Electric start on an S model

Does anyone know if either electric start system will fit on an S model?

Well, a commando is a commando is a commando. That being said the high pipes & central oil tank might foul a bit, but should work. I don't have either of the aftermarket ones ( got a MKIII especially because it had an electric leg- now it doesn't matter since there are conversion kits), but it seems the cNw one would be the one to go with. Try calling Matt at cNw, his kit, he should know better than anyone. "S" models are beauties though, my brother had a blue one back in the 70's. Super Cool

As to whether the exhausts clear or not, it all depends how far inboard they sit.

Here‘s some pics of the cNw kit, you can see that the e start drive sits inboard of the primary case gasket face.

Maybe these pics will give you something to compare against:

The Alton will fit with no issue at all. I'm confident that the CNW kit will as well as far as the pipes are concerned though as on any Commando, the stock Commando air filter won't fit. But as suggested, if in doubt re fit, give Matt a call. He/CNW are absolutely superb in every way. I have purchased a good bit of CNW products and have had nothing but excellent experience/response/quality from Matt!!

To be fair, Alton was also great as far as customer support when I had issues with the original version of their e-start back in '12. The current version does not have those issues. Mine has been completely trouble-free since '13.

I apologize if you already know the following:

The CNW kit is more expensive but also converts the primary drive to belt; the Alton retains the OEM chain but if you already have a belt drive Alton can supply the necessary spacers to accommodate it. The Alton uses a sprag clutch with "breakable/replacable" pins to prevent damage to the system if there is a heavy kickback. If the kickback is bad enough, the pins will shear/require replacement. The CNW uses a solenoid to engage the starter (like a car starter) so a kickback has no effect on the start system. Re sprag clutches - the Norton Mark III used a sprag clutch as OEM; the Alton sprag is a larger diameter, more robust unit by comparison. The Alton converts the alternator to their own alternator system; the CNW uses the standard Lucas alternator.

Re the air filter - I believe that CNW now offers a smaller version of the Norton ham can that will accommodate their E-start. Obviously, if you are happy with aftermarket filters or velocity stacks, the issue re the OEM ham can does not exist.

Good luck; you'll love E-start on the Commando, regardless of which one you choose!

There are some pics on the Colorado Norton Works website showing ‘SS’ pipes:

#113 https://coloradonortonworks.com/113-2/113-2/




And another one #56 https://coloradonortonworks.com/about-us/photo-gallery/nggallery/aboutus/056




Looking closely at the 'SS' pics, I wonder if the bottom pipe on the ‘S’ setup would need to be tucked in to the extent that it fouls the ‘hump’ on the inner primary chaincase that the starter motor screws onto.

You may need to get a custom pipe made up, as pulling a standard one forwards to give you the clearance you need would probably set the muffler at a weird angle.


I found a picture on Jim Bush’s website http://www.jba.bc.ca/JBCycle/NortonS.htm (he’s the guy who did the well known Bushman’s Carb Tuning Secrets that we’ve all read at some point)
Jim is a member of this forum ( @bushman ) so may want to chime in?
His bike doesn’t have an electric start, but the pipes look different to standard.



It appears that the bottom pipe kicks out further than the factory standard set up.
This would give you the clearance that you’re looking for.
It says in the text that this is an aftermarket exhaust system - it maybe worth getting in touch with Jim and asking about it if this is something you want to do!





With regard to Alton, there is a picture and video on their website of a fastback with ‘SS’ pipes




Let’s ignore the fact that his idle speed is so low his cam will probably have it’s lobes ground flat by now!
But looking closely, it appears that once again, the bottom pipe is kicked out further than a standard pipe.
I wonder if that’s to give the clearance needed.



So I would recommend that you proceed with caution.
Be ready to tweak your lower pipe, or at worst have a different one made up.

Hope that helps!

"Let’s ignore the fact that his idle speed is so low his cam will probably have it’s lobes ground flat by now!"

Looks like it also needs valve seals...

The mount for the Alton is on the inner primary case and it does not intrude as far "outward" as the CNW. I saw an Alton on an S in the UK at the IOM last year and the pipes were allegedly stock but despite my confidence that the S pipes will fit with the Alton, it would be prudent to verify that in both (CNW/Alton) cases.

They are both mounted on the inner primary case (both kits come with a replacement inner chaincase that integrates the mounting boss)

But yes, I get your point - the Alton indeed affords a little extra clearance because it is almost flush with the back of the case, whereas the cNw has a removable cover when has a bit of a curve to it.






My point is, with a stock 'S' pipe, I don't think either would work unless it was teaked.
This is one of Kenny's, and the pipes look about standard in terms of how they are tucked in.

Wow, thank you all you kind gentlemen. Very much appreciated.

I have an Alton fitted to my S type, no problem.