Shift drum
The shift drum is a cylindrical shaped transmission component with machined cam slots around its outside diameter. When rotated by the external shift mechanism the cam slots actuate the shift forks to move sliding gears and dogs, thus causing the engagement and disengagement of various transmission ratios. Our shift drums are made in the UK by Norton’s exclusive manufacturing partners, this part is precision machined and then ground to ensure a consistently smooth gear change operation.
Clutch basket assembly
The clutch basket is precision machined from a billet of aircraft grade aluminium. This basket retains the 8 friction plates and sprung pressure plate mounted to the back of this basket assembly is the hardened steel primary reduction gear. This gear, again made in the UK by Norton’s exclusive manufacturing partners, incorporates a four spring torsional vibration damper arrangement to smooth the delivery throughout the rev range.
Group shot of covers, clutch basket, rocker tower assembly , throttle bodies and piston assembly
Norton’s New Logo – Evolution or Revolution
Sharper eyed web visitors may have already noticed the subtle changes we have made to the new logo recently. Here’s just a little history for those of you who don’t know about the legacy and origination of the Norton logo.
This is how the logo appeared in the early years,
circa 1902.
Lansdowne himself on the bike he rode in the 1909 TT
Continuing over the years with numerous changes and then in 1913, Landsdowne’s daughter coming up with this new logo with the new curly ‘N’.
You can clearly see the subtle design changes in this early vintage shot
Carter Wong Design Company were engaged to standardize the logo by taking the best design aspects and features of all the logo’s and the final result is of course unveiled today . Evolution or Revolution, take a look at Carter Wong’s working study below.
Dual Seat Commando 961 revealed for NEC
This is the new Norton Dual Seat in prototype, its’ first public appearance will be at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC .
Head of Sales, Chris Walker will be available there to show you around the bike.
First Commando Sport to New Owner!
Norton’s return to main stream motorcycle production with the 961 Commando Sport, has just gone to it’s first owner John Pitts. So far production has been devoted to the limited edition SE , however volumes of the Sport and the forthcoming Café Racer will exceed those of the SE.
Mr Pitts decided to go for the Commando Sport after trying the Cafe racer at the NEC show last year and decided to go for the less extreme sport. “ If I’d been 15 years younger I’d have gone for the Café Racer but I’ve got to consider my age ” John replied.
John’s praise didn’t stop there , he went on to say “The first time I met Stuart I actually made a point of thanking him for bringing the Norton brand back. “ John went on to say is bike will not be gathering dust in the winter months, as he will definitely be out on it during the winter!