Commando kickstart lever types, 2 or 3 ?

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gtsun

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I know there are at least two types of kickstart levers, MKIII and earlier. MKIII does give better leverage but won't work with my typical Dunstall rearsets so I bought a earlier style one and it worked but it is (was) a Emgo aftermarket one that is junk, never stayed tight & is at least 3/16" thinner so it doesn't cover enough of the shaft & came loose and ruined it's inner splines. Now Im looking for "real" Norton ones and think there are two pre MIII styles. Is tis true? Trying to decide on whitch one will work best.
 
To the best of my knowledge there is only one pre-Mk3 and one Mk3 kicker. Well, I should qualify that by saying the original Production Racer kicker is so rare that I'm not counting it. It is longer and straighter than the other pre-Mk3's.
 
Ron L said:
To the best of my knowledge there is only one pre-Mk3 and one Mk3 kicker. Well, I should qualify that by saying the original Production Racer kicker is so rare that I'm not counting it. It is longer and straighter than the other pre-Mk3's.
Click to expand...

You do have to be aware that there may be aftermarket levers that differ slightly from the stock ones.
 
Intersting about the Production Racer lever. I would like to see some good pictures of one.
 
This should be (or could be) :?: the original one :

Commando kickstart lever types, 2 or 3 ?
 
The lever that came with my Commando was stamped "RS 051" on the foot lever. I assume that means "Racing Spares"

Replaced it with a Mk III lever about 1 1/2 years ago - big difference. No more pipe clearance issues.
 
I think the early 850's have a MKIII style without the spring/ball bearing detent for the part that turns. Possibly MKIIA style? I have two of these & another type just like the one in norbsa's picture that I assume is the earlier 750 type? On closer inspection the Emgo one that failed is missing about 1/8" of the internal splines from the bottom 1/2 diameter of the circle. This allowed it to not stay tight and pivot. Anyone who buys one should check this first as it can move and damage a muffler. The seller I bought it from has graciously offered a refund and I have ordered a very pricey OEM one that should be of good quality.
 
Looking at the picture of your bike Paul I just noticed that the bolt bolt that secures it to the shaft is in line with the arm while all the others I have seen are like the one in norbsa's picture. I'll have to look for pictures of "factory" Prody racers and see if that's how they all were. Must be rare indeed.
 
Well, Paul, if it is not genuine, then this one on the bike that Ron Fraturelli sold is identical

Commando kickstart lever types, 2 or 3 ?


I have a picture of a Production Racer I kept for friend for a couple months while he went home to New Zealand about 15 years ago (before I had a digital camera). It has the same style clamp. I remember we compared it to an Atlas kicker and it was somewhat longer and the bend just a little different, but very close. I'l have to try to scan the photo at work and post it.
 
This photo is of the kicker on my '74, purchased in '75 with just over 700 miles.

Commando kickstart lever types, 2 or 3 ?


Pretty sure it's original, given the low miles and pristine condition of the bike when I bought it.

I read in an old post somewhere, that it was thought the factory used some Italian-made levers, this might be one?
It has detents for open and closed positions, and the top retaining ring is pinned in place. It is soon be replaced by a M3 type lever, since the clamp threads are just about gone.

T.C.
 
I wouldn't bother too much with the current "genuine Norton spare". I bought two. I still have one unused and the one that I fitted still comes loose and to add insult to injury, the folding part folds back past 90 degrees when in the kicking position. Junk.
Andover Norton, you've done it again.
 
Well I have one coming from Rabers today, they were the closest place & I needed it for the week end. Hope it's a good one. At over $235.00 it should start the bike for me & bring me breakfast in bed too!
 
Ron L said:
To the best of my knowledge there is only one pre-Mk3 and one Mk3 kicker. Well, I should qualify that by saying the original Production Racer kicker is so rare that I'm not counting it. It is longer and straighter than the other pre-Mk3's.
Click to expand...

There are 3 versions. The early 750's i.e drum brake models had the original Atlas kicker which was a distinctive "C"" curve and rather short lever distance for the kick effort. In the disc brake versions of 750 and 850, the kicker changed to a slightly straighter shank and marginally longer than the Atlas which ran through to the end of 850 Mk2. The 3rd version was the Mk3 which was kept the straight shank but extended it in length and laterally outward for better exhaust pipe/muffler clearance. Thus was the annular discharge "bean can"" exhaust which some MK2A's got fitted with and all Mk3's had. I have on the shop floor all 3 versions and I can definetly say the Mk 3 is the better kicker. Go for the Andover genuine part as the fine machining of the splines is critical to a firm fit otherwise if you mangle the gearbox pawl shaft you are up for big $ and labour to match.

Mick
 
Looking at Service Release N3/12 - 750 Racer and 750 Formula Racer Conversion kits, it lists part no 063943 - Kickstart Crank assembly which look identical to to the one on Pauls picture, with the fixing bolt in line with the crank.
 
I can definetly say the Mk 3 is the better kicker. Go for the Andover genuine part as the fine machining of the splines is critical to a firm fit otherwise if you mangle the gearbox pawl shaft you are up for big $ and labour to match.

Mick[/quote]


Put an Andover Mk3 kickstart lever on my 72 Combat and It fitted on the kickstart shaft without having to pry the slot opening. :D Bolt threaded in with no problem. My first kick brought complete satisfaction as it cleared the silencer & exhaust pipe. No more scrapes :D . Noticed better leverage kickstarting it also. Worth the 95 Pounds plus shipping. Wish I would have got one sooner as I scraped up 3 silencer's & exhaust pipes over the years.
 
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