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Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
Your starter for ten
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<blockquote data-quote="BigEd" data-source="post: 101131" data-attributes="member: 161"><p> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Old age. You can't slow the passage of time that gradually makes life less easy but you can do a few things that make important things in your life easier. Cue electric start for my Rapide which was aways a good starter by leg but a worn right knee would be less problematic if I don't have to kickstart.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">I've used the Grosset electric start for two or three years. It works really well but needs to be fitted correctly which involves a few fairly simple mods and careful setup to check clearances. Important to have your ignition timing set accurately too as a backfire can break the cheap but annoying to fix shear pin. (This has not happened to me as the BT-H mag I have always used [40,000 + miles] has an excellent auto advance built in.) Disadvantages in my experience are minor, i.e. you can't move the bike backwards if you have it in gear. This is a function of the sprag clutch which works as a "freewheel" in only one direction of rotation. You need to just click it back into neutral (or one of the many neutrals if you have a dodgy gearbox <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />) when you want to move backwards which is not a big deal. Another disadvantage might be cost as it is not cheap. If you are lucky or organised enough to have savings, spend them on an electric start to allow you to continue riding your Vincent twin because that is priceless.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Any battery that will fit on the bike and has enough cranking power will do the job. Lead acid batteries work well, readily available and are relatively cheap. I use a Shorai lithium battery. The one that I use is expensive and has a high cranking capacity for its size, important as I have removed the kickstart altogether. There are cheaper brands available but I have no experience of these. I have had no problems with my lithium battery. It is in service starting my Ducati 996 ST4S while the Rapide is of the road. (A rebore and a few mods over the winter.) It is light so that offsets somewhat the weight of the starter. It also can be mounted any way up, is powerful for the size and fits in a dummy battery box. I have an Optimate lithium battery charger but I am lead to believe that you can use a standard basic battery charger as long as it doesn’t have a desulphate mode. Lithium batteries have had some bad press but I have also had lead acid batteries “blow up” or leak spoiling chrome and ruining clothing so choice is a bit of a swings and roundabouts. I have a Walkernator fitted to my twin but I don’t see why an Alton shouldn’t do the job as long as the regulator/rectifier is up to the job. Someone else may have this setup and be able to comment.</li> </ol></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="BigEd, post: 101131, member: 161"] [LIST=1] [*]Old age. You can't slow the passage of time that gradually makes life less easy but you can do a few things that make important things in your life easier. Cue electric start for my Rapide which was aways a good starter by leg but a worn right knee would be less problematic if I don't have to kickstart. [*]I've used the Grosset electric start for two or three years. It works really well but needs to be fitted correctly which involves a few fairly simple mods and careful setup to check clearances. Important to have your ignition timing set accurately too as a backfire can break the cheap but annoying to fix shear pin. (This has not happened to me as the BT-H mag I have always used [40,000 + miles] has an excellent auto advance built in.) Disadvantages in my experience are minor, i.e. you can't move the bike backwards if you have it in gear. This is a function of the sprag clutch which works as a "freewheel" in only one direction of rotation. You need to just click it back into neutral (or one of the many neutrals if you have a dodgy gearbox ;)) when you want to move backwards which is not a big deal. Another disadvantage might be cost as it is not cheap. If you are lucky or organised enough to have savings, spend them on an electric start to allow you to continue riding your Vincent twin because that is priceless. [*]Any battery that will fit on the bike and has enough cranking power will do the job. Lead acid batteries work well, readily available and are relatively cheap. I use a Shorai lithium battery. The one that I use is expensive and has a high cranking capacity for its size, important as I have removed the kickstart altogether. There are cheaper brands available but I have no experience of these. I have had no problems with my lithium battery. It is in service starting my Ducati 996 ST4S while the Rapide is of the road. (A rebore and a few mods over the winter.) It is light so that offsets somewhat the weight of the starter. It also can be mounted any way up, is powerful for the size and fits in a dummy battery box. I have an Optimate lithium battery charger but I am lead to believe that you can use a standard basic battery charger as long as it doesn’t have a desulphate mode. Lithium batteries have had some bad press but I have also had lead acid batteries “blow up” or leak spoiling chrome and ruining clothing so choice is a bit of a swings and roundabouts. I have a Walkernator fitted to my twin but I don’t see why an Alton shouldn’t do the job as long as the regulator/rectifier is up to the job. Someone else may have this setup and be able to comment. [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
Your starter for ten
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