Dunstall Rear Sets and RGM Ultimate Kickstrarter (2013)

Has anyone fit Dunstall Rear Sets and an RGM Ultimate Kickstrarter together on 73 Commando 850. If so do they work?

Or a MkIII kickstarter for that matter with the Dunstall

I have seen a "straight" kickstarer on 2 bikes, like this one.
http://www.google.com/imgres?biw=1680&b ... x=85&ty=91

Do we know who makes such a straight kickstarter and where I might be able to find one? Someone said it was a regular kickstarter that had been straightened out... If so how would one do that?

Last and not least apparently a MKIII kickstatrer may also work, both clearing the peashooter pipes AND fitting through the Dunstall rearsets. I've not verified this yet. However, given a good MKIII kickstarter is US$250-280 the 'rather expensive' RGM Ultimate seems a 'reasonable' alternative. Its an endlessly expensive game this sport isnt it?

-->FJ
Wsshington DC Metro Area

Ultimate folding one does not work with dunstall rearsets. Best option is the MK3 style. they can be had used on the bay for around $100.

Clubman Racing sells the Dunstall rear sets. Their website says the stock kickstarter CAN be used. So what is the right answer all: Here is the text:
Norton Commando 1969 - 1974
Designed to fit all the pre-MK3 Commandos, they are extremely rugged, easy to install, and allow the use of the standard kickstart lever and brake cable. The adjustable remote linkage retains the factory gearshift pattern and allows the position of the gearshift to be set at the rider's desired position. The brake side also allows considerable adjustment of the lever position and includes both a rotatable cable stop to match the lever angle and a separate rotatable plate to accommodate the original brake light switch.

I'm sure this area is a very common well trodden discussion topic with kick-starters, pipe clearances and rear sets.
Thanks.
-->FJ
Washington DC Metro Aaea

Most rearsets including "Dunstall" use a folding footpeg on the timing (right) side. Either a Mk3 or earlier kicker should work. I have rearsets on my '74 Interstate and either will clear, although the Mk3 clears the muffler better.

Straight answer is - no.

Granted, it's only 'placed nearby'. but the gear linkage is way behind the kickstart shaft.



The standard kickstart fits OK with my half-fitted Hemmings rearsets, which are pretty much the same - the lever is canted forwards and doesn't foul the gear lever





I haven't ridden it yet - and won't for a while yet but I don't think the kickstart will get in the way where it is

Just to add to the list, if you have Dunstall rearsets or clones of same, they will not work with the TTI
box. If you use a reverse gearshift they will barely work using the 850 kicker. The T160 type wont.
If you know better, speak up Id be happy to know what does work.

The "straight" kickstarter was fitted to the Production Racers and we (Andover Norton) are planning to make some shortly.
Joe S.

This is a shot of my old PR at Willow Springs in 1982 that shows the kick start lever Joe is talking about. I'm not sure if this was before or after I had lengthened it by welding in an extra inch or so and having it re-plated. I think it was before, because I think I only tried making it longer for easier starting after I went to the 920 cc engine, and in this picture I'm still running the 750 (short stroke) engine.



This is a picture from one of the factory brochures that also shows the original PR lever.



I recall being told at the time that the lever was from an earlier model bike that used the AMC gearbox, but I don't recall what it was.

Ken

I recall being told at the time that the lever was from an earlier model bike that used the AMC gearbox, but I don't recall what it was.

Click to expand...

It wasn't- the usual bulls**t. It was made from the forging of a Commando kickstarter. Which is what we are using now. Prototype promised for Monday. I will fit it to the original Production Racer I have. If I approve they should be available very shortly, also the (reversed) gearlevers for Production Racers- again a bit different to the standard levers- see Ken's pictures.

Joe/Andover Norton

I can confirm that a Dominator kickstart won't fit with rearsets.

Looking forwards to A-N bringing the original item back to the market - together with steel tanks and JPN parts

Here is the summary:
The regular OEM Norton 750/850 MKI/II Commando kickstarter (Part # 06-1464) interferes with Dunstall rear sets. The stock MKI/II kickstarters also often interferes with exhaust systems. The basic design is a gradual upward arc from the spline; and herein lays the problem. They don’t 1st extend beyond the motorcycle frame and case. There are many replica MKI/II kickstarters on the market place; none work. There is also a very nice modern kickstarter that has been modified and customized to be used with the Norton Commando and other bikes by RGM; commonly referred to Ultimate kickstarter, retailing for around US$ 250. This kickstarter is a great and clears most exhaust issues; albeit it is expensive. However, it will NOT work with the Dunstall rear sets.

What seems to resolve both issues is the Norton Commando 850 Mk3 MKIII kickstarter (Part # 12-1018). This kickstarter design extends away from the motorcycle frame and gear case at 90-degrees then gradually arcs back. This key design feature makes it resolve both the Dunstall rear set and the pipe clearance issues simultaneously. Now before you get too excited as I did myself, this item also sells for around US$ 220-260 and is not frequently replicated (i.e. no cheap knockoffs). So it seems you’re on the hook for this up-charge if you have Dunstalls and have exhausts conflicts.

Here she is:
http://216.69.156.197/~norton/wp-conten ... n03rgb.jpg

To date I’ve not been able to find another readily accessible replacement like the MKIII starter that can accommodate both the Dunstall rear sets and always clear exhaust pipes… if you know of one please share with us. I hope this settles the search for many.

If AccessNorton did not make posting picture so ‘dang hard I’d post all my photos along with measurements etc for all to see. So it goes…

--->FJ
Arlington, VA, USA

ZFD said:

It wasn't- the usual bulls**t. It was made from the forging of a Commando kickstarter. Which is what we are using now. Prototype promised for Monday. I will fit it to the original Production Racer I have. If I approve they should be available very shortly, also the (reversed) gearlevers for Production Racers- again a bit different to the standard levers- see Ken's pictures.

Joe/Andover Norton

Click to expand...

AMC Factory race shop method, heat and bend stock arm, used on PR and trials and scrambles bikes.

It's worth remembering that the PR exhaust system is more tucked in than standard.
I wish I could find some.
Despite advertising them as PR downpipes, a famous supplier of Norton parts in the British Midlands will sell you a set of standard post- '71 750 pipes instead...

B+Bogus said:

It's worth remembering that the PR exhaust system is more tucked in than standard.
I wish I could find some.
Despite advertising them as PR downpipes, a famous supplier of Norton parts in the British Midlands will sell you a set of standard post- '71 750 pipes instead...

Click to expand...

If you could find some please tell us ........and thanks for your advise I was on the way to buy from him.!!

marinatlas said:

If you could find some please tell us ........and thanks for your advise I was on the way to buy from him.!!

Click to expand...

Please do not let that thought enter your head again, the risk is just not worth it. Owned a Norton for nearly 40 years and never bought as much as a washer from him.