Kickstart levers

Hi Fellow Commando Freaks-

I am trying to update a few items on my '74 MKIIA Commando, and am hoping someone can provide information or advice regarding kickstart levers.

The stock kick start lever tends to interfere with the right side exhaust pipe, which I have come to understand is common. Rumor has it that the MKIII lever is shaped different and will eliminate that problem. Is this true? If not, suggestions on how to correct the problem?

Also.. I am interested in purchasing a set of Norvil rear sets that are patterned after those from the Production Racer (reverses the shift pattern as well). Any feedback on these? They are available through Ol' Britts.

If, in fact, the MkIII kick start lever will eliminate the banging on the exhaust pipe, will it work in unison with the rear sets described above?

With the nearly flat bars I use on the bike, the stock peg position is just difficult. Of course I love the ones available from CNW, but pricey for me as I will need other upgrades and daddy only has a certain amount of play money.

Thanks for anything you might add..!!

Cheesehead

The kick start interfering with the silencer maybe due to two reasons the kickstart lever as you mentioned, may not be genuine, and the kick start shaft also being a pattern as mine is pattern and I suffer the same fault which I am just about to rectify with a genuine shaft. I last changed my shaft about 6 years ago for what I suspected as a pattern and the fault occurred.

Cheesehead Commando said:

The stock kick start lever tends to interfere with the right side exhaust pipe, which I have come to understand is common. Rumor has it that the MKIII lever is shaped different and will eliminate that problem. Is this true?

Click to expand...

A MkIIA kickstart lever should be basically the same shape as the Mk.III in order to clear the annular discharge black cap/bean can silencers originally fitted to both models, therefore, a Mk.IIA model should already have an "A"/Mk.III style kickstart lever?
If it does not, are you certain yours is an actual Mk.IIA model, and not a Mk.II ?

https://www.oldbritts.com/12_061055.html

I had exactly that trouble on my 72 interstate with interstate pipes, I had the kickstart shown in LAB's link and swapped for a mkIII like the other one in the photo and the problem was solved. You can also tweek the front and rear spacings on the z plates to pinch a mm or 2 on the silencers, but watch nothing starts to interfere at the swingarm!
Paul.

RGM sell a version of the T160 folding kickstart.

It fitted properly on my 71 and has cured the existing KS problem of hitting the silencers.

I thank that it has more leverage than the stock item, certainly makes starting my bike much easier.

http://www.rgmnorton.co.uk/buy/kickstar ... gn_728.htm