Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all you Ennie techno experts.: my 2008 efi had developed a nasty 'graunching' sound when I use the kickstart, right at the bottom of the swing. Not rubbing on anything externally and seems to be internal. For now I just won't use the kickstart (I rarely do anyway) but wondered if anyone had any ideas about what me be causing it and, more importantly, whether it's safe to continue to use the bike without stripping the right engine casing off and having a peek first?

Trev, it's hard to say exactly what's causing it but it seems pretty likely that it's the kickstart pawl and/or it's gear. Draining the oil would show if there are any bits of steel present, it's very likely that there will be. It's probably relatively safe to keep using it as the flakes will sit at the bottom of the box but the pawl will probably fail completely soon so you might as well get on with replacing it now. This is a known wear item and I'm pretty sure our Hosts sell a kit with all the parts you need to replace it. The kickstart gear will probably be re-useable but you won't know until you strip it I'm afraid.

REgards, Mark

Thanks Mark, my thoughts as well. I'm really pushed for time over the next few months and as the Ennie is really more of a Winter bike for me I think I'll just leave it for now and look to strip it down when I get a spare day sometime over the Summer.