Hitchcocks Forum

Am i mental? Sold a 2005 fazer 1000 (my hip problems)and bought a 2008 535cc lightning custom export,no electric start, (pulled a muscle in lower leg) no electronic ignition or safety switches.The last time i kick started a bike was in 1973 on a Crap 750cc Norton commando which vibrated and broke to bits.I`ve just managed to kick start it first time from cold but dreading it starting when warm or hot.
Any tips for starting when warm or hot?

Welcome to the club! And yes you are completely mental to make such a swop. But don't worry lots of us here are equally mental with dodgy hips. But I'm puzzled and perplexed wondering why, if you have a hip problem, you have sold an electric starter for one you kick? And believe me you will kick it! Starting from hot or cold? I predict 4 pages.....

Hi riggers,hip/s pain is when i stop and put the legs out,with higher bars and feet a bit further forewards it`s easier for me.The commando did not have a decompressor valve/lifter and could kick you to the moon.How do you start your R.E. when warm/hot?

All different i am afraid, so you will have to find your method, as for mine: From cold - fuel open,no"choke", kick several times, over TDC, "choke" on and kick until starts normally 1st time, From warm - witin 1 hour of running, over TDC and kick, after 1 hour of running, over TDC "choke" on and kick, good luck.

More or less the same as Neddy, From cold - fuel on, choke off, ign off, hold decompressor open and kick engine over several times, then over TDC, choke on, ign on and kick, normally starts 1st time, usually starts OK when warm or hot.

Some of us in the mad, mad world of Royal Enfield would suggest that having ditched your Fazer and bought a Bullet, you are now showing signs of recovery from your mental breakdown! These machines are ridiculously simple to start being such low compression motors, choke on, over TDC and go for it. First time every time. But then I'm lucky, apparently. Now, get your credit card out and start paying!

Thanks for your replies,all we need now is some dry weather to get out.
Were of to Scarborough this weekend 15/16th for the races and on four wheels,them days have gone doing all that mileage on a bike.Also it`s difficult carrying wardrobes.

Hi Jaffa! Biker wardrobe is all you need. I've recently turned up at two funerals on my bullet dressed in my black garb. Fully appropriate for those occasions. Not so bad for the pub either, but things can get a bit sweaty if I feel like dancing.

Hello JAFFA 90, --- Er, yes you are but welcome to the Cuckoo's Nest anyway!!--------Interesting choice of handle-- Starting when HOT ??, Normally I wear an IoM Tee Shirt, with lightweight blue jeans, hard shoes and matching accessories !!----------- OK, Serious now---This is for my 500 Iron engine with 20-50 oil }---- COLD or FIST START of the day}-Check oil level--DeCompress and give 8 to 10 gentle kick-overs to circulate the oil...FUEL ON-- Ignition ON -- DeCompress and turn until ammeter needle has flicked back to zero---DeCompress OFF---Choke ON---good, firm push on the kick start for its' full travel and WAIT until the engine fires BEFORE rolling the throttle GENTLY ie not in a snappy, wrist-twister sort of way. These are NOT 2-stroke revvy engines. Once the engine has fired up I take the choke off and let it warm up on idling as I put on my helmet, gloves etc. If it hasn't fired then same routine again----if by 3 attepts it still hasn't fired up then NO ign, DeCompress and pump the cylinder empty and go back to stage 1. For the rest of the day just feel the cyl. and if there's any warmth then normal routine but NO choke and talk to the inevitable admiring, inquisitive audience. On the Mikcarb the choke is an ALL or NOTHING setting. Watch-out for the long lever on the 28mmm carb( 500cc engine) as your R/H leg can accidentally put the choke on whilst in the middle of town!!!!!(Guess how I know that one then ??). Anyway, that's my own system BUT your bike may just be different. DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR PROP STAND UP BEFORE YOU PULL AWAY !!! Oh, yes---if, during the day it wont start then get that "admiring" audience to bump-start you. You'll soon see how "admiring" they really are !!!!!---LoL.

OOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPssssssssssssss that should read "---------FIRST start of the day". LES H, your typos are breeding exponentially !!!