PR: Proprietary Items Grosset Starter Motor

Ian Watson

Active Forum User
VOC Member
Hi from Oz . Help ! My starter motor has died (on my Shadow ) after 9 months . Condensation apparently, even though I don't wash the bike. Does anybody know the brand and spec ( or better ) and perhaps where I might buy one ? Markings have been removed although "Valeo " is stamped on a plastic part inside the unit . Would really appreciate any help.. Thanks .
 

greg brillus

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
That's a good link Martyn...........perhaps not condensation, but heat build up .........Is it possible the starter is being engaged too long, as this will heat the internals which could cause the failure.
 

stu spalding

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
That's a good link Martyn...........perhaps not condensation, but heat build up .........Is it possible the starter is being engaged too long, as this will heat the internals which could cause the failure.
The brush springs are not plated and rust if the unit is not fully waterproof. They failed on mine. Cheers, Stu.
 

Mark Fisher

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
This guy at EME is excellent, I have re-built several starters with his help and parts as,over a ten year period, various things go wrong with them. Please note that you can't get a complete starter from anyone but Grosset as it's actually a pre-engage starter with bits removed and grossest gears stuck on the front of it. However you can buy all the motor parts.
Mark
 

Ian Watson

Active Forum User
VOC Member
Hey thanks . We had sussed out that it was EME and it is possibly BMW R Airhead 9- Tooth , 12 419062 425 / Valeo ? But I note your comment about buying individual parts. Thanks again .
 

Albervin

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Hi from Oz . Help ! My starter motor has died (on my Shadow ) after 9 months . Condensation apparently, even though I don't wash the bike. Does anybody know the brand and spec ( or better ) and perhaps where I might buy one ? Markings have been removed although "Valeo " is stamped on a plastic part inside the unit . Would really appreciate any help.. Thanks .
Ian, it is a shame you couldn't obtain a helpful reply from Mr. Grosset but I think you will get it all sorted with the help of the forum.
 

greg brillus

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Sorry........ok, I know the system is a compromise, but most of the issues seem to be the actual motor itself, either the plastic planetary gears are too weak and fail, or now corrosion issues. I have installed some of these kits myself, but I must say they are on bikes that get used very little. Surely with the massive range of starter motors on the market, that some must be better than this. Any thoughts..............?
 

Peter Holmes

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
I think Francois attempts to retro waterproof these motors with additional silicon sealer, but the motor does not live in a particularly friendly environment, tucked under the gearbox as it does, I have no idea where it is fitted on a BMW boxer, probably not so exposed to the elements. If indeed the big boxer twins use this starter motor I would imagine that mechanically it would be up to the task, but as we know, backfiring is strictly verboten!
 
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