Mk.lll electric start retro fit

Whilst some belt drive kits will accomodate the starter drive train, general consensus is the sprag clutch needs to run in oil, thus negating one of the advantages of fitting a belt.

I too would be keen to hear if anyone is regularly using a belt and starter, having rebuilt a worn gearbox at 20K miles....

Previously chris_moorhouse wrote:

Hi folks,

There's a mk3 I'm interested in but its electric starter has been removed and the primary drive has been modified with a belt drive (brand unknown). Is it possible to refit an original starter or would the primary have to be reverted to chain drive,please ?

Cheers

Chris M

If you look at the starter system Drive gear item 19 runs on a needle roller bearing on the crank shaft, the sprag drives from this gear. If the bearing or sprag seized to this gear through lack of lubrication the starter motor would be driven very fast and probably self destruct.

I've been pricing the parts to put the electric start motor and gear train back in my MK3 (which still has the chain drive). With the upgraded starter motor you are looking at upwards of £1,200 for all the parts not counting the chain, tensioner and clutch basket to replace the belt drive. Probably better to look for a MK 3 that still has the chain drive at least.

Does the bike come with some of the bits. Can you get a look inside the primary drive casing to see what might be still there or has the pri/drive casing had holes cut in it so rendering it no good for oil tightness. The starter being removed is a reason to talk the price down. will it be worth it?

The alternator mounting plate might still be fitted as the MK3 crank is longer so putting the alternator further outboard. if the alternator is mounted like a MK 2/2a the engine might have had an earlier crank fitted (shorter than a MK3,s crank). Another point to check.

Regards

Peter