Kick Starting with an artificial knee

C317414 said:

Watching you kick start the bike wearing sandals makes me cringe. I've had a kick start pawl break on a bike and my lower shin ended up smacking the foot peg hard. Ever since then I wore boots whenever I kick started a bike.

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Chicks dig scars ---

First, why does anyone's bike quit at the stop light? Get the carbs sleeved or new premiers and take care of it. I've never been so pleased now that I can take my hand off the throttle and not worry about it.

I've started my bike with crocks, etc. and it can be not pleasant. If it's warm, I too can start it by hand if I use 20W50 V-Twin. Wear proper gear. But then there's the Italian video of all the guys with loafers on starting the Nortons. Go figure. Pays your money, takes your chances. Mine's a bear to start, but I get it done with the proper method with one or two tries. I doubt many that haven't started a Norton could do it. If it takes three, something's wrong.

If I had a knee replacement I doubt I'd use it, I'd learn to do something else, bump it or use the other leg if it's serviceable. Wife had an ankle replacement recently and it's still healing, we'll see about that. We just hope she can walk again. It will sure take a load off me since I now have to do about everything. Just whining.

I thank the Good Lord both my knees are pain free and near normal after 78 years. However, anytime I find myself down on my knees (to find a dropped screw, pick up something, etc), I always look about to see if there is something else I can/should do while I am down there!

The Atlas will pass to my son. After that, if I continue riding, my next machine will be an E start!

Slick

Atlas Commando said:

Thanks for the responses. I'm well aware of the Alton kit and CNW's offering (recently got my 25 year INOA pin). My plans for the Combat are to build a rider and sell it, hopefully to a somewhat younger enthusiast who will appreciate it. The cash for an electric start conversion doesn't fit very wellin that scheme. However, I already bought a Pazon ignition and will now spring for a longer kick start lever. I'm fairly sure I can start it with my left leg, and probably shouldn't even try with the right one. I do recall in the bad old days having to get home with questionable electronics and bump starting. It's possible I no longer have the finesse for that solution..... If this bike was going to be "MY bike" it would be getting an e-start for sure.

Again, thanks for your time in responding. I knew this was the right place to get some input. Merry Christmas!!!!

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Been here after a car strike .. i tried left leg starting could not get on with it..I. my advice would be to back the timing off so it doesnt kick back and possibly use easy start... wd40 will work with less fire risk.. I think the real issue is when the bike cuts out in traffic then an e start is a boon

"First, why does anyone's bike quit at the stop light? Get the carbs sleeved or new premiers and take care of it."

I don't think we are talking about stalling because the bike doesn't idle well - at least I'm not. I'm referring to the times that you stall because you didn't match throttle/clutch on takeoff. Yeah, I know most of you guys are experienced riders who never have that happen but for folks like me, E-start is a great thing!