Your Norton as noisy?

I called Dave Coote as Richard suggested, regarding the issue. Dave suggested I check out the balance shaft bearing (the one way on the other side behind the oil pump)
I removed the oil pump, and made a special tool that engages with the balance shaft that is now accessible, so I could rotate it and listen for anything out of the ordinary. You can also use a large flat blade screwdriver.
I sprayed the bearing with brakeclean several times to remove any engine oil.

When I rotated the balance shaft there was a very loud growling sound, which I have captured on you tube video. Clearly the bearing has failed, this also explains the wear pattern on the primary gears.

[video]https://youtu.be/-6pU4A6E5dM[/video]

So assessing the situation, I have asked Norton to step up and provide a new bearing, gaskets and a set of new primary gears. My bike is out of warranty, so I am relying on Norton's good will to put this right.

I will have to remove the head, barrels, remove the gearbox and split the inner crankcase to replace this bearing. This can all be done with the engine still in the frame.
It is a pain to do this on a 2600mile bike, but it clearly is an Norton issue.
 
TonyA said:
Hello Bushman , I am hearing a similar sound as your gears are making when you rock them back and fourth. I just have my rear wheel off the ground on a stand and put it in first gear and just move the rear wheel back and fourth. I put my ear to the primary and I hear what you are seeing I think. I am approaching 5000 miles so my split gear spring is probably stretched out or maybe never good. Frankly If the spring only lasts 1000 miles when installed properly , that's not too good. So , short of pulling the primary off I can guess what you are seeing is normal and my bike does that too. As far as the chatter and gear teeth marks go , we should ask Richard-7 what his Dad saw when he disassembled his 17,000 mile engine.
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This won't be the primary gears making the noise as the split gear and spring tensioner is in place taking up the lash. I had the back gear removed in my video to show the gear lash clearance.
Clutch basket maybe?

I am reminded that there are a lot of these bikes out there presumably without issue..things like the spring should do their job for a good period as long as everything else is in place. In my case the balance shaft bearing failure is the gremlin in the mix. According to Norton Canada, only 2 cases (including mine) of a failed balance shaft bearing so far.
 
Thanks for the clarification. But that is what I was trying to say. I don't think there is any tension left in my split gear spring. I am not to concerned about it right now. I have purchased a couple of split gear springs and when the primary cover comes off I will take care of it. Not during this riding season though , I want to keep riding the thing. Maybe this fall.
 
When I took the worn spring out there was still tension in the split gear, I doubt if they wear to the point of being slack and the gears rattling around. You probably have other issues?
Clutch basket may be worth a look.
Taking primary cover off is real easy, gasket should be able to be reused, they are very thick.
 
My new 23 bike has 65 miles on it and it sound like a bag of nails worse below 3000 rpm like riding in town very worried had loads of Brit bikes nothing sounds like this my 71 commando sounds great . I think it’s bad primary noise call Norton today see what they say lit you all know
 
Joe 961 said:
My new 23 bike has 65 miles on it and it sound like a bag of nails worse below 3000 rpm like riding in town very worried had loads of Brit bikes nothing sounds like this my 71 commando sounds great . I think it’s bad primary noise call Norton today see what they say lit you all know
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The one i test rode wasn't as noisey as my old garner 961... but still quite noisey... it had a 'whirring'' sound when revved, that my old one didn't have... had you not heard a 961 running before you bought yours Joe..? they ALL sound like a bag o nails, it's just the way they are, and sound nothing like an old Brit bike- or anything else for that matter. Of course, your bike might have a problem, and you are correct to contact Norton.
 
961al said:
The one i test rode wasn't as noisey as my old garner 961... but still quite noisey... it had a 'whirring'' sound when revved, that my old one didn't have... had you not heard a 961 running before you bought yours Joe..? they ALL sound like a bag o nails, it's just the way they are, and sound nothing like an old Brit bike- or anything else for that matter. Of course, your bike might have a problem, and you are correct to contact Norton.
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A whirring noise sounds like gear whine.
Could be that pesky backlash spring on the primary intermediate gear.
Solution - louder pipes.:p
 
Joe 961 said:
My new 23 bike has 65 miles on it and it sound like a bag of nails worse below 3000 rpm like riding in town very worried had loads of Brit bikes nothing sounds like this my 71 commando sounds great . I think it’s bad primary noise call Norton today see what they say lit you all know
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Hi Joe , Are you saying that when you first bought the bike it was quieter than now and has gotten worse in 65 miles ? Certainly take it back to Norton for a service check . Maybe you can take another demo bike out to compare it ?
 
TonyA said:
Hi Joe , Are you saying that when you first bought the bike it was quieter than now and has gotten worse in 65 miles ? Certainly take it back to Norton for a service check . Maybe you can take another demo bike out to compare it ?
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Get hold of them tomorrow
 
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