New ones are cheap (about $2.50), but this is one item we think should be included with the kit.
We had to heat the stock case quite hot to break one of the dowels free, and it was a slightly loose fit in the Alton cover, requiring a dab of RTV sealant to hold it in place. The kit does not include an outer primary case locating dowel. You’ll note that we did not, however, as the seal had been replaced just a few months earlier during a clutch overhaul.
It’s cheap (typically only $2 or $3) and easy to replace while the primary cover is off. CBE also suggests replacing the crankshaft seal. distributor The Classic Bike Experience in Essex, Vermont, where we sourced our Alton starter, suggests an Interstate FAYTX20HL sealed lead-acid battery (pre-1971 bikes require a smaller battery call CBE for options). The kit is available for either positive or negative ground systems. The starter sprag clutch and drive setup seems very robust, and the Alton alternator, rated at a maximum output of 150 watts and 90-95 watts at cruising speed, should provide ample charging. The replacement inner primary cover carrying the small but powerful electric starter is beautifully cast and nicely machined. This is a comprehensive and extremely well-designed conversion. There are now several available, including the one from Alton in France that we installed in our subject 1974 Norton Commando 850 MkII.Īpplicable to pre-1975 750 and 850 Commandos (except early Fastbacks with the ignition at the rear of the timing cover), the Alton kit uses the stock chain-driven primary and can be used with many belt-drive conversions. The Norton lump can be a challenge to kick over, and as the Norton faithful aged, the market for an electric-start conversion grew. That means that most Commandos, whether 750 or 850, were kickstart only. Endowed with excellent handling and a torquey, train-pulling twin, they were the Superbike of their day.Īlthough electric starting was planned at least by 1970, the first electric-start Commando didn’t appear until 1975, the last year of full production. The Norton Commando is one of the most popular classic motorcycles ever made - and they made lots of them, an estimated 60,000 over an almost 10-year life span.
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