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Norvil electric starter kit

Submitted by mark_woodward on Wed, 03/08/2011
Forums
Commando

Hello all - I've been interested in the various electric starter 'kits' mentioned for pre-Mk3 Commandos and the new set advertised by Norvil looks promising. Looking at the small illustrations and specs it looks very similar to the Alton system that's been rumoured for a couple of years. Real Classic mag states that the Norvil system has been shown at some shows since last Autumn - have any of you seen it ? I looked on the Norvil website and could find no info - I phoned Norvil asking where info was on their website and was told "I don't know - I haven't looked at the website for some time - you need to speak to Les Emery after 16.00 hrs" - I would have thought this item is a reasonably 'big-deal' and would warrant a special mention on their website. No mention has been made as to the size of battery required (my Commando is a 920 and thus may need a bit of "umph"). They state that a system suitable for belt drives will be available in the Autumn - they make no mention as to whether this will fit all belt-drive systems or whether it will only work with a Norvil item (my system is a RGM belt-drive which has given good service).

Any comments ?

Cheers,

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/08/2011

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Mark,

Following the crepuscular response from Norvil to your request for information, why not take a look at the Old Britts pre-Mk.lll electric start conversion? I am sure Fred Eaton would be only too pleased to explain it further, provided you take the time difference into account as Old Britts is in Seattle. Should you want to hear about some customer experiences with these conversions, I suggest logging into the INOA mailing list and posting a request for their members to say what they think.

The Alton guys have been demonstrating their version of an electric start at Stafford and were also at the INOA National Rally/NOC International Rally in New York State a couple of weeks ago with a demo. bike. Their web site does not mention the electric start however so maybe they are still in the development stage.

I don't do Mk.llls but I think I am right in saying they had a larger battery to run the starter motor. Modern high-tech AGM sealed lead-acid batteries are so much better than their traditional wet cell predecessors. I would be far happier running with say a 10 or 12Ah one of these than a cheap old 14Ah half sulphated one.

The idea of electric start conversions for older Commandos is one that is generating a lot of interest and I do not think we have heard the end of it all yet. If your knees can wait that long, my advice would be to wait a couple of years until the market place has settled down a bit and review the situation then.

Submitted by pwhite105 on Wed, 03/08/2011

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Hi Mark - This is all useful stuff. One question I can't find answered anywhere, is could this "750 Kit" be used on an 828cc Mk 2a?

A couple of mates of mine would be definitely interested!

Peter

Submitted by mark_woodward on Wed, 03/08/2011

Permalink

Previously wrote:

Mark,

Following the crepuscular response from Norvil to your request for information, why not take a look at the Old Britts pre-Mk.lll electric start conversion? I am sure Fred Eaton would be only too pleased to explain it further, provided you take the time difference into account as Old Britts is in Seattle. Should you want to hear about some customer experiences with these conversions, I suggest logging into the INOA mailing list and posting a request for their members to say what they think.

The Alton guys have been demonstrating their version of an electric start at Stafford and were also at the INOA National Rally/NOC International Rally in New York State a couple of weeks ago with a demo. bike. Their web site does not mention the electric start however so maybe they are still in the development stage.

I don't do Mk.llls but I think I am right in saying they had a larger battery to run the starter motor. Modern high-tech AGM sealed lead-acid batteries are so much better than their traditional wet cell predecessors. I would be far happier running with say a 10 or 12Ah one of these than a cheap old 14Ah half sulphated one.

The idea of electric start conversions for older Commandos is one that is generating a lot of interest and I do not think we have heard the end of it all yet. If your knees can wait that long, my advice would be to wait a couple of years until the market place has settled down a bit and review the situation then.

Submitted by mark_woodward on Wed, 03/08/2011

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Hi Chris - ref the Old Brits system - yes I've looked at this but have you seen the cost and compexity of it - as far as I can see you're looking at £3000.00 + many ours of work - much as I love my Commando I cannot see that I could persuade my wife to allow me to spend this type of money on what really boils down to an electric motor and a few gears - -

Submitted by mark_woodward on Wed, 03/08/2011

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Hi Peter - sorry - I forgot to reply - like you I assume that the system will fit 850s (Mk1 and 2) - I cannot see any reason why not as almost all primary parts are the same - I can only think that the mention of Commando 750s grabs attention (and why not - they're great !!)

Submitted by david_lord on Thu, 04/08/2011

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Previously wrote:

Hi Mark there is a long thread here about the starters http://www.accessnorton.com/commando-starter-upgrade-t10150.htmlThe one that Norvil sell I think may be the Alton system which I saw demonstrated at Stafford and it spun a 750 Combat over with ease.

Best

Hi Mark

I've been following this with interest on accessnorton.com too and according to the thread there, this is definatley the Alton conversion. Apparently Norvil have been trialling it recently before putting it up for sale. If like me, you wouldn't want to give any money to Norvil, then you can also get it in the UK from http://www.motorcyclerestorationcompany.com/.

It seems that this conversion is completely reversable i.e. you do not need to butcher existing parts install it, it comes with everything you need and is cheaper than the other alternatives available. I guess will will have to wait and see unitl the Autumn to know of the belt drive version is universal or specific to one type.

David

 


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