Norton commando 1970 add Electric start or not?

[rodbargee]

Well, good thing, or work of the devil. will it add £££££££'s or be a millstone on the value

[Skub]

I think it depends whether the bike is to be a useable classic or a 100% original bike. They are possibly two different markets,so the purist will be horrified at the merest nut/bolt wrongly attached,while someone who wants to ride the bike will be less bothered.

A modded classic will hurt value for a collector,but may swing the deal for a rider.

[rodbargee]

I think it depends whether the bike is to be a useable classic or a 100% original bike. They are possibly two different markets,so the purist will be horrified at the merest nut/bolt wrongly attached,while someone who wants to ride the bike will be less bothered.

A modded classic will hurt value for a collector,but may swing the deal for a rider.

well at the moment I can still swing a leg without dislocating the HIp LIKE MOST VINCENT OWNERS So will leave well alone for the time being I think (they are somewhat dear

[JackyJoll]

If it’s on an otherwise mainly original bike, it will affect the price badly, because the bike will then be a special.

[demographic]

Will the lecky start give yuu a few more years enjoyment of the bike?
How much is that worth to you?

Oh and what parts do you need to modify to get a lecky start?
Could you get replacement parts so its reversible?

[Taipan]

Yes, in a heartbeat. Is it reversible if it devalues it and that's a concern?

[Potter]

If it's anywhere near original then it will devalue it and I wouldn't.
I'd sell and buy something modern, which is what some of my friends have done now they're too old to kick start a big single.

[Rockburner]

Is it a modern conversion? Iirc the originals weren't much better then just using the kickstart.

IIRC the main trick was to have a long, committed kick that had a complete "follow through".

[demographic]

Retrofitting the electric start from an 850 or something like the Alton kit, replaces the inner primary chain case so I guess it can ll be removed and reverted back to original when you want to sell.

Thats more like it.
If the kit can just be swapped back to standard without knackering the original casings then the only problems are cost and how well it works.
Only the owner really knows how much they are prepared to pay to keep a bike they have that feeling for

[JackyJoll]

Is it a modern conversion? Iirc the originals weren't much better then just using the kickstart.

IIRC the main trick was to have a long, committed kick that had a complete "follow through".

Norton’s own Commando electric start did not work well, as you say, but they could be fixed and I expect that most Nortons still in use 46 years later will have had improvements made to the starter system.

[iansoady]

The Colorado Norton works and Altons have a good rep. Are you a NOC member? Lots of people with experience there. As said, if it's nut & bolt original I wouldn't do it - if it's for riding yes.

And those people suggesting buying something modern clearly haven't had the good fortune to ride a good Commando. My wife (who is otherwise pillion-phobic) reckoned mine was like floating on air. Sadly they're too heavy and tall for me these days.