alton starter

Hi Steve

I've used one for the last 5 years and it works brilliantly well on my '72 750? Simple - fairly straightforward to install and well worth the expense to those of us with dodgy hips!

Peter

I fitted one to my 1974 850 several years ago. No problem with hip etc. but just decided that kick starting was getting harder each year, and it was a choice between fitting a starter or stop riding it in a few years time. Also, was always worried about stalling it in traffic because I only kick started it when on the centre stand. All these worries now over thanks to Alton!

NB CNW also make an electric starter system.

Hi Steve,

Fitted an Alton to my Mk2 about 6 years ago, took the kickstart lever off as it interfered with the use of rearsets and never needed it again. The rubbers in the backfire clutch did get chewed up when I had an ignition fault but when I contacted Alton, they sent me some replacements free. Couldn`t get the backfire clutch apart though but it has carried on working since then anyway; that is until recently when it got sluggish and packed up. When I took a look inside the starter motor the brushes were worn down. I emailed Alton and waited for a reply. In the meantime I found a starter motor amongst my junk that had a good set of identical brushes so fitted them, I still haven`t back from Alton though! Most of us tend to think of starter motors as throwaway items but really they should be serviced every now and then like other stuff, just a clean inside, check the brushes and a drop of oil on bearings and they can go on for much longer without trouble. The Alton has been a revelation but I would also consider the CWN unit too.

All the best, Al.

I had a n Alton system on my 920 and it worked fine - it was an early version and I did have an issue with the alternator - Alton sent me a modified version FOC and all was well. The CNW kit includes a belt-drive conversion as part of their system which enables the standard alternator to be retained. The Alton system is primarily intended for standard chain primary-drive but they supply instructions for fitting to belt-drive bikes (mine had an RGM belt-drive).The CNW system also includes a pre-engagement starter as well as a sprag clutch which I regard as a slight advantage. The Alton system utilises a chain-drive to the sprag clutch whereas the CNW uses all gear-drive. Price-wise; a couple of years ago I did a bit of research and found that there wasn't much difference - it depended somewhat on the exchange rates. The big cost for the CNW system is carriage and import tax. I seem to think there may be a CNW 'agent' in Europe now - worth checking. The Alton system is fairly readily available.

Holland Norton Works list the CNW starter kit on their website at 2490 Euros plus VAT.

 I have one on my 2A , not been on long but wouldn’t be without it . Sometimes seems it has a Grammy leg ,just throws in even with a fully charged new battery, but may settle down .Done less than 1000 miles with it fitted so far.

Hi, does anyone know the make and model the starter motor?. Mine is getting on for 10 years old and 25,000 miles, it has become very sluggish even with a new battery fitted. I see Alan Hesslewood had a similar problem some time ago but was able to replace the brushes with some he already had. I would like to strip the starter and do the same but need to know the details of the brushes and the motor which I imagine is an off the shelf item. I have emailed Paul Haman but previous experience tells me that a reply may take a long time.

Seeing Andrew Frejek's comment and from my own experience I do wonder if a more powerful (4 brush motor) might really be the answer.