Kickbacks

Has anybody ever had an injury caused by Norton kickbacks ? If so , how long to recovery ?

I had a kickback that nearly broke my ankle and I had decent boots on. Couldn't walk right for almost three weeks. Likely caused by an old battery. One or two kick starts since replacing that battery and a few thousand trouble free miles, aside from a broken clutch cable.

Yes. Just a sore foot from the Commando. Once feared I broke my foot when I had a shovelhead kick back...hobbled slightly for two weeks (sold that beast) and since got an Alton for the Nortie. I run a lot and didn't want a motorcycle to hold me back.

I'm sure there are much worse stories to come!

You have seen the videos of hand starting a Norton , right ? ... also Hobot , I think had a video up of Italians starting Commandos with lots of assorted inappropriate footwear .... and yes , lots of painful stories to come
Craig

If your timing isn't right or cabbies are out of course they are going to kick you in the arse and of course I have had my share of kick backs with 40 years of owning my Norton but now running a Joe Hunt maggie and tuned right I never get any kick back and it normally starts with half a kick and having a longer kick lever all helps, but I have seen some get hurt very badly from not kicking their Nortons the right way, usually new owners who have owned Jap bikes all their lives and don't know the secret of starting a Norton, it is funny to watch sometimes but not funny when they get hurt and some have even sold their Norton because they could never get the hang of it.
When I first brought my Norton when I was 17 years old and skinny and light as a feather, I soon learned very quickly in how to kick start my Norton, I have no problems with kicking my bike with thongs (flip flops to some) or even bare foot, don't know about the hand trick but, but I do know my Norton will start on the first kick every time.

Ashley

That is your motivation to tune well. It's all part of the big picture when they designed it. :twisted:

Years ago, mine once ripped off a huarache sandal and tossed it across A1A in Ft. Lauderdale, but no injury.

And no, I wasn't riding in sandals, I took the bike to a shop in my van to find out why it wasn't starting.

Why wasnt it starting?

I bought my 850 Mk 1 in 1973 and I can remember all the mechanics coming out to watch me start it for the first time , I was a very skinny 19 year old . However , years of practice with heavy old brit field bikes paid off . I've had loads of kick backs but with the right technique you can ride them out and not get hurt . It's just a knack , you gotta show it who's boss.

ashman said:

I have no problems with kicking my bike with thongs.................................

Ashley

Click to expand...

We know exactly what you really mean:

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxpyFiDli9w[/video]

I'm not secure enough in my manhood to do be seen doing that.
:lol:

Well I guess there are thongs and then there are .....thongs . Man I laughed out loud at that one, I love this forum.

Dances with Shrapnel said:

ashman said:

I have no problems with kicking my bike with thongs.................................

Ashley

Click to expand...

We know exactly what you really mean:

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxpyFiDli9w[/video]

Click to expand...

If I wore somethink like that it wouldn't be a pretty sight