Adding the original brass ‘Roadholder‘ badges to the Norton Ohlins forks is fakery to some and a nice nod to the heritage of the machine for others - Norton Donington did this for a few special runs. I have no problem with representative images and symbols; these badges look particularly good on the black/gold bike IMO.
This method of attaching them is non-destructive and reversible - no drilling or adhesives applied to the forks themselves, or requirement to remove the Ohlins decal.
a. Clean fork lowers with isopropyl alcohol, in the area to receive the badges.
b. Wrap that area with clear 3M Paint Protection Film (PPF) - join to the inside face. Allow several days to cure.
c. Form the brass badges in position and cable tie securely; leave overnight.
d. Form the badges around an item of slightly less dia - I used a 34mm socket. This will get them very close to the required curve, less the outer edges. Manipulate the outer edges by hand pressure until the correct curve is achieved. Being careful and patient will result in the correct curve.
e. Using ‘Fix All‘ Crystal (100% transparent) polymer sealant (or similar) fix the badges in position.
Soudal Fix All Crystal Clear is a Clear multi-use Sealant, Adhesive and Filler. Can be applied in all weather, internally & externally with no solvents or odours.
www.platinumchemicals.co.uk
- This is a neutral non-staining, solvent free product that will not affect the integrity of 3M PPF.
- The badge, when positioned correctly, completely covers the blue Ohlins decal (just) but not the outer corners of its clear border. You have to get pretty close to see it. This will place the badges in the correct position, albeit 1mm above centre.
- Press firmly into position and remove excess sealant. Secure tightly with a narrow cable tie, remove any further excess and leave for 24 hrs.
f. The drive screws are hardened - remove the drive section from the head using a Dremel cutting wheel. Remove any remaining excess, leaving 0.5 - 1mm to engage with the mounting holes, using a small Dremel grinding bit.
g. Remove cured sealant from the badge mounting holes without damaging the PPF, using an electricians screwdriver.
h. Fix the drive screw heads with the sealer, taking care to remove all excess. Isopropyl alcohol and cotton buds works well. Leave to cure fully.
To remove, apply light heat to the joint in the PPF and remove the PPF, with badge/screw heads complete.
Best left to the patient and fastidious; spending 20 mins on your hands and knees looking for a tiny screw head ain’t no fun - ask me how I know?
And remember - it’s in the eye of the beholder!