norvil electric start

jan nelder · Aug 9, 2023

Norvil USA has a FB post about a new electric start kit for pre Mk3 Commandos. Not clear who is making it, or whether it is a single prototype?? and it is more expensive than the Alton.

cliffa · Aug 9, 2023

Looks like a huge job to fit too, as you have the replace the rear cradle.

https://nortoncommando.com/product/the-direct-drive-norton-commando-starter-system/

baz · Aug 9, 2023

Looks similar to the qpd setup

L.A.B. · Aug 9, 2023

Or a copy of the old OldBritts electric starter kit.

Pictures won't link

oldbritts electric start conversion - Google Search

robs ss · Aug 9, 2023

It says it's "Direct Drive" but from the parts pictures it looks as though the starter turns the clutch basket.
I suppose in these days of gender fluidity, as long as it "identifies" as a direct drive?

baz · Aug 9, 2023

L.A.B. said:
Or a copy of the old OldBritts electric starter kit.

Pictures won't link

oldbritts electric start conversion - Google Search

I had thought the qpd was the one oldbritts sold?
Harley starter with a ring gear on the clutch?
A mate of mine had one on a t140 many years ago
Nothing but trouble

L.A.B. · Aug 9, 2023

baz said:
I had thought the qpd was the one oldbritts sold?
Harley starter with a ring gear on the clutch?

Yes, could be.

http://www.quietpowerdrive.com/QPDhtm/ElecStartConversion.htm#

Fast Eddie · Aug 9, 2023

It looks like a helluva job to fit. What advantage does it offer over existing offerings?

Bonzo · Aug 9, 2023

This is a few years old, but mentions 'It may go into production by Norvil Motorcycles' in the comments

mean gene · Aug 9, 2023

One of the two things I know, is the fact these belt drives do not like to be bent inward with the use of an idler for adjustment!..I don't own any aftermarket starters but from all reports I'll spend the money and buy a CNW!

jaydee75 · Aug 9, 2023

mean gene said:
One of the two things I know, is the fact these belt drives do not like to be bent inward with the use of an idler for adjustment!..I don't own any aftermarket starters but from all reports I'll spend the money and buy a CNW!

I would think the idler afords more "wrap" on the teeth and should lower the stresses on the belt.
But I'm not sure.
Jaydee

mean gene · Aug 9, 2023

I was involved with power drives in a steel mill and met the engineer who designed the belt drives for Harley. He said if you folded the belt in half and put it in your pocket, it shortened the belts life. If you purchased a belt and it was not allowed to be round in the box, not like an old fan belt, it's life was shortened! They are designed to be round not forced inward. Just my two cents.

kommando · Aug 9, 2023

The gearbox becomes fixed as the starter is fixed to the cradle so the belt has to be tensioned other than by moving the gearbox.

mean gene · Aug 9, 2023

Ohhhhh Sorry I didn't notice that, I see why it has a tension idler.

robs ss · Aug 9, 2023

jaydee75 said:
I would think the idler afords more "wrap" on the teeth and should lower the stresses on the belt.
But I'm not sure.
Jaydee

A better way to reduce stresses on the belt is not to use it as part of a starter

Fast Eddie · Aug 9, 2023

kommando said:
The gearbox becomes fixed as the starter is fixed to the cradle so the belt has to be tensioned other than by moving the gearbox.

Seems a shame they couldn’t have made the kit with the right size belt and simply made it fixed centres with no need for any tensioner.

NorCat · Aug 10, 2023

Fast Eddie said:
Seems a shame they couldn’t have made the kit with the right size belt and simply made it fixed centres with no need for any tensioner.

Absolutly!

oldschool · Aug 10, 2023

Fast Eddie said:
Seems a shame they couldn’t have made the kit with the right size belt and simply made it fixed centres with no need for any tensioner.

I don't think that anyone has ever managed such a feat with a belt or a chain. Consider chain primary drives on Brrtish bikes. If the gearbox is separate, it is usually adjustable. If not, there's a tensioner of some sort (e.g. Mk3 Commando.)
Unit construction bikes with chain p/drive all have a tensioner, as far as I know. Does a belt-drive Harley have fixed centres and no tensioner?
Also, what about car cambelts? There's always a tensioner on one run of the belt.
Then there are the industrial applications with much larger belts transmitting greater power....

Fast Eddie · Aug 10, 2023

oldschool said:
I don't think that anyone has ever managed such a feat with a belt or a chain. Consider chain primary drives on Brrtish bikes. If the gearbox is separate, it is usually adjustable. If not, there's a tensioner of some sort (e.g. Mk3 Commando.)
Unit construction bikes with chain p/drive all have a tensioner, as far as I know. Does a belt-drive Harley have fixed centres and no tensioner?
Also, what about car cambelts? There's always a tensioner on one run of the belt.
Then there are the industrial applications with much larger belts transmitting greater power....

It’s quit common on motorcycles to fix the primary when it’s a belt. Degans does it on Tritons, I have a Seeley that’s like that, etc.

Tornado · Aug 10, 2023

Alternatively, tension adjustment could be achieved via an eccentric sprocket fixture, either on crank or clutch. Some pedal bikes with belt drive internal gear hubs have these.

norvil electric start

jan nelder

cliffa

baz

L.A.B.

Moderator

robs ss

baz

L.A.B.

Moderator

Fast Eddie

Bonzo

mean gene

jaydee75

mean gene

kommando

mean gene

robs ss

Fast Eddie

NorCat

oldschool

Fast Eddie

Tornado

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