Hitchcocks Forum

Hi folks,
I am in final stages of refurbishing my 1960 Redditch 350 Bullet which has been stored in the shed for 25 years. When last run, a decompressor was not fitted and the hole is blanked. I did not really see the need for it at the time. But my kickstart leg was 25 years younger than it is now. So now I am trying to decide whether to fit a decompressor or not. What do you guys think? Is there any great advantage... does it make starting easier? Any other advantages? Many thanks for any advice.

A couple of thoughts
I use mine to get the engine to the right place, before starting. But, of course, you know best how your own kickstart leg is!
Also, what about servicing? Much easier to get the engine... eg points... to the spot if there's no pressure.

My views as a one year owner of a kick start only 350 bullet.

My decompressor was removed prior to me. Kick starting is not hard at all; let’s not talk about kick back! I’m not a big guy.

Kick starting an old DR600 Suzuki was harder. My CB500 is easier.

I think the clutch is also a factor. My 350 doesn't really need the decompressor but before I had a set-to with the clutch, it would sometimes slip instead of goling over compression. The 612 would be totally unstartable with the current clutch, I wouldn't be able to get it over compression... (small mortgage on its way to Mr Newby as we speak)

I use the one on my 350. For starting from cold I tickle the carb, kick the engine over two compressions with the decompressor pulled to prime the cylinder, switch on the ignition and it usually goes first kick.

Wheaters wrote: ↑

Sun May 10, 2020 5:11 pm

I use the one on my 350. For starting from cold I tickle the carb, kick the engine over two compressions with the decompressor pulled to prime the cylinder, switch on the ignition and it usually goes first kick.

As above for me G2 motor

But I am running high compression

Take care all Dai

Definitely, to the point of retro-fitting them to Electra-X cylinder heads in place of the valve lifter on the cracking-prone tappet cover! Even more so when Bullet Whisperer upped the compression to 10:1 on my AVL hybrid., but that's 500 talk.

On a Redditch 350 on standard compression, meanwhile, I suspect it's less of an essential, but provided that it seals OK, but I would still have one for reasons explained above. My starting drill is much the same as Wheaters'.

A.

Many thanks Gents. I have just ordered the parts.
Cheers

Just a thought, but it's also handy for a rolling start if you need it...