Norton Roadholder Despatch (1963)

My "restoration" is nearly done. I installed a Shimano Deore XT freehub rear wheel, and the driveline instability I reported earlier is gone. No more chain slap and axle flex!

The stock 80 cc motor cruises in 5th gear at 35+ mph and under 4k rpm. A vintage sprung saddle and other details have made this a great around-town bike, reliable and fun to ride on country roads too. Now for a bit more power...

Jan 2019 Still running great after 500+ miles. Upgraded countershaft chain (Wippermann 1G8) has needed only one adjustment!

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At Pleasure Point.jpg
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I've been wondering about the sprocket setup that you have. Is it only for bikes that have multiple gear sprockets in the pedal hub? And is that a kit that is installed on the engine in order to connect it to that sprocket? Looks much cleaner and less prone to trouble than the conventional long chain to the rear wheel sprocket.
 
I've been wondering about the sprocket setup that you have. Is it only for bikes that have multiple gear sprockets in the pedal hub? And is that a kit that is installed on the engine in order to connect it to that sprocket? Looks much cleaner and less prone to trouble than the conventional long chain to the rear wheel sprocket.

It isn't cleaner or less trouble-prone by nature, but if built correctly and used with care, gives the bike much more flexibility and hill-climbing torque. Here's where you can get more info and buy parts:

http://sickbikeparts.com/shift-kit-and-all-drive-products/
 
At 600+ miles on the clock, it's been solid and very rideable. With the better exhaust just installed, it pulls strong and cruises at 35 mph @4700 rpm. The motor with stock ports will now rev cleanly to 5500, but not in 6th cog, so the gearing feels right. Less revs, less wear....

I used a BBR Torquer-Up pipe with the resonator baffle plate replaced with a piece of hi-temp pipe insulation. Now it sounds like a proper glass-pack without the back-pressure.

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