The Direct Drive Norton Commando Starter system

Norton Commando Direct Drive Electric Start Kit – Norvil (Pre-MK3, 1969-1974)

The Norton Commando direct drive electric start kit from Norvil is the definitive solution for adding reliable electric starting to your kick-start Commando — without the notorious sprag clutch that gave the factory MK3 system so much grief. This kit eliminates the sprag entirely, replacing it with a clean, robust belt-drive system that simply works. If you’ve been putting off tackling your Commando’s kick-start because your knees aren’t what they were, or you just want the bike to be usable in traffic without the ritual, this is the kit.

Designed and manufactured by Norvil Motorcycle Co., the leading specialist in Norton Commando parts and engineering, this direct drive system has been developed to fit pre-MK3 kick-start Commandos from 1969 engine number 131257 onwards through 1974. It is a complete, self-contained kit — everything you need arrives in one box. No scrounging for additional parts, no adapting components that weren’t designed to work together.

What’s Included in the Kit

• Starter motor
• Belt drive system
• Engine cradle
• Battery carrier
• Full installation hardware

The belt drive design is one of the key advantages of this system over chain or gear-driven alternatives. It’s quiet, smooth, absorbs shock loads that would stress a gear train, and requires minimal maintenance. The direct drive approach means fewer moving parts and none of the sprag clutch engagement issues that plagued the MK3’s design from the factory.

Installation instructions are available as a PDF download below. As with any major electrical conversion, we recommend reading through the manual fully before starting and having your wiring inspected to confirm it’s up to carrying the additional load of electric starting.

Download the Norvil Direct Drive Starter Installation Manual [PDF]

Fitment

• Norton Commando 750 – 1969 (engine number 131257 onwards), 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
• Norton Commando 850 – 1973, 1974
• All pre-MK3 kick-start models

Stocked at Fair Spares New England. This is a significant investment in your Commando’s usability and longevity — get in touch if you have any questions before ordering. We’re happy to talk through fitment and installation specifics.