change the main shaft. RGM sells a suitable clutch centre to fit the Commando clutch to a Dominator shaft. Apart from the lack of cush drive, a well set up Commando clutch is far superior to the earlier type.
 
I mentioned in the original post, I have a modified Commando clutch basket with a single sprocket.
When a Commando clutch is installed on a Dominator, is that what is used?
Or is the triplex clutch basket, chain and engine sprocket used?
 
I agree, a belt drive does solve several problems. However I am trying work with what I have.
I have 2 obvious options, with all the necessary components:
1. A stock Atlas style single chain, engine sprocket, and a 3 spring clutch (new clutch plates and chain).
2. A Commando basket that has been modified to take a single chain, single chain, and single chain engine sprocket.

I also have all the components for a stock Commando triplex primary. aside from the RGM clutch centre, which I can address with a stock Commando mainshaft (that I have).
My question is will this fit on a Dominator? Or are there a ton of knock-on issues. Like chain is wrong length, alternator needs shimming, primary case needs to be shimmed out, Footpeg needs to be moved around etc etc etc. In which case I would definitely stick with one of the two options above.
 
Stephen Hill said:
I agree, a belt drive does solve several problems. However I am trying work with what I have.
I have 2 obvious options, with all the necessary components:
1. A stock Atlas style single chain, engine sprocket, and a 3 spring clutch (new clutch plates and chain).
2. A Commando basket that has been modified to take a single chain, single chain, and single chain engine sprocket.

I also have all the components for a stock Commando triplex primary. aside from the RGM clutch centre, which I can address with a stock Commando mainshaft (that I have).
My question is will this fit on a Dominator? Or are there a ton of knock-on issues. Like chain is wrong length, alternator needs shimming, primary case needs to be shimmed out, Footpeg needs to be moved around etc etc etc. In which case I would definitely stick with one of the two options above.
Click to expand...
Triplex chain will be too short and may be problem when fitting the domie stator mount ...
I run my Atlas with belt and Cdo clutch ...
 
On my N15 I used a Commando clutch with a double row chain , before I switched to belt drive.
I still have the parts.
If you lived any closer, you could have them for free.

Commando Clutch on a 650 SS
 
When I build my 1960 Manxman project cafe racer build, I am setting it up to run a Commando clutch with belt drive I have 2 kits, one steel the other alloy, I have already brought the RGM clutch centre but will need the longer belt for the Dommie which RGM sells, I plan to run an open belt with just a top cover.

Ashley
 
Nice offer Ludwig but yes, Victoria BC is probably a stretch. I think I will try the stock Dominator clutch (having bought all new guts). And if it is not reliable, I will switch to the modified Commando basket.
The Commando basket has been modified for a single chain, 520 I believe. So the plan is to use a connecting master link. What do you think?
 

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