Hitchcocks Forum

Hi guys--- at last a decent run on "Betty" today (2005 Bullet 500 Classic, 4-speed.)I've not had this one long and each time I pull away from standing the kick-starter lever rotates backwards for a short while before returning to the normal parked position. What's going on ?? I can't hear any "rachety" noises---just this lever going backwards , then coming back to rest and tapping my R/H boot heel.I've not done anything at all to the gearbox since buying the bike. Most annoying. Any ideas-----(no, I'm keeping the bike.) Cheers--------- Alan R

My 2000 Classic 500 did this a lot when new and gradually got less. It now only does it about twice a year, maybe 3 at the most.

No idea why.... "They all do that, sir!" ???? Or maybe not. I've got used to it having a life of its own, like the rest ofthe bike....

Regards, Chris

Hi Alan. I believe that it is to do with the gearbox shaft being supported in a bush (probably cast-iron, knowing the Indian approach to such things) in the kickstart shaft. As you set-off, the gearbox shaft rotates and turns the kickstart shaft because of friction between it and the cast iron bush. Once the initial 'acceleration' (sic) of the gearbox shaft has eased-off, the friction reduces and the kickstart spring overcomes what is left and the kickstart returns to its upright position.
It really needs a needle-roller bearing inside the kickstart shaft!
Worn bearings in the gearbox can make this worse, as the shafts slop around. My bike (originally a 2003 Watsonian 350T, but with only 900 km on it) does the same trick!
Ride safely, Allan.

God !! That was quick---- thanks guys, so no probs. then ?? Will just have to keep the acceleration to LESS than the rocket ship alongside me at the lights. Pity--oh well. "Betty" will be pleased. Cheers m' dears.

A mates did that, turned out he needed to slacken off the pnich bolt on the gear selector that was to tight. works fine now but the shaft for the kick start was being slightly clamped.

JBN

This is the layshaft/kickstart shaft bush that is getting worn.
I might be that the kickstart return spring is getting a bit weak as well.
It will get worse but fairly slowly. Not a difficult job to fix and you can renew the kickstart pawl at the same time.

"They all do that sir"...Well allmine did when young,Not so much Now in old age and Not when warmed up,
Agree with other allen & a Bit of Cold grease First thing stiffining up things..

My View Dont worry ..(Though Mine Once whacked Me Enough to Bruise My leg)....

My 2001 500 does the same very rarely, but occasionally. It is simply the drag in the bush issue as already mentioned. I'd just check you have the correct level of oil and be happy.

Perhaps Betty is in fact Bob and is just trying to let you know.

Hello SIMON---- Oo-err!! I'm as "Modern" & "Progressive" as the next man but that's put a vision in my mind that I'm not too sure about !!( LoL ) Are you saying I might have a "Limp" kickstarter ?? Funny though, how we always give machines a Feminine name ?? A 50,000 tonne crude-oil tanker ( OK--OK, no jokes on that one, please )and it's said that---"She" is very seaworthy ?? Actually my late Uncle Stan was a life-long biker--I have a B&W photo of his 1954 BSA B33 on my desk right now--- and his wife (Auntie Betty) is whom my Bullet is named after. A bit of a homage if you like.