Starter motor opinions please!

I am getting along nicely with my MK3 Commando rebuild (see my rebuild thread), and have spent quite a bit on paint, forks and carbs so my next big expense will be a new starter motor. Why? because the old one is absolutely shagged!!! it never worked since the day I got the bike and I would love to fit a new one for this rebuild.

I have some options:
Buy a new standard starter from AN for £495 !!!
Get a rebuild kit from RGM £58+ a lot of other bits and bobs £???
Or buy a new four brush starter from Norvil with better reduction ratio for £270 (sounds like the best option).

So what do you all think? Has anyone fitted these to their bikes and if so which one do you recommend? I would be interested in reviews on the Norvil starter.

Thanks for the replies in advance

CB

I have the one that Norvil sells - made in the U.S. by Dave Comeau of Atlantic Green Technical Services, and sold by a number of people. I use it with an Odyssey PC545 battery in a MKII tray, heavier cables, and Japanese switchgear. It's worked very well - no complaints at all. My original sprag seems to be a good one, and that makes a huge difference on how people feel about their MKIII e-starts. Hope I didn't jinx things by saying that!

Cheshire bloke said:

Get a rebuild kit from RGM £58+ a lot of other bits and bobs £???

Click to expand...

My Prestolite starter works amazingly well with an AGM battery, heavier gauge starter leads and the RGM four brush conversion.
The starter can also be upgraded further with 4 field coils from a Harley D. Prestolite.
However, there won't be much point attempting to repair or upgrade your Prestolite starter if the armature is knackered as it is specific to the Commando starter (thus rare and expensive-obviously!) and a Harley Prestolite armature is not suitable.

Cheshire bloke said:

Buy a new standard starter from AN for £495 !!!

Click to expand...

+20% VAT = £594

+1 for Dyno Dave's starter. I fitted one to my Interstate, and it spins the engine up like a turbine. Way superior to the original Prestolite.

Ken

Yep David showed off one of his first at Ohio rally '04 and made me jump with a startle when he touched off the spinner!

http://atlanticgreen.com/starter.htm

Excellent replies as usual thanks guys.
Here is a picture of my existing starter and as you can see there are some bits missing, and it's looking tired, so I really think it's time to replace it.



The Norvil is looking favourite at the moment

Hi Guys. There are two good starters available for the commando 3 that I know of. There's a short one from Norvil in the UK, and a gorgeous chromed replacement from Colorado Norton Works. Both 4 pole. The CNW starter that I just got is beautiful, with concours grade chrome. They say it will turn a small block Chevy V-8. Both companies sell online. Make sure they check stock before you order…. -Mike

Holy crap, man. Where were you 2 years ago when this thread was posted.

I would hope the author has resolved his issue by now.......but you never know.

I think you deserve a second chance at a first post.
How about telling us how the Norton Commando changed your life or something like that. Be sure to start a new thread if you do.

Welcome, just the same.