English French German Italian Spanish

Mk3 13mm Front Master Cylinder Conversion

Submitted by andrew_mackenzie on Sat, 06/06/2020
Forums
Commando

Hi,

Upgrade of the Mk3 front master cylinder to 13mm is clearly a worthwhile mod, but the A-N kit is unavailable at present; plus, I baulked at the price and having to buy the full m/c, including lever and cap.  Curiously, the pre-Mk3 m/c is available (when in stock) in bare form at a more reasonable-ish price (why not for the Mk3?).  Consequently, I am considering buying an RGM reline kit.  I realise I would have to make a suitable jig to hold the cylinder while opening up and tapping the bore for the sleeve, and have a suitable pillar drill.

Does anyone have recent experience of converting the m/c using the RGM kit, as I have previously seen mixed reviews of it?

Regards, Andy

Submitted by gary_knowles1 on Sat, 06/06/2020

Permalink

Hi Andy,

             Done both of my Commandos & it is a hell of a lot better. Had a slight leak from one of them the other day, I think it was around the thread on the liner. I ordered new seals from RGM & put them in at the same time I re-sealed the thread for safety's sake.

Submitted by neil_brandrick on Sat, 06/06/2020

Permalink

If you're not hung up on originality then there are lots of 13mm master cylinders available. I got a good quality 1/2" Nissin one off a Honda with the bonus of a nice adjustable lever from a breaker. Second bonus is spares are readily available. Just one difficulty is the need to make/adapt a rear half clamp for the right side handlebar Lucas switchblock but this can be done using an old (or new) clutch side clamp with a bit of fettling. Add a braided hose made to suit by Hel and you're done. Overall I'm happy with my adaption and feel safer knowing the master cylinder is an original OEM quality unit and all at a sensible cost.

P.S. Mine is a Mk2a, don't know if there is any difference with a MK3 ?

Submitted by mike_sullivan on Sat, 06/06/2020

Permalink

Hmm, I 'm sure that when I replaced mine (Mk 3) a lever-less version was available (it was several years ago & I'm not sure what day it is today!)

Mike

Submitted by alan_hesslewood on Sat, 06/06/2020

Permalink

Done the RGM kit recently but haven`t tried it yet. You can send your M/C to them to convert if you don`t have the gear to do it yourself.

Al.

Submitted by andrew_mackenzie on Sun, 07/06/2020

Permalink

Thanks for the comments.

Al, I spoke to RGM about six months ago and was advised that they no longer offer the relining service; they do however still sell the tools needed for £25, returnable for a credit note, though I’d likely keep them.  I do have a spare m/c body, so there is nothing to lose by giving it it a go, other than the £87 for the kit plus tools if it goes wrong!  Visually, the result will look like an original m/c, which does appeal to me.

Andy

Submitted by peter_shand on Mon, 08/06/2020

Permalink

Morning Andrew

I have fitted one of these kits for a customer and have a couple more of them to do. They work very well. If you have the equipment and can drill and tap absolutely true there is no reason why you cannot do the work yourself.

regards

Peter   

Submitted by andrew_mackenzie on Tue, 09/06/2020

Permalink

Well, as so typically happens (to me anyway), I have just tried to order the RGM reline kit, only to find it is now out of stock with no availability date, so yet another rebuild task that has had to be put on hold - doh!!  Ce la vie.......

Submitted by mathew_lloyd on Wed, 10/06/2020

Permalink

I was looking to buy the reline kit too and noticed it was out of stock. On a quick glance it looked like they had all the individual parts on the kit.  I plan calling them. 

Submitted by alan_sessions on Wed, 10/06/2020

Permalink

Hi Andrew - I have a kit bought years ago that was never fitted - send me a PM with your address & I'll post it to you - settle up later if you think it valuable - Alan

Submitted by nick_harwood on Wed, 10/06/2020

Permalink

Hi Andy,

I fitted the RGM kit a few years ago and it works very well.  The only faffy bit is correctly setting the piston travel in the cylinder. 

Subsequently, I fitted a Norvil stainless 12" front disc and a Pretech calliper.  These plus the RGM upgrade mean I get modern braking performance and no crossed fingers at road junctions!

RGM were offing a drill and tap kit (cost refunded on return to them).  When I bought the 13mm kit they had stopped offering the upgrade as a service in their own workshop because of work load constraints.  Maybe that has changed?

Incidentally, I've also installed a 13mm master cylinder capsule from Andover Norton (part no 06.7247) to upgrade the Commando mk3 rear brake assembly.  I'm very pleased with that result too.

Cheers,

Nick.

Submitted by tomas_tesar on Sun, 09/08/2020

Permalink

Hi i want to buy kit too and i asked in RGM it will be  in 14 days aviable to buy.

 

 



© 2024 Norton Owners Club Website by 2Toucans