Alton start kid

Bormans · 2026-09-27T01:00:52-0600

Hello,
l want to install an Alton start kid on my Norton commando Mark 2 .But l'we been told there's a problem with secura the freewheel clutch unit - breaking off.The connection is on the part of the cranckshaft and isn't secure enough in damage to bothcomponents. the anti-backfire unit is also vulnerable and requires frequent maintenance (broken plastic rollers) . What solution does Yves van hees have? Could you pleas provide your contact information so l can get in touch with you?
Best regards
Bormans Richard

robs ss · 2026-09-27T03:46:01-0600

Your bot seems to have mistaken this for the Alton website.

Bormans · 2026-09-27T04:07:27-0600

Bormans said:
Hello,
l want to install an Alton start kid on my Norton commando Mark 2 .But l'we been told there's a problem with secura the freewheel clutch unit - breaking off.The connection is on the part of the cranckshaft and isn't secure enough in damage to bothcomponents. the anti-backfire unit is also vulnerable and requires frequent maintenance (broken plastic rollers) . What solution does Yves van hees have? Could you pleas provide your contact information so l can get in touch with you?
Best regards
Bormans Richard

robs ss · 2026-09-27T04:53:33-0600

,,,and again

grandpaul · 2026-09-27T07:26:26-0600

robs ss said:
Your bot seems to have mistaken this for the Alton website.

I think he's asking a valid question.

My answer would be to buy a CNW unit.

velo54 · 2026-09-27T07:54:57-0600

With the Yves or similar modification the Alton unit performs very well. And is the only kit, i think, that does not have a sprag clutch issue. Graham

kommando · 2026-09-27T08:16:36-0600

It still has the sprag issue with the safety backfire device being the sacrificial nylon pucks. If these go away from home you have to revert to kickstarting until you replace the pucks. They have fitted more pucks and strengthened them but they are still sacrificial.

NORTSTER1974 · 2026-09-27T09:45:34-0600

I bought an Alton about 5 years ago for my 74. I would have went with a CNW unit but he did not accept PayPal which would have allowed me to pay over time, interest free. At the time I was running a Power Arc ignition from Old Britts. The Alton was always punky and could hardly spin my motor even though I upgraded the battery cables to 8awg. The battery was sufficient @ 320CCA. So I ditched the Norton for my dependable Harley. I figured it was a $2400 mistake. There's no mention of the shear pins in the installation instructions.

Earlier this year my buddy/mate decided to rewire the bike, install a Shindegen, and upgrade the battery cables to 6awg, also install a Trispark which we had on the shelf. Before we tried to start it we removed the primary cover only to find evidence or sheared pins. @DennisMo said they had come from Alton with 3 pins but there was room for 6. He also said that Alton was now using 5 pins. I thought that was kind of silly so I installed 6. Now the Alton is doing what it is supposed to do, start the bike effortlessly Knock on wood..

grandpaul · 2026-09-27T16:46:28-0600

NORTSTER1974 said:
I bought an Alton about 5 years ago for my 74. I would have went with a CNW unit but he did not accept PayPal which would have allowed me to pay over time, interest free. At the time I was running a Power Arc ignition from Old Britts. The Alton was always punky and could hardly spin my motor even though I upgraded the battery cables to 8awg. The battery was sufficient @ 320CCA. So I ditched the Norton for my dependable Harley. I figured it was a $2400 mistake. There's no mention of the shear pins in the installation instructions.

Earlier this year my buddy/mate decided to rewire the bike, install a Shindegen, and upgrade the battery cables to 6awg, also install a Trispark which we had on the shelf. Before we tried to start it we removed the primary cover only to find evidence or sheared pins. @DennisMo said they had come from Alton with 3 pins but there was room for 6. He also said that Alton was now using 5 pins. I thought that was kind of silly so I installed 6. Now the Alton is doing what it is supposed to do, start the bike effortlessly Knock on wood..

All 6 pins basically means you have zero protection.

How high is the risk of needing them to shear? I don't know...

baz · 2026-09-27T17:00:14-0600

grandpaul said:
All 6 pins basically means you have zero protection.

How high is the risk of needing them to shear? I don't know...

I've only ever ran mine with 6 pins it's never been a problem but it's fitted with Lucas Rita ignition and has never kicked back so hopefully won't ever be an issue

Alton start kid

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