Anybody installed one yet? I talked to Norvil and they said they could send the kit but I'd like to hear about any issues. I'm a little gunshy re the constantly engaged sprag gear but maybe that's no big deal. I'd frankly rather deal with Old Britts - I've had excellent service from them for years - but despite that fact that their Estart kit is undoubtedly superb, it requires conversion to belt drive, eliminates the stock airbox and requires other mods that I don't wish to do on my '73 Commando.

So...anyone have the Alton setup?

I can still kickstart my bike with no difficulty (so far) so there's no huge rush...

I will be getting a couple very soon, I would love to put one on my own bike, but they are going to other more needy Commando owners. For sure one of the next batch I get I will keep for myself.

If you are worried about the sprag being engaged all the time, that is how the e-start Commando was made, no one worries about that, they are more worried about the sprag NOT engaging when called uppon to do so.

Jean

One was recently installed locally to me.
I believe the install took a bit longer than suggested on the instructions but once on it fired up very well, and no panel beating needed to make it fit.
I only heard about it a month or so ago so it won't have many miles on it yet.
The only thing i had wondered is that the windings for the stator (from the pictures) are not epoxy encased. The early 6V Lucas alternators had problems which i believe were resolved in the subsequent models by the wiring being encased. Hopefully not a similar issue here.

Jeandr wrote:I will be getting a couple very soon, I would love to put one on my own bike, but they are going to other more needy Commando owners. For sure one of the next batch I get I will keep for myself.

If you are worried about the sprag being engaged all the time, that is how the e-start Commando was made, no one worries about that, they are more worried about the sprag NOT engaging when called uppon to do so.

Jean

Hi Jean
Have they made the belt drive systems yet? The chain drive unit that was demonstrated at the July Rally in NY was quite impressive. I was wondering if there was any progress with the high output alternator. Is this going to happen?
CNN

So......what is the best source for the drive?

Jeandr wrote:I will be getting a couple very soon, I would love to put one on my own bike, but they are going to other more needy Commando owners. For sure one of the next batch I get I will keep for myself.

If you are worried about the sprag being engaged all the time, that is how the e-start Commando was made, no one worries about that, they are more worried about the sprag NOT engaging when called uppon to do so.

Jean

Will you go for the belt drive or chAin system ? Next batch is planned for 2014?? (sarcasm!)
Philippe

I got some responses on another site stating that Alton has had to replace several alternator rotors due to clearance issues but I did not clearly understand if it was re the specific rotor used on the Estart or for their rotors in general. Anybody here heard of such issues?

MexicoMike wrote:I got some responses on another site stating that Alton has had to replace several alternator rotors due to clearance issues but I did not clearly understand if it was re the specific rotor used on the Estart or for their rotors in general. Anybody here heard of such issues?

It's the Alton Commando electric start alternator.

If I could only convince Fred/Ella at Old Brits to do a version of their starter without the need to switch to belt dr and to be able to use the oem airbox. Oh well

MexicoMike wrote:If I could only convince Fred/Ella at Old Brits to do a version of their starter without the need to switch to belt dr and to be able to use the oem airbox. Oh well

+1 ...even with the belt drive !!!

My two kits are on the way, one is spoken for and I can't reach the other guy from BC who contacted me, so if anyone is interested, leave me a PM.

Jean