New electric starter kit?

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There was a recent thread on Facebook about a new electric start conversion kit. It appeared to be a development of the QPD system, or at least it looked very similar. From what I could see it used a bendix type starter directly on to a ring gear attached to the back of the clutch. I think the chap doing the development was in the UK and there was a mention of it being marketed by Norvil in the UK. In response to a question the chap said there was also going to be an agent in Australia, so I assume it will also be marketed in the US. Does anyone know any details?
 
There might be a price advantage for UK customers if there's a UK sourced alternative??
 
I know Mr Emery's reputation isn't the best (though my personal experience has been that his bedside manner leaves much to be desired, but I've not been let down by his product like some have), but I'd happily use anything that RGM put their name to....
 
RGM have been working on theirs for at least 4 years, doubt with the CNW arrival it will ever be offered unless Roger can magic up a price advantage. Any Norvil version will have a large Indian made content, as the gearbox outer cover with the reverse gear marking it may not turn the right way.
 
But in these days where most 'news' headlines include the words: 'Could, Might or *May', surely we can argue over pure speculation or rumour anyway? :)
Mind you, with an eye to the: 'long term', might well be better to drop the: 'starter' bit and work on a full electric conversion kit...

(*Theresa excepted)
 
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There is this conversion from Custom Classic Cycles in Texas, which uses some parts sourced from the UK.


It's an updated version of the starter originally developed by Bob Oswald at QPD, and later improved upon by Kenny Dreer, and finally by Fred at Old Britts.

The attached file gives more details on its history and design.

Ken
 

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Some pictures of their E-start from the CCC site.

New electric starter kit?


New electric starter kit?


New electric starter kit?


Ken
 
The CCC starter does look very much like the one featured on the Facebook page. It would obviously take more time to instal but the finished product looks very good.
 
I've just received a reply from Billy Bob Cox at CCC. Apparently they've turned over the manufacture and marketing of the system to a major British motorcycle company. I think the system itself look great, so hopefully it'll come to the market as a viable alternative to those already available.
 
It's a shame as CCC probably have a better reputation in the market than Norvil.

...even if I was Les Emery, I think I would be inclined to launch it under a different brand rather than tether it to one that a lot of people dislike.
 
Out of curiosity: How do you adjust the tension the primary belt? Or do you need to?

EDIT: Answered my own question - they add a belt idler.
 
Does the world really need another Norton E-start conversion? Can't imagine there's sufficient market for a third choice to be viable...
 
Does the world really need another Norton E-start conversion? Can't imagine there's sufficient market for a third choice to be viable...
If it's competitively priced.... why not?

I would think that if you have a business selling parts for these bikes, you must be aware that your customer base will either be getting older and more feeble, or younger with more 'rider convenience' expectations. Seems logical as this will appeal to both and keep more bikes in use...
For some, price IS a big consideration...
 
Unless there is a serious price advantage compared to Alton and CNW, which seems unlikely to me by looking at Ken's pictures, I see not much of a potential market for yet another E starter, and if brought on the market by Norvil, probably even less so.
 
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