Forum

[ric]

''The kickstart is certainly not the best design feature of the bike; it's difficult to get a good swing with it.''

You need to remove the retaining bolt completely before you can remove it and give it a good swing.

[Scalyback]

I had a Woodsman, which was based on an Electra EFI.



I only ever started it with the kick start.



Try this... When cold, hold the sliding lever on the left handlebar all the way forward (I think it's forward), then place your foot on said chrome lever and try to push it through the floor.







When hot, don't use the handlebar lever, just try a little twist to the throttle instead.

[Scalyback]

[center]




Dottyone... Did you say you mistook 6 days for two weeks?



Not the first time this has happened...

[dottyone]

Totally brilliant scalyback - thanks! Also I am encouraged that IT IS possible to start using the kick-start. On with my big boots to give it a good kicking!
By the way, I should add that I really love riding the bike, it's just the nagging reliability doubts.
Thanks again!

[MickB]

Ahhh, perhaps I should have read the post properly before replying! I thought you were referring to that useless metal rod with the lump of rubber on the end that attaches the rear hub. As for the one you were referring to, I usually manage to start mine first kick every time. If it hasn’t fired on the second kick, then it’s time for the electric start before it floods.


There’s a knack to doing it and you will find many posts on the subject on the forum but, every Enfield has a mind of its own so talk to it nicely and be prepared to experiment. For what it’s worth, I use the following procedure for starting from cold.


Pull in the clutch and turn the engine a couple of times to free the clutch plates.


Turn the engine over until you feel firm resistance on the compression stroke.


Let the kick start lever come back to the top.


Turn on the ignition, don’t touch the throttle and give the kick start a good swing.


If you’re lucky it should start first time and tick over quite nicely. I have an Iridium plug in mine (I keep banging on about them) as it gives a much stronger and consistent spark; easy starting and smoother running.

[CGT 535]

And the Ex-scaly Woodsman still starts first kick - now I've got the hang of it! The CGT is a different matter though............