electric start upgrade

I have a 850 without electric start... I have back issues which when active can keep me from kick starting or kicking can cause them to act up...

Can a prymary (inner, outer and internals) from a latter model with electric start be bolted up to the earlier 850? I'm a welder, fabricator, machinist... so some modification is not a problem, I just want to know what I'm getting into. If It is to much work, then I will seek out a Kit already available.

Thanks

Sawsall said:

Can a prymary (inner, outer and internals) from a latter model with electric start be bolted up to the earlier 850? I'm a welder, fabricator, machinist... so some modification is not a problem, I just want to know what I'm getting into. If It is to much work, then I will seek out a Kit already available.

Click to expand...

Anything should be possible, provided enough time and MONEY is available.

The electric start D/S crankcase-primary joint is machined differently to the earlier models, it also has four unequally spaced studs that retain the inner cover and outrigger plate.
The MkIII crank D/S main shaft is longer, because of the additional starter sprag mechanism, so it may be easier (simpler?) if a MkIII engine or bottom end were to be used?

http://www.oldbritts.com/1975_g10.html
http://www.oldbritts.com/1975_g11.html
http://www.oldbritts.com/1975_g12.html

You would need most of the MkIII primary drive internals (not the cross-over gear mechanism) including the hydraulic tensioner, starter motor, solenoid and upgraded alternator and battery.

Selling your own 850 model and buying an electric start MkIII would probably end up being the cheapest and easiest option in the long run I would have thought, even if the starter system required the usual upgrades?