Hitchcocks Forum

Hello Chaps



Does anyone have our host's Newby (belt drive) clutch fitted to their bike and, if so, could you comment on the effort required to operate it?



I've a bit of a 'trick' finger on my clutch hand and my current clutch (fitted with the 3 heavier springs) is quite heavy enough to operate.



Thanks in advance.



Iain

Hi Iain, we have one on the 5 speed 500 RE racer. One finger operation is possible, with no slip or drag and it has stood up to nearly 10 years of racing and dyno testing. To sum up in two words : very good. Regards, Paul.

Hi ian.
i have one on my super meteor. It is light to operate and works an absolute treat. Ed

Thanks Chaps



A pretty emphatic thumbs up, then.



Cheers



Iain

Nobody has mentioned the best bit, fit it, adjust it, and forget it, an Enfield with a reliable clutch

I am fitting a complete Newby belt drive to my Interceptor but it isn't finished yet so I can't comment on ease of operation! My Mk 1 is fitted with a standard clutch but made up of parts from the standard Inter clutch and the very late optional "splined" clutch, it works very well indeed; if only someone would make the complete spline clutch it might solve a lot of problems without the expense of the full belt drive. (Burton Bike Bits offer the basket only.) Incidentally, I found tensioning the belt during installation a bit tricky, the guidance for correct free play is rather vague. If you go onto the Gates website (makers of the belts,) that doesn't help much either unless you are A) a qualified Mechanical Engineer and B) can do algebra!
REgards, Mark

Hi Mark



Being an idle sort of cove, I'll be giving the Newby clutch, along with my engine and our host's 612 kit, to Paul (Bullet Whisperer) but thanks for the heads up.



Iain

Hi all. Regarding tensioning the belt i spoke to bob newby about it and the advice given was as long as the belt can be twisted through 90 degrees when cold it is ok. This is due to the pulley and clutch basket expanding when warm. I fitted mine and didnt need to adjust or shim the gearbox at all. It amazed me how quiet the drive is compared with the old chain drive. Take it easy. Ed

Johnny what is involved in the 612 conversion and belt drive in terms of cost and hassle and what is the expected outcome? I have an 08 classic 500 ES last of the breed and top speed comfortably is 55 but it will o 70 although teeth are rattling. I would welcome more punch but dont want to compromise the reliabilty and thumping excellence if you know what i mean

Hi Sofiaspin



As I've never built one - and am getting the engine built for me - I can't comment on the hassle, but the cost of the engine kit and the clutch kit is about three thousand of your Earthquids (plus shipping and VAT).



Obviously, you need the base engine to begin with and, if you're not building yourself, you'll need to add the cost of getting someone to build it for you.



The expected outcome (for my purposes) is being able to punch out into the second lane without getting mown down by a truck.,br>


Cheers



Iain