VR880 COMMANDO

worntorn · Mar 5, 2012

I know of at least two big bore Vincents, one 1272 and one 1330 that are using a Commando clutch without problem. One is a race bike, the other a very quick street bike.

The Commando clutch when set up properly is said to be good for over 100 hp. I think Kenny Dreer said the 880s were 65to 68 rwhp, so the clutch should be plenty strong.

Glen

ZFD · Mar 6, 2012

Make your steel plates narrower , like this

We have had problems with the clutch on tuned 850s- too much torque- so use these narrow steel clutch plates on them. They are actually available as a genuine spare part from Andover Norton:
part#06-7248 Non-Slip Steel Clutch Plate (less width, hence more pressure), to be used with bronze clutch plates

stockie2 · Mar 6, 2012

Yes John, plenty of detail on stack height to get the diaphragm spring in the sweet spot. Good to know Andover have some thin steels, thanks ZDF

John one pointer to correct stack height is the clutch lever pull, when in the zone the lever pull will be very light, with a definite over centre feel to it?

Hope this helps, and you are one lucky guy with that bike, cheers Richard

John B · Apr 7, 2012

Finally got it sorted. It has a non-standard clutch setup, I think it's Norvil. The Barnett 5-plate setup still slipped. 4 thicker Norton 850 friction plates, .080 flat plates and the smaller pressure plate did the trick.

Thanks for the help!

John

Whitworth Ranch · Apr 7, 2012

That bike was the first Norton I ever started, ever rode, ever wheelied. Can't believe it's so far away. How did you get your hands on it?

John B · Apr 7, 2012

I always liked admired VR 880 and was in the process of doing my own Commando custom when I came across this bike. It was beautiful and had only 2,100 miles on it. It's way better than what I would have built. I couldn't not buy it. I don't think this would be your original bike though, it's always been on the east coast. I have the whole history.

Whitworth Ranch · Apr 8, 2012

It's better that most of us could ever build! I didn't own it, just rode a few times right after it was built. You have a fine motorcycle. Keep us posted.

John B · Apr 13, 2012

Really, You rode it at Kenny's shop?? How cool!
I'm planning on riding it this Sunday to the 19th annual "Gathering of the Nortons" in Washingtons Corner, PA. Probably 1.75 hrs each way. It's running great now, I gave it a good 120 mile shakedown last weekend.

edward · Jan 3, 2013

Hi Andrew if you are still around. I have just taken delivery of the other VR880 that was pictured in the Cycle World article. Haven't been able to start it yet because of a few problems and was wondering if you experienced the same with yours.

VR880 COMMANDO

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