Speedo drive spacer

I dont appear to have the speedo drive spacer present on my '71 roadster. It looks from the drawings that it is top hat shaped & goes into the speedo drive from the inside. Is this correct?

If so, how come my drive fits snug on the spindle without the spacer present?

My reason for looking closer at this after all those years of relatively problem free operation is an indication that the drive has been rubbing on the hub blanking plate slightly, (only apparent after investing in a hydraulic lifting bench!)

Bob.

Yes this caught me out too as one on my first Combat had none
and not obvious to see in parts book but quite vital to
preserve the speedo drive beyond a couple rear tire changes.

W/o the top hat spacer axle clamp force bears through the
whimpy speedo case. Order top hat and keep eye
out for good bargain speedo's or learn to replace
face rivets by tricky tiny screws.

hobot

My '72 also didn't have it with the same results you mention about the speedo drive rubbing on the hub cover. As far as installation it doesn't really fit the way you said inserted into the speedo drive fromt he inside. Mine fits inserted into the axle hole in the hub and give enough space to prevent the rubbing. Way too many spacers and axle parts in the Norton design.

Does this help?