Quaife 5 speed conversion

Whitworth Ranch · Aug 27, 2012

I've contemplated both the Quaife and the TT Industries boxes but stopped short due to price. I've got some pitting on the gear faces on my bog-standard four-speed, which is what prompted my investigation. But after talking with a Norton mechanic who has seen the insides of countless Commando gearboxes in his many years of working on the bikes, I feel fine about my gears. He said they all seem too look about like mine after very short mileage and don't seem to get much worse. It's nice to know Andover is doing a complete box.

I'm also a fan of four gears, even with the 23-tooth countershaft sprocket I run, which widens the spacing of gears a bit. There is just such a good amount of torque there, that it is just wonderful with four speeds.

gtsun · Aug 27, 2012

I'm running a 22 front sprocket & would like to try a 23. Most of the guys I ride with are on modern bikes and when we do long high speed freeway runs I still feel like I could use more top end. I know they say I can run all day at 5000 RPM but I just don't like it. Does a 23 give you something like 90 MPH @ 4,500 RPM?

pete.v · Aug 27, 2012

I guess that is somewhat encouraging. I know i need a main shaft due to the wear from the sleeve gear. Even with the new bushes it is a little sloppy and you can see and feel the wear. I guess if the Quaife prices are too extravagant, which is most likely, you have offered some hope that i may not be as bad off as i thought. Maybe a rebuild kit from RGM and a couple major componants and i will be good to go.
Thanks WR.

I am very happy with my ratio. I have the RGM belt drive and a 20t. 4500 is 80mph on the nose and just under 4000 is 70. I have tried both the 19t and the 21t. One is a little too high and the other just a little to low, for me anyways.

Whitworth Ranch said:
I've contemplated both the Quaife and the TT Industries boxes but stopped short due to price. I've got some pitting on the gear faces on my bog-standard four-speed, which is what prompted my investigation. But after talking with a Norton mechanic who has seen the insides of countless Commando gearboxes in his many years of working on the bikes, I feel fine about my gears. He said they all seem too look about like mine after very short mileage and don't seem to get much worse. It's nice to know Andover is doing a complete box

I'm also a fan of four gears, even with the 23-tooth countershaft sprocket I run, which widens the spacing of gears a bit. There is just such a good amount of torque there, that it is just wonderful with four speeds.

Whitworth Ranch · Aug 27, 2012

gtsun said:
I'm running a 22 front sprocket & would like to try a 23. Most of the guys I ride with are on modern bikes and when we do long high speed freeway runs I still feel like I could use more top end. I know they say I can run all day at 5000 RPM but I just don't like it. Does a 23 give you something like 90 MPH @ 4,500 RPM?

With the 23, I think 4500 rpm is more like 80-85 mph (edit: I did the math and it's 84 mph). When I ran the 24, I recall essentially doubling the first two digits of rpm gave me my speed in mph. So if you want 90 mph out of 4500 rpm, I think 24 would do it. With the stock four-speed, I find the 23 the best compromise for my taste. If I could get a lower first and closer ratios with a five speed, I might go back to a 24 sprocket.

GUNpowder · Aug 28, 2012

The results of my Email inquiry to Quaife.

Thank you for your enquiry; all our Norton gearkits and products are only available from our Norton specialist, Mick Hemmings Motor Cycles.

MICK HEMMINGS MOTOR CYCLES

72-74 Overstone Rd Tel: 01604 638505
Northampton Fax: 01604 631838
NN1 3JS

pete.v · Aug 28, 2012

Yes, I recieved the form email myself today.
Thanks Gun.

GUNpowder said:
The results of my Email inquiry to Quaife.

Thank you for your enquiry; all our Norton gearkits and products are only available from our Norton specialist, Mick Hemmings Motor Cycles.

MICK HEMMINGS MOTOR CYCLES

72-74 Overstone Rd Tel: 01604 638505
Northampton Fax: 01604 631838
NN1 3JS

Quaife 5 speed conversion

Whitworth Ranch

gtsun

pete.v

Whitworth Ranch

GUNpowder

pete.v

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