Hydraulic clutch

swooshdave · Aug 28, 2009

RoadScholar said:
I have fitted one of Jim's hydraulic clutches and 'am very impressed with the consistent, light, linear pull. The system looks like it will out live countless cables and wasn't that much more difficult to install than a new cable. Bleeding the unit takes a bit of patience and is best done overnight, as the unit will self bleed; I got mine so that I could ride the machine after fitment, but the engagement, initially, was right off the grip, the next day it was almost mid way and the day after that somwhere near 2/3-3/4 where it has remained. The hudraulic actuation doesn't care where the bars are positioned and doesn't need lubrication; the best cable clutches I have had bearly lasted two months before losing significant ease of movement; clutch cables are also water condiuts for filling the transmission.

To be fair: you can purchase an aweful lot of cables for the price of the hydraulic clutch, and at a concours-de-elegance you'll get you head handed to you the moment they see the hydraulic clutch; this is not an item for purists.

RS

picture of installed clutch unit?

comnoz · Aug 28, 2009

Here is what it looks like from the outside

And heres whats inside

Fullauto · Aug 28, 2009

Love those cam gears Jim. I know what I'm getting for Christmas. Fabulous work.

swooshdave · Aug 28, 2009

comnoz said:
Here is what it looks like from the outside

Sheer genius.

Scooter62 · Aug 29, 2009

Jim
I think the approach you and CNW are taking to continue to refine the original design is excellent. It does a couple of things; firstly it does the job the factory should have done but probably couldn't due to their economic situation and secondly it takes what is a good basic design and improves it so that it can be ridden with more reliability. Two thumbs up from me.

Scooter

bpatton · Aug 29, 2009

Jim, I think what you're doing for the Commando motor is fantastic. You are re-engineering the motor from the inside out. I think it was a fundamental mistake for Kenny Dreer to totally redesign the motor because it essentially is no longer a Commando. Although, he's probably rolling in dough now. I want affordable fuel injection! And maybe hydraulic valve adjusters. (Have you ever looked at a third generation 911 valve train?)

Hortons Norton · Aug 29, 2009

Jim, I know that's not your bike in the photos above. But those parts look much too nice to go in there, Maybe a wash? LOL LOL Keep up the great work. Oh when are the fuel injection kits going to be ready. And what else do you have up your sleeve? Have a great day, Chuck.

comnoz · Aug 29, 2009

Hi Bob, The fuel injection is very close. Just short a dependable supply of circuit boards due to a licensing issue. I have not seen the new valve train setup but hydraulic lifters would have to come after a redesign of the oiling system so I don't forsee them in the near future. I do have a pretty good list of things I want to make happen in the coming months. I am sure Kenny's redesign was due to the demand for more power as the Commando powerplant is pretty close to it's design limits in that regard but when riding a Norton, power is not what makes them so fun to ride. Norton had a lot of things right. The kind of things that made them fun. But just like everthing British build in that era finances made a lot of improvements get passed up. When Brian Slark saw the head steady he said it was just what they had wanted to install at the factory but it couldn't be done on their budget. So I guess it will just need to get done now because I still haven't found a bike to replace a Norton. Jim

swooshdave · Aug 29, 2009

bpatton said:
I think it was a fundamental mistake for Kenny Dreer to totally redesign the motor because it essentially is no longer a Commando. Although, he's probably rolling in dough now.

You think that Kenny got the money from the sale?

Rich_j · Aug 29, 2009

Hydraulic clutch smacks of fixing something that ain't broke.

Jeandr · Aug 29, 2009

Rich_j said:
Hydraulic clutch smacks of fixing something that ain't broke.

But now you have the choice to buy one or keep the existing cable, the same goes for gear drive, fuel injection, belt drives, better carbs, better ignition... now you have the possibility of getting improved bits to make your Norton more reliable or just because they are way cool.

Jean

chris plant · Aug 29, 2009

hi jim,if im asking too many questions sorry, but ive got another one,with the timing gears will we be able to use the std intermediate gear(the one that runs with the crank gear) and are you useing bushes or needle rollers thx

Foxy · Aug 29, 2009

Them cam cogs Jim, I just love em! My hands up for a set when available.
Foxy

norton in japan · Aug 30, 2009

these have been around for 30 years (les harris made them ) i had one they sure look cool ,however if they fail.....yes it did.
i rather have a spare cable....

Hortons Norton · Aug 30, 2009

What failed? Hydraulics have been used for more important things than clutches.

comnoz · Aug 30, 2009

So do you still have cable brakes on your car too?

comnoz · Aug 30, 2009

Chris. The idler gear runs on needle bearings. It will not be using a standard intermediate gear. Jim

chris plant · Aug 30, 2009

comnoz said:
Chris. The idler gear runs on needle bearings. It will not be using a standard intermediate gear. Jim

hi jim is there a reason you,re not using the std intermediate gear

comnoz · Aug 30, 2009

It is not aligned with where the idler gear needs to be unless you mill away the original tensiner mount.

norton in japan · Aug 30, 2009

the seals leaked

Also are you going to make a hydraulic drum brake for a cable front brake norton ?

:lol:

Hydraulic clutch

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