Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30

norton_rider said:
Lifters out just waiting for dad to get back with a new vernier caliper so I can measure some stuff up.

Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Click to expand...

Ok. All looking normal in my opinion as far as I can tell.

If the ball is 1/2" (the pushrod length is apparently correct) then perhaps the problem is on the clutch side (incorrect stack height etc.).
 
Thanks guys I'll measure the stack height soon as dad's back with the vernier. At least I can get the return springs while I'm in here and cover seals. Might get a new pushrod as it looks overheated in places. Gonna fit a new lockring to, an align the lifter as that was miles off

Here's the measurements I've got so far using the old one manually.

Clutch adjuster 7/10th
Ball bearing 1/2inch
Clutch push rod 9 13/16th
Circular operating roller 7/10th
Sleeve Clutch op 3/10th just over

Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
 
I don't think the adjuster has as many turns of thread as the AN one.
andover-norton.co.uk

Motorcycle parts and spares for Norton motorbikes - Genuine Andover Norton Spare Parts - Andover Norton Motorcycles Parts - Original Andover Norton Parts

Motorcycle parts and spares for Andover Norton motorbikes: Andover Norton manufactures and supplies all Genuine Factory Spare Parts for Norton motorcycles built before 2002.
andover-norton.co.uk

norton_rider said:
Might get a new pushrod as it looks overheated in places.
Click to expand...
The ends are hardened so the discolouration is normal.
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - CLUTCH PUSHROD (COMMANDO) - 04.0084

CLUTCH PUSHROD (COMMANDO)
andover-norton.co.uk
 
Thanks LAB really appreciate the help and knowledge sharing. That's a good point actually on the adjuster threads hadn't looked closely as I've been on my phone. I'll pop one on the order tonight for what it costs

Just measured the stack height and plates bit to high and seems to be later components did the basket change at any point?

Pressure plate 0.227 (late type)
Steel plate one 0.080
Steel plate two 0.080
Steel plate three 0.080
Steel plate four 0.080

Fibre normal one 0.125 (late type)
Normal two 0.125
Three 0.125

Surflex one 0.142
Suflex two 0.142

Stack height 1.206"

Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
 
norton_rider said:
That's a good point actually on the adjuster threads hadn't looked closely as I've been on my phone. I'll pop one on the order tonight for what it costs
Click to expand...

It seems there was a change of part number from (06.0308 to 06.1179) for the adjuster (1971-on?) so maybe it was increased in length?

norton_rider said:
Just measured the stack height and plates bit to high and seems to be later components did the basket change at any point?
Click to expand...

The standard clutch assembly for your early model would've been 3 plain and 4 thick friction plates and a thick pressure plate so your clutch has been converted to a 5-plate.
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton Parts Drawings - Genuine Andover Norton Factory Parts - Commando Parts

Andover Norton Parts are the only Norton spare parts in the market manufactured to original drawings, within the factory-approved tolerances, from the correct materials, and with the correct finish.
andover-norton.co.uk

norton_rider said:
Pressure plate 0.227 (late type)
Steel plate one 0.080
Steel plate two 0.080
Steel plate three 0.080
Steel plate four 0.080

Fibre normal one 0.125 (late type)
Normal two 0.125
Three 0.125
Click to expand...

Ok, so far, however...
norton_rider said:
Surflex one 0.142
Suflex two 0.142

Stack height 1.206"
Click to expand...

...the two Surflex plates are the thicker '4-plate' clutch plates which has increased the stack height and is probably the reason for the adjuster needing to be screwed in so far especially if it is shorter than the later adjuster.
 
Thanks mate really appreciate the reply :) we got there in the end with it.

I'll weigh up whether to go back to a full early setup or just try get to later plates to replace the surflex ones anyone have any idea what brought about the changes to the stack height?
 
Thanks Lab what was the thinking between them going to the 5 plate over the 4 plate setup typed the wrong thing. Got a few options to sort the clutch looking at what's in stock
What's everyones preference friction plate setup wise?


Clutch fix

To convert to 5 plate late type
Rgm

ferodo plates x 2 3.2mm £11.50 ex vat (0.126")
part-no: 06.1179 pushrod adjuster £5.27

Total £33.92 inc vat
______________________________________________

To convert to 4 plate 4 steel surflex
norvil

2 x surflex plates 14

069371 Thicker pressure plate £37.50

061179 clutch adjuster £3.80

Total £83.16 inc vat

______________________________________________

To convert to 68 setup retaining two thick surflex
Andover

part-no: 06.0749 clutch plate fibre £16.25 x2
part-no: 06.0745 pressure plate thick £50.32
part-no: 06.1179 68 adjuster £5.27

Total £105.71
_____________________________________________

To Convert to original 1968 Setup
Andover

part-no: 06.0749 clutch plate fibre £16.25 x4
part-no: 06.0745 pressure plate thick £50.32
part-no: 06.1179 68 adjuster £5.27

Total £144.71 inc vat
 
Last edited:
norton_rider said:
Thanks Lab what was the thinking between them going to the 5 plate over the 4 plate setup typed the wrong thing. Got a few options to sort the clutch looking at what's in stock
What's everyones preference friction plate setup wise?


Clutch fix

To convert to 5 plate late type
Rgm

ferodo plates x 2 3.2mm £11.50 ex vat (0.126")
part-no: 06.1179 pushrod adjuster £5.27

Total £33.92 inc vat
______________________________________________

To convert to 4 plate 4 steel surflex
norvil

2 x surflex plates 14

069371 Thicker pressure plate £37.50

061179 clutch adjuster £3.80

Total £83.16 inc vat

______________________________________________

To convert to 68 setup retaining two thick surflex
Andover

part-no: 06.0749 clutch plate fibre £16.25 x2
part-no: 06.0745 pressure plate thick £50.32
part-no: 06.1179 68 adjuster £5.27

Total £105.71
_____________________________________________

To Convert to original 1968 Setup
Andover

part-no: 06.0749 clutch plate fibre £16.25 x4
part-no: 06.0745 pressure plate thick £50.32
part-no: 06.1179 68 adjuster £5.27

Total £144.71 inc vat
Click to expand...
The reason for going to a clutch with more plates is simply that it increases its ability to grip under load.
 
norton_rider said:
what was the thinking between them going to the 5 plate over the 4 plate setup typed the wrong thing.
Click to expand...

I'd guess the change to a 5-plate was to handle the increased torque of the 850 models (as all had the 5-plate clutch) although the 5-plate clutch was fitted to 750 models at about the same time (from 212278).
norton_rider said:
Got a few options to sort the clutch

Clutch fix

To convert to 5 plate late type
Rgm

ferodo plates x 2 3.2mm £11.50 ex vat (0.126")
part-no: 06.1179 pushrod adjuster £5.27

Total £33.92 inc vat
______________________________________________

To convert to 4 plate 4 steel surflex
norvil

2 x surflex plates 14

069371 Thicker pressure plate £37.50

061179 clutch adjuster £3.80

Total £83.16 inc vat

______________________________________________

To convert to 68 setup retaining two thick surflex
Andover

part-no: 06.0749 clutch plate fibre £16.25 x2
part-no: 06.0745 pressure plate thick £50.32
part-no: 06.1179 68 adjuster £5.27

Total £105.71
_____________________________________________

To Convert to original 1968 Setup
Andover

part-no: 06.0749 clutch plate fibre £16.25 x4
part-no: 06.0745 pressure plate thick £50.32
part-no: 06.1179 68 adjuster £5.27

Total £144.71 inc vat
Click to expand...

Changing to a 4-plate would be an unnecessary expense in my opinion as you'd have to buy a new pressure plate and nothing to be gained from doing so.

The three friction plates in your picture look like Barnetts so you could just buy either one or two 'thin' friction plates and replace either one or both 'thick' Surflex plates because lowering the stack height significantly will result in a heavier clutch pull at the handlebar lever.

Or, if you are able to set the pushrod adjuster correctly and it doesn't result in clutch slip (as I presume it hasn't up to now?) then there's no need to change the plates.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Lab That's a good point I'll get two of the thin ones that are 1.226 from RGM and can have a play with it Andover are out of stock at the moment and doesn't look like Norvil do the thin ones. That should give me a bit of flexibility as you say to play about with the stack height. very fascinating learning about this stuff.

Going to try and order the paint tomorrow as well all coming together now which is exciting.

I could refit the cable he had in that had an inch less inner cable but even then the adjuster wasn't great.

Just working my way through some old threads on getting a better clutch pull.
 
Coming back to tomorrow's job :)

So we tried Brooklands green and Ford Laurel Green. Looks like whoever painted mine did it in something similar to Brooklands,

I've been flicking through some period footage on youtube one from the frame tests in 69' and the music video I posted in another thread showing a 68 filmed in 68.

Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30

An this is what mine is currently the flat plate is an old printing plate I sprayed with the Grey Primer, 3 coats of top coat and 3 coats of clear to do it properly, the Brooklands is a tiny bit deeper that current when the sun isnt on it but not where we wanna be yet.

Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30
Norton Villiers Commando 1968 Re commissioning an adventures at 30


Next step is to try order some British Leyland BLVC254 and maybe GN29. I've been looking at Aston Martin Goodwood green to after Grant Recommended 254 and Goodwood on the FB groups.

This was quite a good reff for the Aston version of 254 on a DB5 previously owned by Alistair King of motorcycle racing fame. seems a bit to much blue

www.bonhams.com

Bonhams Cars : 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon Chassis no. DB5/1784/R

*Engine changed at the factory in 1965 *Current ownership since 1984 *Circa 93,300 miles from new *The most famous of all 'James Bond' Aston Martins
www.bonhams.com www.bonhams.com

This seems decent though obv diff lighting etc can play a roll but the deeper colours are looking good.

Ascot Racecourse 18th April 2021 Sale

Auction Details - Specialist Classic & Sports Car Auctioneers
www.historics.co.uk www.historics.co.uk
 
Last edited:
Presumably you’re trying to match to the tail piece?

Personally I think your best chance of being happy is to paint the tailpiece along with the tank.

Its not factory paint, so no sacrilege.
 
I wasn't Eddie the tail unit's been repainted at somepoint along with the original tank so trying to get something deeper, typical printed labels were way to deep on the tins to the paint colour whoever does the halfords tins need to tighten the delta e's which is a measurement for colour accuracy under 1 the human eye cant see the difference as should be able to get it bang on on a modern printing press.

Dad and I burst out laughing when we seen the colour as we inadvertently got very close to what's on the bike currently.

When my dads bro who raced a 68 Commando he had one of the first in the uk and Gus Kuhn saw the bike he was convinced it was way to light so been looking for something deeper.

Yep the plans to repaint the tail unit along with the Steel tank not prepped it yet so I can compare the new spray outs to what it is currently :) Pretty sure I'm gonna give 254 a go on the bike for a while if I was being a bit critical I'd say it's probably a bit to much blue but seems to have depth.
 

Similar threads

savingclassicmotorcycles
From 22 to mid 30s Norton Passion and Restoration Norton 1927 16H Flat Tanker, Norton RAF 1944 WD16H, Norton Commando 1968, Norton 650ss 1967
2 3
Replies
48
Views
1,710
savingclassicmotorcycles
savingclassicmotorcycles
savingclassicmotorcycles
  • Locked
earliest surviving Norton Villiers commando
2
Replies
27
Views
7,770
jimbo
jimbo
Back
Top