Single row roller bearing. Fitted to all OHV/SV pushrod and sidevalve engines (from 1930's to late 1950's). These are the correct original 'C3' looser fit bearings - but are from a slightly lesser quality NKE brand (i.e. not RHP Brand). See listing for more detail
Update 2024 - In previous years, we have been able to obtain this bearing in highest quality UK quality RHP brand (which originally were called Hoffman, and you may find in original Norton engines). However, RHP are no longer manufacturing the C3 fit version of this bearing - therefore as an alternative - we are now able to offer NKE Brand 'C3' Fit alternatives.
These are an Austrian/offhshore brand - and although not quite the same high quality as original RHP, are now considered one of the reasonable named brands (and much better than going for an unnamed offshore brand of unknown quality) . . . ultimately this is how it will go with all the main Norton bearings, as original RHP bearings as fitted to most Norton engines have now almost run out - and are no longer being produced by RHP. These bearings are still of a reaonable quality, and unless you are still riding your bike 20k miles a year . . . should be fine! (and are of course much cheaper than any 'new old stock' RHP brand versions we are still able to find.
Backround Information on C3 or Standard Fit bearings:
These 'standard fit' bearings are exactly the same manufacture as the C3 versions, except when fitted they have a less loose tolerance - so if you decide to fit them, bear this in mind and allow for it when first running them in (however, many people historically did not realise there were different fit bearings - so you may find your engine has already been fitted with standard bearings by a previous owner. Original C3 bearings will normally have either C3 stamped after the main bearing designate on the outer race, or 3 dots (i.e. '. . .'), which was often the old way of showing them as C3 fit.
Norton OHV Main Bearings - Additional Information:
Final point on ball and roller main bearings fitted to 1930's/50's OHV and SV engines: Unusually, Norton's showed a roller bearing being fitted on both sides of the crankcases on OHV/SV engines (i.e. 1948 catalog), with a ball bearing fitted just on the outer drive side. However, I have stripped OHV engines down in the past where a ball bearing is fitted both sides, with just the drive side inner being a roller bearing (as was the case with all SOHC engines). Not sure if it makes a great deal of difference - as like the SOHC engine, the OHV/SV engine was locked to the timing side bearing - but worth noting if you are struggling to find two roller bearings (and once ours have inevitably ran out).
Update: 2023: However - as we are now able to source the NKE make (a slightly less high quality brand from Austria, than the original RHP) in original C3 fit . . . they are available for both timing and drive side again now.
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