Best e-start for Pre-MkIII is...

Which is the best e-starter for a Pre-MkIII?

  • Total voters
    30
Where is the option for this one ;)

Best e-start for Pre-MkIII is...


Best e-start for Pre-MkIII is...


Best e-start for Pre-MkIII is...
 
Only the MK3 starter includes the reputation of causing lackluster acceleration and handling. You won't get that with these other starters.

One journalist wrote that the MK3 was a " bloated, overweight detuned caricature of a Commando". Even experts who were with the factory have agreed with this claim.
In reality the MK3 weighs the same as a 750 with an Alton and has the same engine performance as earlier 850s.
The bar is set low, so it's very easy to outperform expectations with a MK3. This is thanks to that mythical 200 lb MK3 starter and the mysterious detuning that went with it!


Glen
 
Last edited:
Alan L said:
H

Hi,
I know the poll has the best intentions but I have to question it’s validity as almost every potential voter has only experienced one electric starter therefore are hardly in a position to compare it with others, good or bad.
I guess the question that we are trying to ask is how satisfied riders are with the one they have in terms of cost, ease of installation, suitability of purpose, reliability and unobtrusiveness. It is also of interest of how it compares with the original Mk3. I have heard that with a bit of fettling and a few aftermarket modifications they can be made almost effective, is this correct?
regards
Alan
Click to expand...
I've never experienced any electric starter on a motorcycle.
 
DennisMo said:
Does the CNW have kickback protection?
Click to expand...

coloradonortonworks.net

cNw Electric Start Conversion

Currently sold out of the e-start kits. I am working on a new batch and if you want to get all the details, contact me at the shop. CNC billet aluminum inner primary. Precision cut 6061 billet to ensure highest quality, tightest tolerances and best possible finish The kit includes a complete...
coloradonortonworks.net coloradonortonworks.net

A complete electric start system that fits your Pre MkIII (1970-1974) Commando. We designed this so that it is a straight forward installation that requires no modifications to your existing machine. It uses a stock type alternator so that you are not forced to use one that is supplied by us. The clutch basket is made to work with a std Commando type clutch stack. The starter itself is solenoid operated wich means that it is not engaged with the system when the bike is running. So in case of a backfire or kick back, the gear set would just free wheel and the starter would not be damaged. We use the best possible material when manufacturing this system to ensure longevity and performance over time
 
I've installed a few cNw starters. Just unboxing one will make you understand the quality and effort that went into it. Clear instructions, every part you need, quality components, and flawless operation. Includes a belt drive that tracks properly with no extra work - a real plus. Then, there's Matt - any confusion/problem/question - he's there for you.

The only shortcoming is availability. The quality is ensured by Matt doing the component selection/acquisition, and then inspecting and packaging himself. The volume is too low to mass-produce them and high enough to be really time and money consuming.

I trust them enough that I have one on order for a current project and two more for the next two customers that want one and I'm going to keep ordering, so I have them when needed.
 
When I was trying to decide which Electric Start to buy, I asked CNW whether they had kickback protection. From the responce below, I concluded that their system has kickback protection when not cranking, but has no kickbck protection when cranking

Dennis

Dennis,
Protection 'while' you crank is not really possible. The starter will be engaged at this time and it would just be backfire forces against starter motor torque to see who would win......
That said, considering how fast the starter is turning the engine due to 2 reduction gears in the system (one inside the starter motor and one in the primary gearing), the back fire would most likely not have a chance to fully materialize.
Backfires are extremely damaging, no question about it. On my system, the starter motor has a solenoid so the gear pulls back into the starter motor after the starter button is released. So this protect that part of the system but the Sprag clutch would still take a hit
In order for your system to be trouble free, address any backfire issue. This is not a normal event and caused either by low voltage, ignition or carburetion.
Matt
Click to expand...
 
DennisMo said:
When I was trying to decide which Electric Start to buy, I asked CNW whether they had kickback protection. From the responce below, I concluded that their system has kickback protection when not cranking, but has no kickbck protection when cranking

Dennis
Click to expand...
I think that’s because that’s when most such kick backs happen, ie when you let go of the button when the bike hasn’t started.

But best is: Fit a Tri Spark. Then you’ve got kick back prevention rather than just protection from the effects of.

Anyway, the cNw kit spins over so fast, I can’t see how it’s possible to kick back during operation ?
 
DennisMo said:
When I was trying to decide which Electric Start to buy, I asked CNW whether they had kickback protection. From the responce below, I concluded that their system has kickback protection when not cranking, but has no kickbck protection when cranking

Dennis
Click to expand...
There is no such thing as kickback when not kicking/starting. There can be a backfire when shutting down, but that won't hurt a cNw starter system.

As Matt told you, fix any kickback problems first. Besides the things he said, weak kicking almost ensures kickback - that's what Tri-Spark will stop. The electric starter, assuming a properly charged battery does NOT turn the engine over weakly so kickback is not a problem.
 
baz said:
I must admit I've started my Alton equipped commando on more than once ocaison in gear without pulling the clutch
The bike leaps forward
I've not sheared the plastic dowels as yet
Click to expand...
You'd think they'd have wired in a clutch switch to avoid that. That's ridiculous...
 
Last edited:
Fast Eddie said:
I think that’s because that’s when most such kick backs happen, ie when you let go of the button when the bike hasn’t started.

But best is: Fit a Tri Spark. Then you’ve got kick back prevention rather than just protection from the effects of.

Anyway, the cNw kit spins over so fast, I can’t see how it’s possible to kick back during operation ?
Click to expand...
Any Estart can kit back if the battery voltage is low.
 
DennisMo said:
Any Estart can kit back if the battery voltage is low.
Click to expand...
Agreed.

And the anti kick back function is one of the reasons I always use Tri Spark (as mentioned previously). With 920cc and 11.1 CR I was also concerned about the potential damage caused by a kick back, hence the Tri Spark.

If you want a mechanical anti kick back protection, fit an Alton, that’s what the sheer pins are for, but it’s a strip down job after they’ve protected you (so don’t remove the kick start). Those sheer pins seem a bit on the edge, and have sheered in normal use for some.

Hence, IMO, better to focus on prevention, rather than protection.
 
Last edited:
texasSlick said:
That looks to be an intriguing design, kommando. Tell us more about it. Looks to me that it might adapt to a Featherbed easily!

Slick
Click to expand...

Kawasaki KLF300 4x4 Starter (4 bush with top indexed 90 degrees to reverse direction)

Honda GL1100 sprag unit

Honda GL1100 Chain and sprockets inside primary

05B chain and sprockets behind primary

Various bits and pieces of off the shelf items and DIY machined parts

Access to lathe and vertical mill

Not seen is an out-rigger plate with auto chain tensioner for inner chain and a new bolt for the outer primary cover retaining nut.

Outer chain is tensioned by rotating the starter on its mounting plate.

Primary loses the long central bolt, replaced by already mentioned shorter bolt on outrigger plate and the inner is fixed by using another shorter bolt out of the way of all the chains, clutch, engine sprocket and alternator.

Engine triplex sprocket is ground back to duplex leaving 2 knobs for the sprag to engage.

Jason the Chainman supplied the duplex chain.

Alternator still needs moving out even dropping to duplex and this moving out distance is minimised by using a thin Triumph Tiger Cub rotor and the 10A 3 phase stator.

The Atlas with its simplex chain may make this an easier install.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top