Electra , Tyres, Ignition

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to NOC and the forum.

Try this link

https://www.nortonownersclub.org/node/7517

Reading this you will see the Electra correct tyre sizes. You will also see a lot of opinion, often from people who have never owned a Norton Lightweight, never mind an Electra. I leave it to you to seek out the pearls from the rest of the wisdom.

I run electronic ignition and having run previously on points for many miles. Pazon or Boyer, the electronic ignition transforms maintenance, performance and reliability.

Peter

Is really dependent upon how you ride it or want to ride it. If you just want to tootle around at a leisurely pace,  then Avon Skidmasters or Mitas will be fine. If you like to enjoy a brisk pace (relatively speaking) and chamfer the stand lug/ silencer/ footrests then Conti Classic Attacks are, I believe, in pole position as probably the best 'classic bike' tyres available today (they are radials). Avon Roadrider and Bridgestone BT45's (now 46's) are in the middle, but still very very good. Just remember the tyres are your link between enjoying your bike and rueing the scrapes, dents etc when they didn't grip.

Regards, George 

Hi Andrew,

Further to Peters information (a very comprehensive answer and much better coming from a lightweight owner than me), 

From your originals noted above, a 3.25x19 has a metric equivalent of a 90/90x18.

A 3.50x18 would be either a 100/90x18 or (if you can find one) a 100/80x18.

I should state that the minimum recommended rim width for a 100/90 is a WM3, so if you have WM2 rims front and back this will limit your choice. Of the tyres I mentioned, only the Avon Roadriders are a 'universal' tyre, i.e. can be fitted on either wheel. All the others are for front only or rear only fitment. This is good news should you choose/need to go with a 90/90 at both ends.

For info, based on Peters notes, I measured the installed width of my various bike tyres today.

Bridgestone BT45 F90/90x18 on WM2 rim = 87mm wide, R110/80x18 on WM3 rim = 109mm wide.

Metzeler Roadtec01 F100/90x18 on WM3 rim = 100mm wide, R110/90x18 on WM3 = 109mm wide

Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp F100/90x18 on 2.5"rim = 99mm, R130/70x18 on 3.5" rim =132mm wide.

From these examples, they all have an installed width very close to the stated width.

HOWEVER, Avon (from their website)  state a width of 97 - 99mm for a '90' section tyre, and 107 - 109mm for a '100' tyre. Why this should be I have no idea (the roadrider widths seem to be all over the place when you scroll down the list!) but you need to be aware that they may be wider than what you would think. If you want/need to go with Avon, perhaps a phone call/email to their tech dept will confirm.

Hopefully you will be able to find something that a/fits, b/ will suit your riding style and use, and c/ won't break the bank. 

I will add that Avon inner tubes are quality items, way better than the various 'unheard of ' far eastern brands readily available on ebay and cheap outlets.

Hope that this helps,

George.

On the web site  aoservcies.co.uk  is some specific advises for fitting Boyer ignition and Regulation for the 12V etc. Recommend 2X 6V Wipac coils (Second hand will do nicely)

Back to tyres for a moment - I find (as Peter says) that you cannot stray far from the truth with the back tyre. Also, a good old-fashioned square profile is recommended.

As Peter says - stray off the guidelines with a modern round proflie tyre and you are inviting trouble. There is very little room 'twixt tyre sidewall & mudguard alongside the chain run.

Mitas tyres are OK in my book - they do an excellent tyre - I have one fitted at present.

Its 3.25 x 18 on the rear. - See photo

Hello I have a New Rear Mitas tyre Dunlop copy, For sale around the 65 Quid and mark It is A 350x18 bought by for my Navigator but I have another one as well the front tyers were 3.00x19 they come in at 86 Quidish   Now have Fun guys  Now if you want to buy a  350X18 Mitas Rear Tyer New Then Email annjeannette@btinternet.com  

Yours Anna j

3.25 sounds too big for the front.  Dommies (and Inters) made do with 3.00, as did Commandos up to 1973.  If the forks are 7" spacing, modern 90/90 will be very close to the bridge.  I have a Roadrider in the garage that I took off my Dommie because I couldn't stop it rubbing - the previous Roadrunner just slightly touched occasionally but the newer Roadrider scraped.  Bacon lists 19" rims with 3.00x19.  If you have 18", maybe there's a little more space?  But steering may not be as nice.

Avon SM2 / Speedmaster will be closest to original, and they have modern rubber. 3.00x19 front, 3.25x18 rear.

Hello  all now Metric size tyers will be hard to go on the rims as these are sized for tubless tyers and cast alloy wheels where you need a tyre fitting machine, So you still can get Tyers for tubes in Imperial sizes  So you can fit them at home with your own set of tyers irons like I do  Now do have fun Ps now 3.25 x19 front tyers are Not too big As I have them on front of my Norton Manxman 650 and I have recently fitted a new rear Avon Tyer A 4.00x18 Rear with a New tubes and rim clamps                     yours anna j