Hitchcocks Forum

I find the standard top folding kickstart a little awkward. It stops me putting my foot comfortably on the footrest.
Has anyone tried the bottom folding kickstart Part No 570242 from our hosts. It looks like it leave a bit more room for my right leg.

Not tried it myself but would be interested to hear peoples feedback as i have the same issue, may be something to do with size 12 feet !!

When I asked out hosts about it the folding kickstart it is only for certain models as it is not strong enough for other models.

From the parts book:-
This kickstart folds at the bottom which allows it to fold neatly out of the way. Fits 4 or 5 speed (none EFI models) and Electra EFI models only.

BOLT NEEDS MODIFICATION FOR NON - EFI MODELS (before E5: U5S5F0AB003637 G5: U5S5F0AB003654 19/02/10)

Just move it back one notch on the spline, problem solved.

Do as Leon has said, it is a cheap fix

Leon was right. It's a better solution. Wish I'd read it before I bought a folding one. Oh well.

Update
Even moving the kickstart back a bit on the splines I found it better but not perfect. So I fitted the bottom folding kickstart. I actually mounted it a couple of spline forward.
I find it much better. It's out of the way when I'm riding and can get a longer swing on it to start the bike so the bike starts on the kickstart more reliably.
I did have to take a grinding wheel to put a groove on the bold before it would fit.
It's a definite improvement.

had this kickstart for a while, and yes it does liberates the space for your boot.



only problem is that its more of a novelty kickstart(dont forget that is was made for the efi's with electric start), because it bends badly.

and will keep on bending till its useless.

i have tried hardening it but its steel is just to mild to start with.



the kick start of a XT500 or a cb750 works better, depending on the type of exhaust you have.

Thanks Mauri

Papasmurf mentioned above that he had been told the kickstart was not strong enough. Strange because it looks more solid than the original but I guess it's due to the materials. I'll keep an eye on it.