Nippon denso starter motors for airheads

[chasbmw]

I was just checking on sources for the heavy duty Nippon Denso starter motors, (they are producing an 8 tooth one, suitable for my R90). I noticed that Ricks Motorad electric is no longer stocking them, anyone know if there are any reasons why this is so, are there any problems with the starters I should find out about?

Charles

[bmwloco]

Not true. Motorrad Elektrik does have them. I just need to update the web page.

Call Rick. He has them.

Repeat: Nippon Denso Starters are still available!

[ignatz72]

Yep, I bought one from Rick last summer/fall. He may have to order it from overseas, and it may take a few weeks to get to you but it will get to you.

[Stagehand]

Good starter. Best unit of the three choices, IMHO.

[blaine.hale]

Sure it's the best choice out there but you could save $200 and go with a new Valeo (the one w/o the crap glued magnets.)
They're an incredible upgrade over the stock. I have a video comparison of my stock vs. a new valeo on my youtube channel but youtube is blocked here at work =\

Just look for blaine.hale on youtube if you want to dig a bit.

[Bill Harris]

Originally Posted by bmwloco

Not true. Motorrad Elektrik does have them. I just need to update the web page.

But if they are not listed on the web page, the customer's perception is true, and and that many translate to a lost sale...

[One Less Harley]

They are just so damned expensive. I can rebuild the bosch 4-5 times for that price or buy two Valeos.

[wirewrkr]

Originally Posted by One Less Harley

They are just so damned expensive. I can rebuild the bosch 4-5 times for that price or buy two Valeos.

Bingo. Bosch is still the best bang for the buck.
Valeo=poop.

[Infracaninophile]

Originally Posted by blaine.hale

Sure it's the best choice out there but you could save $200 and go with a new Valeo (the one w/o the crap glued magnets.)
They're an incredible upgrade over the stock. I have a video comparison of my stock vs. a new valeo on my youtube channel but youtube is blocked here at work =\

Just look for blaine.hale on youtube if you want to dig a bit.

+1. After owning a GS with the original Bosch and a G/S with a new Valeo the difference is remarkable. The Valeo, IMHO, turned the bike over much faster and appeared to use less juice to do it. Both bikes had new batteries. I don't think I've ever seen or heard one of the Nippon starters. But you can get the Valeo's from the place online in Golden, CO pretty cheap and easily. I'd have to be really convinced the Nippon is $150 better.

Tom

[KhaoSanMan]

My Nippon has started to squeal a bit in use. Is this something I should be concerned about? I know I could ask Rick, but I thought I would ask you all first. Thanks!

[uraldog]

take it apart and apply some grease to the bendix drive and the drive motor bushings

[Tripletreat]

I've had a Valeo starter in my 1988 R100GS since it was new. The first one crapped out after only 11 years! The second still does what its called on to do every time I hit the button. They are very reasonably priced and they don't deserve the bad rap some would lay on them.

[Beemerboff]

No need to go to the expense of a Valeo- the $100- knock off Caltric sells on Ebay or EME sells for a little more work and and last fine.

[Bill Harris]

Originally Posted by wirewrkr

Bingo. Bosch is still the best bang for the buck.
Valeo=poop.

The Bosch on my bike gets an R&R every ten years. Lube the Bendix splines with Moly grease, replace the nose bushing and oil the rear bushing, and check the brushes. Due to do it this year.

My last R&R in 2001 I forgot my trick on getting the thrust collar to go over the Jesus Clip and ended up thinning down the JC with my Dremel. It'll probably work OK forever, but I'd like to get a replacement. A car Bosch has a different shaft size and starter shops don't got one. BMW sells it as part of an outrageously-priced repair set. Ideas where else to look for one?

[blaine.hale]

Originally Posted by One Less Harley

They are just so damned expensive. I can rebuild the bosch 4-5 times for that price or buy two Valeos.

I'd rather have the better one (valeo, to me) and not have to rebuild the old bosch...I know, I know...it completely goes against our whole vintage motto of rebuilding the old. I tend to offer exceptions for electrical things though. There's no beauty of mechanics in a starter to me, it's a hidden device that performs a very important function. Why not get on that won't chug like a boat and pull too much power off the batter and weighs a ridiculous amount. You'll never see the thing so there's not much point clinging to the old with that specific device.
Were it exposed, I'd be more inclined to stay all original.
Valeo has proved plenty reliable for me and I can't say enough how nice it is to have that thing turn over mega fast and now draw so much off my battery that it dims every light on the bike when I crank!

That's just my philosophy on parts like that and charging systems. Totally understand where ya'll are coming from with the ol' Bosch systems though and it is pretty cost effective...but some times my time and sanity are worth about $200 :)