Problem kick starting 71 commando

Need your assistance. When kick starting my commando, I use the kickstarter to bring engine up to compression. I then bring the kickstarter back up to the top of the swing and kick. Every now and then, it feels as if the kickstarter is jamming. With the weight of the body on the kickstarter, it feels horrible and I feel it could be doing damage inside the gearbox. There is approx 1/4 inch lateral movement of the kickstarter shaft - is this normal. Hercus

Short answer : no, it's not normal : the kickstarted should .005" to .010" free play . a bit more is not a big deal but 1/4 " is way too much.
Did you have issue with gear change?

there are very good tech articles on old britts web site on the gear box http://www.oldbritts.com/gearbox_a.html
I would recommend to open the gear box , it's really not that difficult and can be done with gearbox in the frame.

1/4" play in the KS shaft is too much. Take it apart and fix it first. Then when starting, get a piston up to compression, and then get it just over compression, constant pressure on the KS will make it go over. Then return KS to top, push it and make sure you follow through so the next piston goes through compression too, don't whack on it, push it through with gusto. Your KS splines will thank you. It's not an easy bike to start until you get the routine figured out.

Dave
69S

Nope... thats way to much play....When you accelerate hard in fist gear...does it pop out of gear?

Supartslist said:

Need your assistance. When kick starting my commando, I use the kickstarter to bring engine up to compression. I then bring the kickstarter back up to the top of the swing and kick. Every now and then, it feels as if the kickstarter is jamming. With the weight of the body on the kickstarter, it feels horrible and I feel it could be doing damage inside the gearbox. There is approx 1/4 inch lateral movement of the kickstarter shaft - is this normal. Hercus

Click to expand...

This may indicate both a bad bearing and blown race.