Like I say, I watched him start it, and I wasn't impressed with his routine. The oil tank sticks out on the right side and looks like it hits you in the upper thigh if you stand on it, but he stood off to the side and started it with his right leg. I've done that with my Commando, but I have to put my weight in it, this guy just kicked it like a soccer ball, except down.

The 500 B33 I had, I always had to use the compression release to get it over the top and then, like the Commando, both barrels. Unless it was on a hill which I frequently sought out and then it was just a drift down in 2nd or 3rd gear. Since the Army Language School was about the highest spot in Monterey, it wasn't much of a problem, I always kept it parked up at the highest parking lot where no one was anyhow.

Funny thing was, everyone wanted a ride up the hill to the barracks, and there was no rear seat. So they rode on the rear fender, hard tail and all and then complained at the top. Then they had to walk the next time, and it was about a mile up a pretty good hill. That was why I got the bike to start with, I didn't want to climb that hill every time I went into town.

This project is on hold until the roof gets sorted anyhow.

Dave