Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, IN...

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SquareHead

SquareHead

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Sep 27, 2012
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Hi Folks,

I was riding my 74 Commando last night and started hearing a grinding noise. Tried to shift down to 2nd and 1st, but it's like they are not there anymore. Struggled home in 4th gear. Anyhow, was doing some research, read the articles in Old Britts, etc. Maybe the layshaft bearing went out? Not really sure, but I think I would rather have a professional deal with the gearbox. I have more than enough going on in my life without tearing into a transmissions!

Anyhow, I am thinking of taking the gearbox out of the bike and sending it off to either Baxter Cycle or Colorado Norton Works (open to other suggestions). But, if someone could tell me of a shop in Ohio or surrounding states, I would be willing to trailer the bike to a trustworthy, quality mechanic. The only shop I have found is BCF Cycle, near Cleveland.

Does anyone have any comments, opinions, or recommendations?

Thanks!
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

From what i have read here on this forum, its quicker to replace the bearing in position than remove the box completly. Plenty will be chiming in no doubt,
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Send it to Matt at CNW and know that it will be done right!
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Expert Motorcycle Works
Hobart, Indiana
Bob Goodpaster

The shop ha been in business of Brit Iron and Brit Iron racing since the 1950's. Bob and son Wes race Nortons.

Good people and good reliable service.

http://expertmotorcycleworks.com/
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Good honest guys at Courthouse Customs with a pretty decent supply of Norton parts. They do a lot of Triumph stuff and have a couple of Norton's themselves.


http://chcustom.com/
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

" I am thinking of taking the gearbox out of the bike and sending it off to either Baxter Cycle or Colorado Norton Works"

I have had experience with both companies. CNW is a great choice. ;)
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Surly replacing the bearing in position is better than removing the clutch,and box...? Not done one peronaly. but our LAB tells me its easy....ish. cost wise ..its a no brainer.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Before to replace the bearing, I would try first to check the condition and proper functioning of the GEARCHANGE RACHET SPRING, Part Number: 040038.
It's easy and fast.
Ciao.
Piero
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

SquareHead said:
Does anyone have any comments, opinions, or recommendations?
!
Click to expand...

Drain (and replace) the gearbox oil, and see what comes out.

If there is metal, or teeth, its serious.
If its clean, something probably just needs adjusting.
If its empty, oh boy !!?
Good Luck.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Like several of you have suggested, I am going to drain the oil and do some preliminary investigations. As long as I don't lose any parts, I can always take it to a shop if I find myself in over my head!
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

SquareHead said:
Like several of you have suggested, I am going to drain the oil and do some preliminary investigations. As long as I don't lose any parts, I can always take it to a shop if I find myself in over my head!
Click to expand...

Not a bad approach. As for reading the oil, there will be metal there, even with a gear box in good working order, it is just a matter of degree. From what you describe, you need to open it up.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Dances with Shrapnel said:
SquareHead said:
Like several of you have suggested, I am going to drain the oil and do some preliminary investigations. As long as I don't lose any parts, I can always take it to a shop if I find myself in over my head!
Click to expand...

Not a bad approach. As for reading the oil, there will be metal there, even with a gear box in good working order, it is just a matter of degree. From what you describe, you need to open it up.
Click to expand...


+1 FINE metallic particles on your (you DO have one, RIGHT?) magnetic drain plug are expected and somewhat normal. No "crumbs" should be discernible, just fine sludge like pastey shat.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Where are you located? There is a guy in Cincinnati that some of the folks in CONO (Central Ohio Norton Owners club) have started taking their bikes to. If you are familiar with Cinci he is located in Milford, a town on the east side right off 275. The people who have taken their bikes to him swear by his work.

I don't have his contact info right now but I'll shoot an email to the president of CONO and she will have it. He has been doing regular repairs to both of her Commandos.

Dave
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

You might try Leo Goff at Memphis Motor Werks. It will definitely be done right.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

I have updated my profile. I am in Ohio. I checked out Memphis Motor Werks, but they are a bit far from me, but thanks anyhow.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

drp said:
Where are you located? There is a guy in Cincinnati that some of the folks in CONO (Central Ohio Norton Owners club) have started taking their bikes to. If you are familiar with Cinci he is located in Milford, a town on the east side right off 275. The people who have taken their bikes to him swear by his work.

I don't have his contact info right now but I'll shoot an email to the president of CONO and she will have it. He has been doing regular repairs to both of her Commandos.

Dave
Click to expand...

Hey Dave,

That would be much appreciated if you could get me the contact info for this mechanic. I am about 2 1/2 hours north of Cinci, so not too far. Thanks!
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

I expect that would be Bill Atkins? I'll PM his number to SquareHead. I've known Bill for years. He's only a few miles from me. He's a good guy.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Yes Ron, I was thinking of Bill Atkins. I've never met him but hope to sometime.

Hey Squarehead, we have a bunch of Norton riders in the Tipp/Troy area. 2-1/2 hours north of Cinci? Does that put you in the Lima/Findlay area?

Dave
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

drp said:
Yes Ron, I was thinking of Bill Atkins. I've never met him but hope to sometime.

Hey Squarehead, we have a bunch of Norton riders in the Tipp/Troy area. 2-1/2 hours north of Cinci? Does that put you in the Lima/Findlay area?

Dave
Click to expand...

I am in Upper Sandusky (nowhere near Sandusky!). 45 minutes east of Lima, 40 minutes southeast of Findlay, 20 minutes north of Marion, 45 minutes west of Mansfield.
 
Re: Looking for Norton or British MC shop in Ohio, MI, PA, I

Sounds like you are not too far from Mid Ohio Race Course.

I raced with Bill Atkins at Mid Ohio a few times. Good guy.

Instead of hand delivering the box to a local shop consider dropping it off at a UPS store and ship to whomever is willing and able to fix it to your schedule and budget. Once you have it opened up and pulled apart a bit most of the damage should be obvious.

Check the main and lay shafts for straightness and the gear box shell is serviceable (no major cracks) before picking up the phone and talking to a shop.
 
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