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Which electric start for a MK2?

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I'm having fun at the moment stripping down and rebuilding my Mk 2 Commando's engine for the first time - as a result the postie has delivered a number of expensive gadgets to our house and my toolkit has gained a ground down quarter Whitworth ring spanner!

Whilst at it I thought I'd add an electric start. Roadholder adverts have usefully guided me to two that are on the market; one from Colarado Norton Works and the other from Alton. I see the cNw one comes with a belt conversion which might tempt me in that direction but would love to hear people's experiences with these conversions (or any others that are available) to help me make a choice on which to buy.     

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The Alton system has been around for about eight years now and has had subtle updates to make it a good system today - it is intended for bikes that are to retain their existing triplex primary drive. The cNw system is a more recent development of a somewhat more sophisticated design. Both spin the engine via the alternator-side of the crankshaft. Due to the width of the original triplex primary chain there is insufficient space to allow for the sprag clutch to be added to the crankshaft and still retain the original Lucas alternator thus  Alton provide a new 'slimline' alternator is supplied with the kit. In some cases this may be seen as a retrograde step - particularly if the bike has a three-phase or high-power alternator already. The drive from the starter motor to the sprag includes a chain section. Disengagement of the starter after start-up is totally reliant on the sprag. The Alton system can, with some modifications be fitted to Commandos with belt drive. The forthcoming December Roadholder has an article about this very subject.

The cNw system is somewhat more sophisticated. The kit includes a belt-drive system which is narrower than the triplex chain system and allows retention of the existing Lucas alternator (of any type) - it also negates the need for primary chaincase oil and the possibility of leaks etc.. The drive from the starter motor to the crank is all-gear. The system deploys a sprag clutch as per the Alton but also includes a 'Bendix'-type disengagement stage whereby the starter motor pinion is withdrawn from the drive stage as soon as the engine starts.

Both systems will hit your bank balance - the cNw system more so. There are a few suppliers of the Alton kit in the UK but I think the nearest cNw supplier is in the Netherlands thus carriage (and possibly duty) will be pricey. Suffice to say that both kits spin-up the Commando engines with ease (unlike the original Mk.III starter).

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Many thanks for the information Mark.

Just to complicate matters (and probably add further expense) I'm in Queensland Australia!

I think the Alton kit may be available here but I believe I would have to import the cNw kit probably from the States. Grateful of any info on Australian suppliers anyone may have. 

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I've just fitted an Alton kit to my 72 Combat Commando which already had a 32mm belt drive. The process for me was not  plug and play as the kit would not fit with the wide belt. I had to turn down the front belt pulley to accept a 25mm belt, fit a new keeper plate for that pulley and also as described in the Alton Belt drive notes turn down the supplied spacer between the front pulley and sprag clutch. Access to a lathe and drilling machine was necessary for my conversion.

I have lots of images of the fitting if people want to see the process.

Suffice to say, as stated by Mark, it turns the engine with ease.

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Thanks for that Andy, I will get in touch with them. 

I think you'd find the Victorian Torquay's weather a bit better than the Devon version but I reckon you have the upper hand when it comes to the scenery and pubs! 

Cheers

Nigel

In reply to by nigel_duffield

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Nigel. Classic bike spares ph #61249385103 supply Alton starters (I have a CWN yet to be fitted)I buy most of my parts from them,excelent service and fast delivery. Ian Taylor Coleambally cheers

 


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