Electric Start

During visits to Uganda I often used the 'Boda-boda' services (motorcycle taxi). On one occasion the vehicle was a Townmate. Can't remember whether it was a 50 or an 80, but I remember it had an electric start button. I don't know whether it actually worked as the bike was running when I was picked up.

Was this an option in some countries? If so is it possible to retro-fit assuming one can find the parts!

my mate said his brought a yamaha quad thats got an engine escally the same as a t80 thats 12v and electric start was thinking of.finding out what it is an fitting it in mine

I worked on yamaha quads in the nineties cant remember ever seein a townmate type engine in any o them...and the electric start switch on the t80 is probley just a different switch used from another bike...but i could always be proved wrong !

i will ask him when i see him weekend what 1 it was i know the barrels are the same as he took old t80 barrel to fit on it i will let you know when ive asked him

mark1982 wrote:i will ask him when i see him weekend what 1 it was i know the barrels are the same as he took old t80 barrel to fit on it i will let you know when ive asked him

A Yamaha 80 Raptor I would think like this one http://www.atv4sale.pro/detail/us/sbVAebPPAMdbMbAMMMM/05-Kid-s-Yamaha-Raptor-80-Quad

im not sure of the name of it i know he said the engines are same but 12v an electric start am the barrels fit

mark1982 wrote:im not sure of the name of it i know he said the engines are same but 12v an electric start am the barrels fit

You can see the starter motor above the crank case which will be different to Townmate. Not sure if you you could fit the 'Raptor' engine in the TM as the starter motor would foul the frame. Also not sure though if its shaft drive, the mag side outer cover looks the same though

I just looked up the specs .. shaft drive..3 speed tho..

an space , you'd be stuck for space for the starter , johns right..for once !  

I don't know in which countries had introduced the T80 T50 12 volts with electrical starter.
In my own country we released that were imported from abroad.
But certainly have produced T50 with 4 speeds and 12 volts with electric starter, and T80 also.
Unfortunately, the starter may not be fitted retrospectively since there are changes to the metallic lid of the engine. As you can see at the next photos:





and the Battery



It seems easier to do the conversion in wiring than the engine. All you will need is a right handlebar switch with push-button starter, or just an external push-button

Thanks duckrider for the pictures - it proves I wasn't going mad!

But as you have said, the crankcase is a different shape, so the only way to do this would be to source a complete engine. I think I'll give it a miss then, these bikes are not exactly hard to kickstart   

teapot wrote:Thanks duckrider for the pictures - it proves I wasn't going mad!

But as you have said, the crankcase is a different shape, so the only way to do this would be to source a complete engine. I think I'll give it a miss then, these bikes are not exactly hard to kickstart   

Looking on eBay there are some electric start crankcases from a Y57 Quad bike, but no complete engines, the bits that are for sale all seem to be in USA so even if an engine came up the cost of shipment to UK would be prohibitive, & then electric starter parts (should it go wrong) would be difficult (& expensive) to find in UK. As you say teapot the kick starter is not difficult to use, the only advantage would be the 12volt electrics.
As for the one in the pics, do you own that duckrider, is it a 50 or 80? Are the lights still direct or battery powered?

From my own experience I can say that this conversion is not necessary.

This motorcycle build simple in order to withstand time and the few accessories guarantee longevity.
A friend of mine bought an 12volts engine with electric starter, after a few time the starter stops working. Because he could not find spares he asked the delegation of Yamaha and the cost was EUR 400. About the cost of the whole motorcycle.

But if someone wants to make such a conversion anyway, the best he can do is to buy an entire motorcycle and carry spare parts from one to another.