Kickstart Angle of Dangle

I am about to remove the kickstart lever on my 1972 Commando and replace the usual leaking o ring with a quad ring.
The main purpose of the project is to install the longer RGM kickstart lever.

Here's the question: What angle should the kickstart be when installed on the splines?

If the kickstart at rest points at 11 o'clock, then it engages the engine around 9 o'clock. Which is the point where your leverage is greatest.
If the kickstart at rest points at 12 o'clock, then it engage the engine around 10 o'clock. Etc.

Is there a known sweet spot for installing the kick start lever?

Small point, but worth knowing for those days when the bike needs the best kick I can deliver.

Stephen Hill

My personal set-up is with the kickstart lever set at 12 o'clock.
The engagement begins at 10 o'clock.
Some may move the lever back to 11 to avoid contact with the rider's back of the leg calf.
I have found that kicking a full swing to 6 o'clock when starting gives the best result.
And keeping the bike in good tune avoids unnecessary multiple kicks!

I just fitted an RGM lever, it had to be at 12 as otherwise when folded in it would hit the Interstate sidecover.

Stephen Hill said:

I am about to remove the kickstart lever on my 1972 Commando and replace the usual leaking o ring with a quad ring.

Click to expand...

The only oil leak my bike had was the kickstart o ring.

A 25 x 4 mm o ring cured it.

I used to have mine way up at 1:00 to give it max spin on the downstroke. Sometimes it would kick back on the 2nd time around.
Now I have it so it catches at 9:00 and is easier to kick and starts fine with no kickback.
Jaydee