Installing Norton Commando CNW Electric Starter - Part 1 of 4

[@DoRC]

That is some beautiful hardware. It always feels good to get something that's really well made. It's like jewelry.

[@exb.r.buckeyeman845]

Thanks for keeping the Norton Name going, that's my History right there. Loads of ES2s £ 5 .00 each, Dommie 88s, a long stroke single knocker Manx, etc, etc.

[@thra5herxb12s]

I've seen more tidy looking kits, but there's no denying this looks very well made, and whatever it costs, if you have no knees left, then this is what you need to keep you riding your old classic 👍

[@derekgee4223]

Very interesting looking forward to the follow on

[@duckysan]

What a fabulous example of modern engineering and manufacture. I have to say though, it is clearly of a higher standard than the original parts. Watching a documentary on the demise of the UK motorcycle industry recently, it struck me many of the variable quality issues back then could be attributed to worn and obsolete manufacturing equipment without the capability to meet the necessary tolerances rather than the attitudes of the workforce or the vision of the design team. Having trained in the UK (Automotive Products - AP) in the 70's I can attest to this constraint. We tried our best, but lack of investment and R&D spending resulted in sad demise of a once proud and innovative industry. Thanks for making the videos - even though I'm a 100% BMW owner, I really enjoy your approach to sharing your experience for the benefit of others.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Chris for your great comment. I really appreciate it. Best wishes, Mike

[@erikhanrahan3879]

Just picked up a ‘72 that came with the cNw kit installed. That alone sold the bike! Thanks for this video, as I’m intrigued and feel so lucky to own such a beautiful piece of art! I just had the oil tank mod done, as well and I can’t speak more highly of Matt!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Erik for your note. Best wishes with your new bike and hope you have many happy miles of riding ahead! Cheers, Mike

[@neilwilliams7957]

An excellent piece of engineering, absolutely stunning. In some ways it’s a shame to cover it all up. Well presented, and looking forward to the rest👍🏻.

[@johnb5519]

My thoughts exactly.

[@charlesbridgeman440]

What a nice bloke!

[@TheDavey333]

Looking forward to part 2. Have good week Mike 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks, you too David! Cheers, Mike

[@Beeza56]

Thanks Mike. Not a Facebook user, but I guess I will be from now on. All the best 👍

[@DCCNAT]

That looks to be a very well engineered kit. Great video, thanks.

[@charleskuss8538]

If your new starter motor ever fails, take it to a local automotive electrical shop. They will be able to rebuild it for you. It's a Nippon Denso starter. It's original use was on older Toyota pick up trucks. This same starter [with mod kit] is also used on Lycoming powered air boats and experimental aircraft. I know, because I own one.

[@gregbrassington2120]

Very informative, Great work !

[@sammilner3480]

Great video, almost makes me want a pre Mk. 3

[@gerrypowell2748]

Well engineered upgrades❤️

[@tubadude905]

Hey Mike - if you haven't been to the area around CNW its worth a visit. They are right at the SW side of the San Juan mountains and arguably the most scenic part of Colorado. The San Juan Scenic Byway is an absolutely spectacular ride/drive. We have a place in Ouray at the start of the Million Dollar Highway - twisties and drop-offs galore.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks! I would love to go back to Colorado again sometime. My wife & I did a memorable driving holiday about 16 years ago. We started off in Denver and stayed in Glenwood Springs, stopped off at Ouray with the old steam trains and stopped at a little place called Salida(?), then stayed in Durango and drove back via Colorado Springs. It was a really great holiday. Would love to go back again one of these days. Best wishes, Mike

[@tubadude905]

@@TheMightyGarage Nice - We've had a house in Ouray for 23 years now, such a wonderful part of the world. Steam train runs between Durango and Silverton, and if you went from Salida to C Springs you probably went along the Arkansas river - also a great biking road. Bring that Rapide if you come again = I'd be happy to store it in my garage for an extended period LOL.

[@ransomprigg1047]

@@TheMightyGarage ~~~ My gf and I spent the night in Durango at a Double Tree Inn. It was our favorite motel we've ever stayed in. We got in a little late so they upgraded our room. It was very big, clean and quiet. We got up in the morning and our room was extremely quiet and so dark it looked like night. We opened the drapes and we were on the ground floor facing a beautiful field with a river running by just a few feet away. It was very unexpected compaired to all the other rooms we've stayed in. We always look for Double Tree inns when we go traveling. They allways make the trips worth while.

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

Looks excellent quality, great to watch, (I bet it cost a bit )

[@swooshdave]

It’s comparable to the Alton. Looking at the quality you’d expect it to cost twice as much.

[@thakery5720]

This CNW kit seems to be a better option than the Alton one as it has all-gear drive rather than a chain - the 850 Mk3 used all gear drive as well and all that let that down was the two-brush starter motor. CNW's quality of construction and manufacture looks better as well. That starter motor looks like the Hitachi ones on Harleys soI suppose performance over time will be the judge of which is better. With reference to the MK3 and it's (starter motor's) unreliability factor, on cold starts I would prime the bike as you would any Norton and upon giving it the first real kick, hit the electric start button to keep the engine spinning until it started..... I was taught that trick by a five foot three inch girl who wanted to ride it - I told her if she could start it then OK and she did !

[@tadpoles10]

'Mike done good', an informative help to anyone contemplating this 'upgrade' imo. atvb t ..

[@alanbstard4]

God bless the commando. Unreliable, but what a bike it was when going. I wearing a Norton shirt as I type

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Sir, when will you be standing to replace Boris de Piffle after the UK’s thrilling lockdown update tomorrow?

[@alanbstard4]

@@PhilbyFavourites I'm waiting for the call

[@swooshdave]

Some people call them unreliable. Others call them “Chock full of character!”

[@malcolmbennett3555]

timing couldnt be better, just ordered an E. start kit from CNW :)

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Malcolm. Hope you enjoy the vids. Best wishes, Mike

[@notracast]

Hi Mike really enjoyed part one of the Norton Commando electric start. Can't seem to find part 2,3,or 4 ??? Have you completed them yet? Cheers

[@christidmas3995]

Part one says it was posted 3 hours ago for me.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks Maxine. Yes, as Chris mentions, this was the first episode this morning, hot off the press! The remaining episodes should post every Sunday (possibly Wednesday) for the next 3 weeks! Best wishes, Mike

[@notracast]

@@TheMightyGarage thanks for that. Really interested to see the up and coming episodes. I have recently purchased a Vincent Rapide with an electric start ( great for old knees). Thanks again. Cheers!

[@Beeza56]

Hiya Mike, it’s good to see you back. Does anyone in your group have a P11? I’d love to see something on one. ( I’m struggling with mine). Thanks.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Ian, sorry but we don't have any P11's in the Oregon Norton club. There might be someone watching who can help. Have you also seen that there is a great P11 Facebook group of about 600 members? They seem like a really great bunch of guys and I'm sure that they might be able to help. Here's a link to the group. facebook.com/groups/65776936412

[@LENNYGLOVER007]

Really interesting video, looking forward to seeing parts 2,3&4, could be the start of a new series, does the bike need a bigger battery now? Lenny, from Leicestershire, UK.

[@friesenmj]

The starter definitely requires a good battery, at least 18 AH. There are a few good options that fit in the stock battery tray, from old style lead acid to agm and lithium batteries.

[@davesimmons-aclassicmotorc5812]

Which is more straightforward to fit please, Alton or CNW? I am dithering!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Dave, I would say that the Alton is probably easier to fit, overall. Both are excellent and distinct features. The Alton is less noticeable on the bike, similar to a MK3 Commando. The CNW comes with a belt-drive. I believe that it's mostly down to personal choice as to which to fit. I don't know if that helped, but good luck. I think you would be very happy with either. Cheers

[@davesimmons-aclassicmotorc5812]

@@TheMightyGarage Hi Mike, thanks that’s helpful. I’ve decided to go for Alton as I like the standard airbox and it looks a little more original as you say. I did contact Norvil about theirs and they said it will be available around July; interesting.

[@hotwheel6663]

So the original ones in '75 were not any good?

[@bluesplayer59]

I would love a Norton commando .. one thing bugs me though .. to change the drive sprocket means ripping half the engine off .. yeah 😐 . Still want one nevertheless 😎

[@coreylevenson]

You need a Velocette in that case ;-)

[@swooshdave]

You rarely switch out the drive sprocket and none of the engine is removed, only the primary. Removing the primary is actually quite easy. Other British bikes of the era aren’t much easier.

[@michaeld9610]

I've had my commando for 48 years and haven't needed to change the drive sprocket. I don't know why it concerns you, it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to do.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

🏍🏍🖖🏼😎🍺👍🏼👍🏼

[@zieniet]

Question: How is the CNW starterkit different from the Alton one?

[@friesenmj]

Two big differences are that the CNW starter kit retains the stock charging system and includes a belt drive. There are a lot of of other design and detail differences, but those two were at the top of my list.

[@swooshdave]

Alton: starter is chain driven. Includes a custom alternator. Uses a smaller starter that allows you to use the stock air box. CNW: Gear driven. Uses stock alternator. Includes belt drive. Cannot use the “ham can” air cleaner. CNW quality is outstanding. Price is identical.

[@michaeld9610]

In the UK, there is a massive difference in price once you add in shipping and import duties, its something like £1,000 more for the CNW. Probably the other way round if you live in the US

[@wdhewson]

The parts seem to be excellent.. I'm loathe to give up kickstarting as it's such an integral part of riding the Old Brits. A successful kickstart is a hallmark of virility! But at a certain age.................

[@swooshdave]

Adding an electric start doesn’t mean you have to remove the kickstarter. It just means you have an option.

[@mred7030]

bet some ones plastic took a beating for this kit .

[@swooshdave]

$2500 is the kit price. Judging from the quality it seems like a bargain.