Kick start rubber

Myford · Oct 30, 2009

Can I first say what a great forum this is, although it's slightly ironic that the country that spawned the Commando doesn't have such a well used forum.
Now somewhere on this forum I found a thread where someone had a neat way of stopping the kick start rubber from sliding off, & now I can't find it. does anybody else have any tips?

arc · Oct 30, 2009

Hi,I think i read that post,i believe a hole was drilled in the end of the shaft and then tapped so a bolt could hold down a suitable washer to stop the rubber sliding off.............Cheers Andy

Myford · Oct 30, 2009

Thanks for that Andy, that was it.
I may not need to do it. I bought the bike with a new kickstart on it but it was fitted onto Knackered shaft, result knackered splines on new kickstart. So new shaft + new kickstart may help with the angle as it were.
You live & learn.
Terry

SteveMinning · Oct 30, 2009

Myford,

As you allude, I think the problem is usually that the kick-start lever has worn to the point that the part that the rubber is on is no longer parallel to the ground; rather it sags toward the ground, wanting to slide the rubber off when you kick. Best way to correct it is to repair the kick-start lever or replace it.

By the way, does anyone know of a source for quality kick-start replacements? I've seen a few of the oriental pattern bits, but am suspicious of quality. I have a really worn lever and would rather replace it than repair it.

swooshdave · Oct 30, 2009

Myford said:
Can I first say what a great forum this is, although it's slightly ironic that the country that spawned the Commando doesn't have such a well used forum.
Now somewhere on this forum I found a thread where someone had a neat way of stopping the kick start rubber from sliding off, & now I can't find it. does anybody else have any tips?

More bikes were exported across the pond and b) internet is borderless, so no matter were the forum originates it's not really local.

maylar · Oct 31, 2009

In the past I have wrapped safety wire around the kickstart rubber near the outside end. Twisted tightly with correct safety wire pliers, it kept the rubber from sliding off the stud.

I think mine is currently glued on with grip glue. It's incredibly annoying to have that bugger fall off.

BillT · Nov 2, 2009

The kick start that came with my bike was a Racing Spares replacement that was worn. I believe the main shaft on the lever had actually twisted, to the point that the footpeg sat about 15 degrees past horizontal. The only way to reliably kick without sliding the rubber off was to stand on the side of the bike, which gave my foot the same angle as the footpeg.

I replaced this with the Andover Norton MKIII lever. Not only is the kicking easier (lever's about 10% longer), but I can now kick while straddling the bike. New lever was about $175.

No more clearance issues with the roadster silencer, either.

DogT · Nov 2, 2009

I cannot understand how one can start the Norton from the side without straddling the bike. I always had to push the engine to just over TDC, get ready, and put my right leg almost straight down, put all my body weight into it and follow through with a bit of muscle to get it turned over. I did see a machinist sit on my bike with his butt on the seat and use his leg muscles to start it, but I could never do it and I think I have strong legs. I may consider a longer kick-start lever as I get older.

Just my 2 cents.

Dave

Cookie · Nov 2, 2009

On one of my bikes I ground the end off that hold the rubber, then I fitted a tube that would just rotate. It was locked on with a washer and bolt. I don't recall ever changing the rubber again.

71Norton750 · Nov 3, 2009

dang, i dont even have the rubber on my bike :cry:

Rich_j · Nov 3, 2009

SteveMinning said:
Myford,

As you allude, I think the problem is usually that the kick-start lever has worn to the point that the part that the rubber is on is no longer parallel to the ground; rather it sags toward the ground, wanting to slide the rubber off when you kick. Best way to correct it is to repair the kick-start lever or replace it.

By the way, does anyone know of a source for quality kick-start replacements? I've seen a few of the oriental pattern bits, but am suspicious of quality. I have a really worn lever and would rather replace it than repair it.

The pattern ones are universally rubbish, pay the extra and get the factory part. The Mk3 type is a sensible improvement.

SteveMinning · Nov 3, 2009

Rich_j said:
SteveMinning said:

Myford,

As you allude, I think the problem is usually that the kick-start lever has worn to the point that the part that the rubber is on is no longer parallel to the ground; rather it sags toward the ground, wanting to slide the rubber off when you kick. Best way to correct it is to repair the kick-start lever or replace it.

By the way, does anyone know of a source for quality kick-start replacements? I've seen a few of the oriental pattern bits, but am suspicious of quality. I have a really worn lever and would rather replace it than repair it.

Click to expand...

The pattern ones are universally rubbish, pay the extra and get the factory part. The Mk3 type is a sensible improvement.

Thanks Rich. That's what I thought.

RedEvo · Nov 5, 2009

I fitted one of these and it folds away nicely and works a treat.

http://www.rgmmotors.co.uk/images/full/full_957.jpg

d

Myford · Nov 8, 2009

Thanks for all the info guys, I've decided to rip the box down & replace the shaft first of all before I try anything else.
One thing I have found whilst doing this is the gear lever shaft & the indicator shaft that goes through the middle of it were very badly corroded, the o rings never had a hope of sealing. my guess is this was caused by leaving the bike on the side stand in the rain for long periods. I'm going to pack them with silicone grease when I re assemble. Has anyone else come across this ?
Terry

Fullauto · Nov 8, 2009

Rich_j said:
The pattern ones are universally rubbish, pay the extra and get the factory part. The Mk3 type is a sensible improvement.

I have two "factory" kickstarters from Norvil and they are crap. The folding pedal goes past horizontal right away. For the money, rubbish.

Just remember, the "factory" isn't what it used to be and isn't located where it used to be.

Kick start rubber

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