750 Commando Kickback

I have spend about a week browsing this fabulous Forum and I think I now understand WHY I 'have problems' starting my 72 750 Roadster:

It has been BECAUSE of lack of confidence which has resulted from unpredictable, nasty kickbacks while trying to start the beast.
Now we all know, a good one, has the potential to put one off riding AND give a limp for the rest of the day ...

In my case, again if I read the collective wisdom of the forum correctly, the kickbacks are a combination of my Boyer Micro Digital and a less that tip top, always fully charged battery ? I feel there is some truth in this.

And if which are the best and most modern electronic ignitions for my 72 750 today? I am more than happy to replace my existing with the latest design, one which would always stay in full retard as my poor right leg and body weight are trying their best?

Thanks in advance and keep up this fantastic work you are all doing
Aris

Never had a kick-back with my Pazon SureFire and the price is right. But yes you have to go into the kick with gusto.

Dave
69S

Thanks Dave this is helpful.
And I can say, gusto grows with confidence; by leaps and bounds.
Aris

I fine it easier to kick it while on the center stand

The more modern electronic ignition systems tend to incorporate 'anti-kickback' systems. I know that both the Pazon and Tri-Spark have such features - it basically puts a greater retard on the spark until about 150 rpm is reached i.e. during kickstarting and thus is kinder to your ankle/leg/heart etc.. I have the Tri-Spark system which has never kicked-back. The Pazon system also has a good reputation. You still need a good (not half-hearted) kick though !

I have a Boyer on my 850 Commando and kick-back is simply not an issue unless the battery voltage is well below 12v. Agreed, the Commando is not an easy bike to kick over but mine doesn't kick back even with a half-hearted attempt - it just doesn't start. With a full-blooded swing I expect to be up and running first kick, second at most.

There is no doubt the Boyer works much better with a fully charged battery, but if yours is kicking back hard and persistently I'd suspect the timing may be too far advanced. Needs to be strobed at full advance (5000rpm) and do bear in mind the chaincase / alternator timing marks can be up to 5 degrees out. Strobing will also enable you to check the Boyer's advance/retard is functioning as it should.

Pazon, Tri-Spark etc are more modern & sophisticated, but the Boyer has been around for a long time and is a proven product. I'd spend a few bucks on a quality strobe and a new battery (you'll need these anyway) before splashing out on a new magic box.