Author Topic: Electric Start  (Read 4575 times)

Offline SmithSwede

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 2191
  • I don't want a pickle
  • Location: Dallas, Texas
Re: Electric Start
« Reply #30 on: January 06, 2023, 09:45:32 PM »
I have a Luddite streak in me, and distinctly remember my various kick start bikes, including a Yamaha RD400 two stroke. Which was what, about a 6:1 compression ratio?

I used to think it was the manly cool thing to kick start.   Who needs all that extra weight of a starter motor, big battery, etc.?

Real motorsickles are kick start.  Cars are what have lectric starters.     

Then I got a Honda CB550F with electric start.   Never really looked back.   

My right ankle is suboptimal—not sure I could still do the kick start routine
« Last Edit: January 06, 2023, 09:46:37 PM by SmithSwede »
Accentuate the positive;
Eliminate the negative;
Latch on to the affirmative;
Don't mess with Mister In-Between.

Offline Petrus Rocks

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • Posts: 370
Re: Electric Start
« Reply #31 on: January 07, 2023, 10:16:58 AM »
All my dirt bikes are kick (6)-Yammie TT500 and Husqvarna 410 were the worst.  I became proficient with the single lung four stroke drill.  Compression release in, wide open throttle, kill switch on, kick it through 6-10 times (Do ya feel lucky, punk?).  Close throttle, ignition on, kick firmly.  Usually worked...

On the street, My Velocette requires choke on (or a tickle of the previous Amal), Decompression lever in, ignition off, two kicks, ease kicker down 1/2 stroke past compression, ignition on, kick and Voila!  With a modern carb and electronic ignition almost always first kick.  Starts well when warm too. 
My Triumph 750 gets the carbs tickled and 1 to 3 kicks cold and usually 1 kick warm.



My Maico 400 is the hardest bike I have to start.  I installed a primer because the original Bing had a tickler.  Big bore two strokes like a bit of raw fuel to start.  Compression release in, kick and kick and kick.  When you're wiped out from kicking get someone to push start you.

Offline Moparnut72

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3277
  • Location: Quincy California
Re: Electric Start
« Reply #32 on: January 08, 2023, 10:50:48 AM »
Mopar or Nocar
Current Bike:
2026 V7 850 Special
1976 T3 disaster

Taking new riders for a spin:
2023 V100 Navale
2019 V7lll Special
2016 Audace
MGNOC #24053
Amiga computer shop owner: "Americans are great consumers but terrible shoppers".

 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here