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Electric start

Submitted by peter_eldridge on Mon, 05/12/2022
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Commando

I have an 850 mk2 that has been mildly tuned - high comp pistons, skimmed head and high lift cam. I'm not sure what the compression ratio is but probably about 10:1.

It's not easy to kick over, although it does have a longer kickstart and usually starts second kick. But age and dodgy knees mean I'm considering fitting an electric start.

I'm favouring the Alton starter rather than the CNW version as it appears a lot cheaper in UK and (IMHO) looks better.  

Has anybody any experience of the Alton starter with a tuned engine - do you think it man enough for the job?

Any thoughts/advice welcome. Thanks

Submitted by martyn_edwards1 on Mon, 05/12/2022

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I've fitted Alton starters into two Combats which are higher compression and mildly tuned and have had no issues at all. Fitting a more powerful battery of at least 18Ah is required. This can be challenging space wise as you also have to find a position for the starter solenoid but can be done.

Submitted by mark_woodward on Tue, 06/12/2022

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Hello Peter, as Martyn says, a fairly powerful battery is needed. I fitted an Alton starter to my Mk2A 920 Interstate and it worked well but the battery tray in the Mk2A sits across the frame (rather than in-line) and the resultant space is somewhat constrained - it might be worth checking the available space prior to committing to a specific battery.

Thanks for the replies - I don't have the large black airbox on mine as I have a Mikuni carb. With a bit of luck, I should be able to fit a powerful battery in the space. Thanks

Submitted by paul_nicholls on Tue, 13/12/2022

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The best option if you are not using the black box filter is to fit the earlier battery tray. You can then get a decent battery in there. I have found that even with the biggest battery fitted in a mk2a tray the starter can still struggle.

Paul

 


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