Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec start

I have been thinking off and on about the CNW elec start ever since they said they were going to build one. When it came with a belt drive I was really tempted. I still haven't made the plunge, but wondered how these were working out on the road.

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

Matt showed it to me in a test frame/ motor at the Quincy rally. I am very impressed with the workmanship. It looks like a very good system. No testimony yet that i have seen with it in use. Possibly too early.

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

If it retained the ham can air cleaner it would be a no brainer for me. I just hate to get rid of that for pods though and lose the ig switch mount. But when I get so old that I can't kick it anymore I'll likely change my mind.

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

lrutt said:

If it retained the ham can air cleaner it would be a no brainer for me. I just hate to get rid of that for pods though and lose the ig switch mount. But when I get so old that I can't kick it anymore I'll likely change my mind.

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I will obviously follow this thread with interest but will stay away from making any 'sales pitches'

That said, I will make comments to make sure the info is correct

While you cant use the original bean can, the back plate that mounts to the battery box and that the ignition switch mounts to, can in fact be retained. So no need to relocate the ignition

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star


Matt, I use a narrow air filter element with an Alton, would that be possible with your unit?

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

Don,

Thanks for the response but no....that narrow filter box would still not fit. Our starter is relatively large since it has a solenoid built into it as well.





Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.colordonortonworks.com

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

I took my time and found that the installation was pretty straightforward. Had to learn not to over think the install directions, but rather do exactly what was said. Install comments about WHY to do something in a certain way might have alleviated some anxiety. An electrical schematic would have been welcome, but was not needed. Bike starts instantly hot, cold, anytime. No hesitation, balking, slowness. I had previously installed a cNw dual lead coil, and installed a new Shorai lithium iron battery as part of my install. I run a single Mikuni and a TriSpark ignition. It is amazing what that tiny lightweight battery can do. I also bought and installed new Barnett clutch plates as it was advised that the the OEM sintered Bronze plates would not work correctly. The clutch basket came with an additional steel plate and with the rest of the plates added the basket was filled precisely to the edge of the groove where the large circlip is installed. The clutch pull is exceedingly easy (two finger) and there is no clutch slip at WOT like the bronze plates will do when primary oil gets to them.

I am scratching my head, though, about a couple of issues which arose after the installation: 1) Much of the time the transmission will now not
snick into first gear from neutral without rolling the bike forward or backwards a couple of feet. 2) The transmission occasionally goes into a false neutral when shifting. 3) When downshifting from 4th there is sometimes a lag period of several seconds before the drive engages. I had suspected that these issues were drive belt or drive chain tensioning issues, but both are carefully adjusted to the manual/directions. I welcome any thoughts about this.

Would I do this install again? YES, without a doubt! Otherwise I was going to have to give up riding my '74 Roadster because I was losing the athleticism needed to kick it over, and it hurt.

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

My experience with over 4,000 miles on the system on a 1972 750cc has been positive. The bike is running before you finger is off the button. Fit fine with the back of the air box to retain the ignition mount switch. Electric wiring was simple, mounting to the existing stock Commando switch gear. Belt I have snugged just a little bit since install, clutch pull is very easy. I think cosmetics are what you expect from CNW, the inner primary is a work of art.

This all went on a unrestored stock bike, zero upgrades to electrics etc. I used a sealed Yuasa battery and it works perfectly. This was for my aging father so he could keep riding this bike so reliability was key.

It is hard to beat interactions with Matt, when someone treats you the same way on a 20$ part as they do on a $2500, it is a no brainer to keep supporting CNW.

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

Which Yuasa battery did you use?

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

allver67 said:

It is hard to beat interactions with Matt, when someone treats you the same way on a 20$ part as they do on a $2500, it is a no brainer to keep supporting CNW.

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Absolutely my sentiments exactly !

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

My year-end bonus is going directly to CNW for one of their starter kits.All of the small items that I have purchased from Matt have performed,fit,and looked great.He will take time to talk with you no matter what the subject and I do not think he would market anything that is anything but first class.
YING

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

allver67 said:

My experience with over 4,000 miles on the system on a 1972 750cc has been positive. The bike is running before you finger is off the button. Fit fine with the back of the air box to retain the ignition mount switch. Electric wiring was simple, mounting to the existing stock Commando switch gear. Belt I have snugged just a little bit since install, clutch pull is very easy. I think cosmetics are what you expect from CNW, the inner primary is a work of art.

This all went on a unrestored stock bike, zero upgrades to electrics etc. I used a sealed Yuasa battery and it works perfectly. This was for my aging father so he could keep riding this bike so reliability was key.

It is hard to beat interactions with Matt, when someone treats you the same way on a 20$ part as they do on a $2500, it is a no brainer to keep supporting CNW.

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Which Yuasa battery did you use and also, what charging system did you use?

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

Yellow_Cad - I just used a sealed equivalent of the Yusa yb14LA2

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

Yellow_CAD - I just realized you ask about the charging system. I should have been more clear in my original post. It is all the 40 year old stock Norton electrics. Nothing has been changed, original loom, stock rotor / alternator etc. So it is working with a bone stock electric system. The bike has a boyer ignition that is it.

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

No but just for a laugh go on the web and look up the Quiet Power Drive site and watch the electric starter system Bob Oswald developed for Triumph twins MANY years ago for Meriden......so simple. Friend fitted one to a Commando..works perfectly...and another friend fitted the diaphragm spring clutch and belt system to his TR6 along with the QPD starter system..the road test reported it 'a revelation'......and compared to the crap Triumph and Norton fitted...... I laugh when I see some of the systems out there....but bullshit always did baffle brains....

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

J. M. Leadbeater said:

No but just for a laugh go on the web and look up the Quiet Power Drive site and watch the electric starter system Bob Oswald developed for Triumph twins MANY years ago for Meriden......so simple. Friend fitted one to a Commando..works perfectly...and another friend fitted the diaphragm spring clutch and belt system to his TR6 along with the QPD starter system..the road test reported it 'a revelation'......and compared to the crap Triumph and Norton fitted...... I laugh when I see some of the systems out there....but bullshit always did baffle brains....

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And precisely what is the point of looking at a system that is no longer available?

By your own admission, you sir have baffled a lot of brains...

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

J. M. Leadbeater said:

No but just for a laugh go on the web and look up the Quiet Power Drive site and watch the electric starter system Bob Oswald developed for Triumph twins MANY years ago for Meriden......so simple. Friend fitted one to a Commando..works perfectly...and another friend fitted the diaphragm spring clutch and belt system to his TR6 along with the QPD starter system..the road test reported it 'a revelation'......and compared to the crap Triumph and Norton fitted...... I laugh when I see some of the systems out there....but bullshit always did baffle brains....

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How is this relevant to the CNW system?

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

I laugh when I see some of the systems out there....but bullshit always did baffle brains....

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just curious Mr. Leadbetter but what year and model Commando do you presently own and ride?

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

Well, this is the second time that I have attempted to post a response and a review regarding cNw's e-start system on the forum; not certain what happened to my first response (cyberspace)? So, here goes again; fingers crossed!

In short, I had cNw bring my cNw bike 76, built by Matt in 2009, up to cNw's modern day standards (2016). I took my bike down to Colorado this past June and had cNw do the work, which not not only included the e-start installation but the upgraded alternator system and billet outer primary cover, the latter to compliment the mirror-like shine of the inner cover. There was a lot of other work done to the bike as well; upgraded alternator system, Shorai lithium battery, Fullauto head, electronic instruments, twin FCR's, etc. I have all the tools and my own workshop but the 'pilgrimage' down to cNw was well worth the effort and somewhat comforting to know that the work was done right the first time and it provided Matt the opportunity to have a good look at the bike after his initial build some seven years prior. The cNw shop is a beautiful 'machine' onto itself; well laid out in design and spotless.

The e-start system is, as we've all come to expect from cNw parts, a work of art. The gears are all hardened steel and the design is such that the e-start system disengages once the bike starts. All one has to do is breathe on the starter and the bike comes to life. I am more than capable of kick starting my 850 but we've all encountered those hot summer days and being stuck in construction traffic, shutting down the machine and waiting for an extended period. Without warning, the traffic starts moving again; being able to bring the bike to life immediately with a starter is a comforting feeling and, no doubt, as I get older it will be more than a nice option. I highly recommend the e-start system to any of you that are considering the unit.

One final comment and one that has been said before on this forum and that is the support and service from cNw (Matt) is unequaled. cNw stands behind their products and will provide you all the support you require to install the system yourself or have Matt do it for you.

Cheers, Bryan

Re: Any stories successful or otherwise on the CNW elec star

I have installed both the Alton and the CNW starter on bikes other than my own and was impressed by the quality of both and the excellent over the phone service from both places. If I had to choose between them I would probably get the CNW but it is almost a toss-up. Since I do not own the bikes I have no idea how they still perform. Both were for people in their late 70's who wanted to keep riding their Nortons.