Retrofit electric start on an early Commando

I was very much involved in the prototype testing of the Commando in 1967/68 and now just turned 70, I'd kinda like to get one, just for old times' sake (but don't tell DW). Obviously, I'd like one of the earliest silver fast-backs, with the orange seat cover and the green "turn signal" emblems, as that's what I remember from the 1967 Earl's Court show. I'm not sure I'd ever find one that I could afford.

The big probelm would be that there's absolutely no way in hell I could kick one of those things into life. I had problems with it when I was a young lad! What are the possibilities that a modern electric start system could be grafted onto an early production bike, or maybe the installation of an electric start 850 into a '68 frame? If it's not feasible, I'll quit dreaming about it.

Obviously, I'd make sure that awful extra ttop tube was installed. Having seen it, I sure wish my concept for the AJS Stormer had been adapted for the Commando. It looks so much less of a kluge. Heath Robinson would be proud of what N-V came up with. For our US readers, Heath Robinson was the approximate equivalent of your Rube Goldberg.

I think I'm still a reasonable hand with spanners and hammers, and I was an engineer with over 40 years in the airplane industry after N-V, so I think I could handle the restoration work if I could find a suitable subject. I'm not sure I'd ride it much, but it's a sure nostalgia project.

Unless you're really out of sorts, you can start it. Put some 20W50 in it and give it a nice EI. Mine starts first time now and I'll be 69 this Nov. and I wouldn't say I'm in the best of shape. But I don't have any problem starting it. Most of the work is just getting ready and then riding it.

I'd love one of the early FB too, but actually I like the later ones with the pea shooters.

Heck, I only put about 500 miles on mine in the summer.

Dave
69S

http://nortoncommando.tradesman4u.com.au/history.htm

http://www.oldbritts.com/starter.html

Cost $3k plus installation.

Provides a lot of incentive to keep kicking.

jrh

Search here for some installs of the Alton ES system. Less than $2500 and completely reversible if you so decide later.

Frank,
The Alton electric starter kit is indeed a very good solution for your kick starting problem. This kit will fit every pre MK3 Commando except the one you prefer, the very early Commando 750cc (Atlas type engine with ignition unit behind the cylinder barrel). Don't stop dreaming about it and have fun with your future project!
Good luck,
Constant / Holland Norton Works