Hitchcocks Forum

Occasionally when starting my Sixty Five on the electric starter there appears to be a 'kick back' followed by the most horrible heavy metalic clunk from the chaincase area. Any thoughts anyone out thre?

Gerry

Quite simple really, you are about to join the thousands who have suffered SPRAG failure

Hi Gerry
My Sixty-5 did exactly the same thing, a horrible metallic screach at kick back. Have looked at the sprag I was surprised that it showed no obvious damage just some light marks on the associated shaft. The engine will tend to stop on the compression stroke so keep the battery topped up and use the kick starter to ease the engine over compression before starting. Using this techneque it's worked faultlessly for 8 years. That said it's a fragile part and many have apparently failed. Hope this helps. Cheers.

Hi guys---------- GERRY M.....,SUBJECT }--- SPRAG CLUTCH, ADVICE = Rip it off and throw it away, then start your classic in the traditional way !!

Best method with the cast engine is to open decomp, spin the motor and then close the decomp. motor then has momentum to avoid kicking back Shut the motor down using the decomp as well but remember to turn the ignition off after the motor stops

----------- ADDEDUM}---- For a correct "stop" you must de-compress, Then the engine won't suffer stress !!!

NORM !! You snuck in there a good-un !!

Thanks all for your input and I will try the tips given.
Alan R - wish I could use the kickstarter but bought the bike for its electric one!. Thanks to 'blind' car driver have lower leg prosthesis. Will try to avoid the 'clunks' before something breaks.

Gerry

It's the kick - back that kills the drag. I'd be checking the ignition timing.

Hi guys-------- sorry to hear that GERRY M, ---- fully understand the need for the electric "leg"---- let's hope we can help you back into that saddle soon ??