'Lectric Starters...?

by **Rich_j** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 1:46 pm

If your 850 is difficult to start then I think you should spend a bit more time sorting out your carbs and ignitions out instead of looking longingly at Mk3's.

by **willh** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 2:01 pm

MexicoMike wrote:We 'don need no steenking 'lectric starters!

I spent a bit of time today on and off practicing at kicking through my 850 with no stands - just on it's wheels. And I'll be darned, I think I got it! I can now manage to do it consistently and after practicing with the ignition off and carbs drained, I turned on the fuel, tickled 'er up and the bike started on the first kick from cold.

As several folks pointed out, it just takes figuring out the bike's balance and working on the technique. It also helps a lot if the bike is set up right and is normally a one kick starter because you can't (or at least I can't) get more than one compression stroke per kick because I have to have the pedal pretty much parallel with the ground to start with. But it works! and it's not any harder on body parts (mine, not the bike's) than starting on the stand(s). I'm a happy guy!

So I want to thank those who pointed out that it's just a matter of learning the technique, not a matter of weight - I weigh 165 so I'm not heavy enough to scare the bike into starting! So I'll add my voice to the "Yes we Can!" (kickstart, that is. Don't know about that other stuff.)

Glad you persisted. It'll make you a lot happier knowing how to bring it to life while straddling.

by **Yellow_Cad** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 2:04 pm

Rich_j wrote:If your 850 is difficult to start then I think you should spend a bit more time sorting out your carbs and ignitions out instead of looking longingly at Mk3's.

I think difficulty in kicking through is what is being discussed here not difficulty in starting.

by **Rich_j** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 2:22 pm

Still don't really understand the problem, the only suggestion I've got is fit Mk3 kickstart lever

by **slupdawg** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 2:56 pm

On the topic of kick starting on wheels, can anyone tell me how difficult it might be to do this when riding 2 up? Harder, or about the same? I could see it being easier, perhaps, or harder, if your pillion is off-balance. Can't say I've been in a situation where I've had to try it.

by **L.A.B.** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 3:14 pm

slupdawg wrote:On the topic of kick starting on wheels, can anyone tell me how difficult it might be to do this when riding 2 up?

Make sure your passenger gets their foot out of the way before you start kicking, otherwise he/she probably won't be too pleased about having their toes crushed by your boot heel! :oops:

by **slupdawg** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 3:30 pm

Ha! Good advice. Might be the last ride she'll take. Or, will remember to move her foot next time.

by **Yellow_Cad** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 4:34 pm

Has anyone tried the longer kickstart lever sold by Commando Specialties and RGM? Does that improve things and make the change worthwhile?

by **montelatici** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 6:20 pm

Even when I was young and strong I always kick started my Commando on the stand. To do otherwise was just stupid.

by **Brithit** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 6:32 pm

I have a 30 inch inseam, and my MKIII is in Interstate trim. I've always felt the seat was a little on the high side. I can kick the thing in the saddle, but feel much better doing it on the stand. Now my '72 Roadster can be kicked off the stand much easier because the seat isn't so high. Yes, I know my MKIII has a nicely working Dyno Dave starter, and the sprag (as of last use) works fine, but I still like to start it on the stand with the kickstart when cold. Nice to know it's there, but I don't use it every time. Now, as brought up earlier, if you are two up, and for some reason need a re-start, the button is great! My wife will attest to that.

by **gtsun** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:10 pm

If I'm not misstaken the longer kickstart lever you ask about Yello-cad is the MKiii lever. I have both & the MKiii one does give noticeably more leverage. I use rearsets & to position them in a place I like I need the older style lever. This and right hip issuses from a lower back injury mean I have to start the bike on the center stand. I can see the day coming in the next few years where a electric start system may be needed. Anyone know anything about that guy in France that was working on one? Seemed like a good system.

by **L.A.B.** » Mon Jul 19, 2010 12:38 am

MexicoMike wrote:I spent a bit of time today on and off practicing at kicking through my 850 with no stands - just on it's wheels.

So I want to thank those who pointed out that it's just a matter of learning the technique, not a matter of weight - I weigh 165 so I'm not heavy enough to scare the bike into starting! So I'll add my voice to the "Yes we Can!" (kickstart, that is. Don't know about that other stuff.)

You should try doing it on a Triumph Trident with a Norman Hyde "1000cc" (973cc) conversion kit that's got a healthy compression?

After that, I'm sure you'd think that kickstarting a Commando on its wheels was relatively easy!

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