Forum

[Thack]

Dogsbody: I was told always to kickstart the bike when astride, to prevent exactly that risk. The other half of the advice is to adjust your stance such that you don't lock out your knee when the kickstart lever is at the bottom of its stroke. If you follow that advice, all a kickback does is return your leg back to its starting position very quickly, leaving you surprised but unhurt.



But honestly, if it's kicking back that much, it strongly suggests a check of the ignition timing should be next on your list.

[Riggers]

I agree with Thack in that if the kick back is as severe as you say then the ignition timing should be checked. As an initial check i would remove the points cover (two screws) and just check that the auto advance unit isn't stuck in the fully advanced position. You can do this by taking hold of the cam with thumb and forefinger and trying to turn it forwards. If it moves and springs back ok then all well and good. If it won't move then it's possibly seized and should be freed off or replaced. Incidentally, if you're feeling adventurous I added a post on here a couple of weeks back on an easy way to achieve accurate ignition timing. it's under the heading of 'Finding Top Dead Centre'. The thread is a bit fragmented but I'd be happy to post the method from start to finish if needed. I'm miles away in Hull so cannot 'pop round' to help.

[John L]

Dogsbody - Hate to see a fellow owner struggle. I'm quite often in the Cromer area. Let me know your address or contact details and I'll pop round.
John L

[Dogsbody]

Thank you. Thack, Riggers and John L. I've never used this kind of notice board before but I am very pleasantly surprised at the brilliant responses I've had with help and advice from everyone. I now feel somewhat more reassured now so I might have another go when I can walk properly. I'll probably creep up on it from behind so it doesn't see me and surprise it that way as it has been a bit fierce with me as a new owner. With a bit of luck it will feel sorry for me and capitulate quietly but I think I may need your reassurance John and thanks for the offer. My mobile number is 07733326312 for when you are next in this area. Be glad for reinforcements.

[papasmurf]

Dogsbody you really do need to be astride the bike to kickstart it, and don't ever try starting it like this:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ldnr9sDeTQ

[PeteF]

Papa, that looks like a 350.
I can do that with mine but I don't think you could with a 500.

[Chris [Stockport]]

I did do it with my 500 some time ago. Then I went to a "specialist" garage for something, and the mechanic couldn't kick it at all. So I quickly did it by hand. I felt sorry for him as his mechanic mates weren't very kind to him afterwards...

[PeteF]

OK so you CAN do it with a 500
It goes to show that, if everything is as it should be and you have the correct technique, Bullets are NOT difficult to start.

[papasmurf]

Petef, I weigh 15 stone, and I can stand on the kick start of my Electra X(ish) it just stays there. (Which is why I have never attempted to kick start it.)

[PeteF]

Your choice Papa but just because it's got good compression doesn't mean you can't kick start it. BSA Gold star ??