RGM 1975 Norton MK III 850 electric start

RGM do 2 MK3 Starter belt drive kits, one for when the starter is not fitted and the second where the starter is fitted which has a special tensioner included. Have you ordered the wrong kit or been supplied the wrong kit.

I presume the belt can run in oil. I can not see from the RGM site how their tensioner works. I considered a belt but decided to stick to chain after reading various horror stories. The thought of the starter drive gear seizing on the crank shaft put me off.

Have to agree with you, I replaced the original Renold triplex chain just a few years ago and I can't see any oil leaks either.

Am I right in thinking that belt drives are the latest fashion statement?

I have only ever had one primary chain break, that was on my 16 H and fixed at the roadside. I have, on the other hand seen a few broken belts, leaving riders stranded. Not all Norton's, thankfully.

Hardly a fashion statement when its hidden! Mine went in when the chain and both sprockets were so worn and pointed they were lethal weapons. Yes I have broken a belt but with the abuse it had it was my fault. The rotating weight loss and chance to lose a leakage outlet was also attractive. Leaks were not bad but still.....

Previously K Glassborow wrote:

Hardly a fashion statement when its hidden! Mine went in when the chain and both sprockets were so worn and pointed they were lethal weapons. Yes I have broken a belt but with the abuse it had it was my fault. The rotating weight loss and chance to lose a leakage outlet was also attractive. Leaks were not bad but still.....

Your bike looks very nice. If I am not mistaken yours is kick start with the single bolt primary. The point I was trying to make was that on the ES MK 3 model the starter system needs oil if it is to be retained.

Previously christopher_winsby wrote:

Previously K Glassborow wrote:

Hardly a fashion statement when its hidden! Mine went in when the chain and both sprockets were so worn and pointed they were lethal weapons. Yes I have broken a belt but with the abuse it had it was my fault. The rotating weight loss and chance to lose a leakage outlet was also attractive. Leaks were not bad but still.....

Your bike looks very nice. If I am not mistaken yours is kick start with the single bolt primary. The point I was trying to make was that on the ES MK 3 model the starter system needs oil if it is to be retained.

Ha ha, I agree. It wasn't yr comment I was referring to though.

Fashion statement might not have been the correct term, I'll change it to craze. (The latest must have) Actually most belts are on show because run dry; they need ventilation.

Anyway, Peace on Earth, good will to all Norton owners...