New electric start conversion

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swooshdave said:
Can we assume bolt on with out modification to existing parts?[/quote

Yes. Just an inner primary replacement, a complete parts package, minor wiring. Straight forward installation. Which also means easy to reverse and put back to stock if needed.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com
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Good news, for sure.

If it costs less than a rolling basket case Commando with a title, it'll be GREAT news.
 
Matt- Will it fit my early 69 "S" model, which you are quite familiar with, with the points under the carb? Any of the other types I don't think give enough clearance for the starter moter because of the ignition location. Brian.
 
Matt,

Are you doing this because we are all getting old and can't kick start our bikes anymore? :D

At this point just watching because mine is an MKIII. Maybe the next one will need it.

Dennis
 
kohlerb said:
Matt- Will it fit my early 69 "S" model, which you are quite familiar with, with the points under the carb? Any of the other types I don't think give enough clearance for the starter moter because of the ignition location. Brian.
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Brian,

This I can not answer yet. We are looking at both pre existing starters and considering making our own. So ultimately depending on what size it ends up being, will determine if we have enough clearance between the ignition pod and starter

Hope we can make it work so they can be used on early models as well.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com
 
dennisgb said:
Matt,

Are you doing this because we are all getting old and can't kick start our bikes anymore? :D


Dennis
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Dennis,

Yes......

Fact is, as much as I enjoy kicking a Commando to life, there is no questions that its really sweet to have a push button that you can depend on when needed. Worst is when stalling a machine in traffic. Get is back into neutral, kicking it and hopefully get it started.....this all while impatient people in cars are lining up behind you.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

www.coloradonortonworks.com
 
CNW said:
dennisgb said:
Matt,

Are you doing this because we are all getting old and can't kick start our bikes anymore? :D


Dennis
Click to expand...

Dennis,

Yes......

Fact is, as much as I enjoy kicking a Commando to life, there is no questions that its really sweet to have a push button that you can depend on when needed. Worst is when stalling a machine in traffic. Get is back into neutral, kicking it and hopefully get it started.....this all while impatient people in cars are lining up behind you.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

http://www.coloradonortonworks.com
Click to expand...

That was a tongue in cheek comment...but I hear you. The reason I got an MKIII was because I had one 38 years ago and always loved the bike. It was new and would only start occasionally with the button. I never did the kick and push method. Just kicked it when it wouldn't turn over. The one I have now kick starts easily but still like the e-start when I'm lazy. Now with my recent back surgery will likely use the e-start.

I think it's great that you are looking at doing this. Have thought about belt drive but won't work with stock e-start system. All the issues with the Norton e-start make me feel a little uncomfortable, but it is what it is.

If you can solve the drive with a belt and eliminate the Sprague then you will have something very different than what is out there and you should do well with it IMO.
 
Fullauto said:
YAY!!!!!!!

If you have any problems, send it to Australia. We'll fix it!

Well done Matt.
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LOL We will try and "muttle" through the design. But if we need help I will send you a plane ticket.

I would love to learn your techmiques for aluminum castings. I own a CNW build with a Full Auto head. I am extremely impressed with the quality of the casting and machining. Well done sir.

I think everyone will be impressed with the design that Matt is working on
 
G81 Can Cycle said:
Fullauto said:
YAY!!!!!!!

If you have any problems, send it to Australia. We'll fix it!

Well done Matt.
Click to expand...

LOL We will try and "muttle" through the design. But if we need help I will send you a plane ticket.

I would love to learn your techmiques for aluminum castings. I own a CNW build with a Full Auto head. I am extremely impressed with the quality of the casting and machining. Well done sir.

I think everyone will be impressed with the design that Matt is working on
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Hey. You'd be disappointed with what you got for your plane ticket. I'm not smart, but I employ geniuses!!!!
 
Fullauto said:
Hey. You'd be disappointed with what you got for your plane ticket. I'm not smart, but I employ geniuses!!!!
Click to expand...

That makes you a smart man.
 
Happy New Year as year of the Eternal Commando. With a good bolt on removable starter for 750's all models can now fit a wider scope of sex and age and experience and finishes up list of what not being made no more so they can live on in any mode till civilization fails. At some point old titles and stem tags will bring a premium to build rest of a new Commando around better than ever. Imagine a time only air cooled pushrods left going will still be kissing cousins. Eelctric starter RH side car out fit would be on my list to do's state side.
 
hobot said:
. Imagine a time only air cooled pushrods left going will still be kissing cousins. Eelctric starter RH side car out fit would be on my list to do's state side.
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Great idea for a film - post apocalyptic EMP world, were only Nortons with their AAU/condenser/points ignitions and carbs work. An enterpising individual could make a fortune converting EFI bikes to carbs and points.
 
Serious survivalists have some old distributor or points ignition craft that are immune to EM pulse burn out or engine digital controls to hack down. Commandos can have it either way for now thankgoodness.
 
CNW said:
worntorn said:
Matt, will it utilize a Sprag or a Bendix type drive?
Bendix type would be ideal and would give you a strong selling point.

Glen
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I would prefer to make this all work without a sprag as I consider that a weak link. As mentioned, we will look into a few different set ups. The most important thing is that it will be reliable and perform as intended

We just recently talked about a Bendix and considering the experience STS has with that type of design, its very possible this will be the way we go.

http://www.coloradonortonworks.com
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Aren't sprags used in practicaly ALL Japanese motorcycles? Hinkley Triumphs use sprags too, even the new BMW flat twins use sprags, how do you see that as a weak point?

Jean
 
Just think. If the spragg seizes up, what is going to happen. If a spragg seizes up in an auto transmission, at least you will have direct drive, and still be drivable.

Most starters probably have a 10;1 REDUCTION. They will flick out of mesh when an engine fires at say 300-400 rpm. [ that's 3000 plus rpm on the starter armature. how fast would the starter turn when you revs the commando to 3000 rpm like we do after the first start. if the spragg seizes, 30,000 rpm on a starter armature would make it explode I would think ]


Hence my dislike of the spragg idea.

Dereck
 
kerinorton said:
Just think. If the spragg seizes up, what is going to happen. If a spragg seizes up in an auto transmission, at least you will have direct drive, and still be drivable.

Most starters probably have a 10;1 REDUCTION. They will flick out of mesh when an engine fires at say 300-400 rpm. [ that's 3000 plus rpm on the starter armature. how fast would the starter turn when you revs the commando to 3000 rpm like we do after the first start. if the spragg seizes, 30,000 rpm on a starter armature would make it explode I would think ]


Hence my dislike of the spragg idea.

Dereck
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As I said, about 90% of the world's motorcycles have sprags, it isn't a problem for them, why would it be for a Norton? A Kawasaki 1400cc making over 200HP has a sprag, it's starter also has a good reduction ratio from the starter motor to the engine, they rev to 10,000 RPM or more and their sprags endure that without a complaint, tell me why it wouldn't work for a Norton engine? You may not "like" sprags, it doesn't mean they don't work!

Jean

Jean
 
The problem with a starter conversions is the price, over $2500 and more plus postage, I am not a rich person and to me that money can be used for better things on my Norton, I am now 56 years old I still have no troubles kicking my Norton to life, but one day that could change but at these prices it won't be to soon for me and now no longer working money becomes more important to me, then there the other facts to take into account, will these new starters last the time, the converstion have only been around for a short time, and Alton kits have been moderfide a few time since they have been around, will they be still around or working good over time.
The poeple who have them will always say they are a great units, but no one has had one for that long only a few years so far, will they last over time say 10 to 20 years of use without any problems, yes things do wear out and parts will need replacements, could these new starters just be another money pit to spend our money on, I am not knocking these new gadgets, I love the ideas but also need to know if they will last, its a lot of money to spend and find out years down the track they become a big money spender to keep them going.

Ashley
 
ashman said:
The problem with a starter conversions is the price, over $2500 and more plus postage, I am not a rich person and to me that money can be used for better things on my Norton, I am now 56 years old I still have no troubles kicking my Norton to life, but one day that could change but at these prices it won't be to soon for me and now no longer working money becomes more important to me, then there the other facts to take into account, will these new starters last the time, the converstion have only been around for a short time, and Alton kits have been moderfide a few time since they have been around, will they be still around or working good over time.
The poeple who have them will always say they are a great units, but no one has had one for that long only a few years so far, will they last over time say 10 to 20 years of use without any problems, yes things do wear out and parts will need replacements, could these new starters just be another money pit to spend our money on, I am not knocking these new gadgets, I love the ideas but also need to know if they will last, its a lot of money to spend and find out years down the track they become a big money spender to keep them going.

Ashley
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is there a problem with the Alton starters after moderate use. or dare may one say expiry of the warranty period.

I cast no aspersions at all on Alton. the reason I ask is I really have no idea of how durable they are. any reviews would educate me.

Are there currently alternatives to Alton and the beefed up Heavy Duty thing for factory starter motors.

We all know factory one did not really have the chops. do Alton???. if used for 5 years daily, would they still start a bike. assuming good servicing if necessary. Aussie bradley
 
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