http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/691/0/home.aspx (http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/691/0/home.aspx)
I took a stroll through a dealer yesterday -- found the above -- retro of the SR500 from 78...... could a vintage FJ be in the future. ( excluding the xjr)
sc2
looks like it could be a fun bike. Like the scrambler mods. Big R
I love it!
Kick-start, and fuel injection! :good:
Yeah, I guess it looks interesting, but why does it weigh so much? Is it 100% lead from top to bottom?
Isn't that 384 lbs about the same as an R6 ? IMO it should be at least 50lbs lighter.
I guess its because it made of all that real steel type metal they used to use back in the day --- when the last time you got a chrome fender on a Japanese bike ( pre- CB1100)...
sc2
Quote from: moparman70 on September 28, 2014, 10:33:41 PM
when the last time you got a chrome fender on a Japanese bike ( pre- CB1100)...
1980 Kawasaki KZ550 A1
Many years ago.
I meant to say on a new bike for the chrome fender -- was referencing the new retro CB1100 Honda came out with a few years ago. Which on a side note may have started the retro trend.
Its interesting to see this SR400 in person -- it looks really small and the tires even smaller -- 100/90-18 fronts 110/90-18 rear. Even our RetroFJ had 120/80's fronts --- bigger than its rear.
What goes around comes around as I bet the R1-Hybusass of today make light of our tires -- 150/80 hmmmmm that's small
sc2
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on September 29, 2014, 03:46:54 AM
Quote from: moparman70 on September 28, 2014, 10:33:41 PM
when the last time you got a chrome fender on a Japanese bike ( pre- CB1100)...
1980 Kawasaki KZ550 A1
Many years ago.
My 81 XS650 and up to 84 theyre heavy pigs too but mostly steel.Those SR, Xt, andTTs were all great bikes...bullet-proof! SRXs were pretty cool too!
Quote from: charleygofast on September 29, 2014, 05:50:44 PMThose SR, Xt, andTTs were all great bikes...bullet-proof! SRXs were pretty cool too!
Indeed...
My '78 XT:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/rktmanfj/20130629_195440_zpsccfab080.jpg)
Quote from: not a lib on September 29, 2014, 09:29:36 PM
Quote from: charleygofast on September 29, 2014, 05:50:44 PMThose SR, Xt, andTTs were all great bikes...bullet-proof! SRXs were pretty cool too!
Now if theyd bring that back! :good2: Nice... N A Lib very nice!
Indeed...
My '78 XT:
(http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu159/rktmanfj/20130629_195440_zpsccfab080.jpg)
Motorcyclist has an article about a FJ-09. Liquid cooled 900 CC triple, spot tourer.
Same issue rates the SR and other retro bikes. Kick starter?!
kick starter ---- ahhh that is what makes it the coolest retro out there ....
Quote from: moparman70 on September 30, 2014, 11:14:31 PM
kick starter ---- ahhh that is what makes it the coolest retro out there ....
yea... me tooo... now if only the fj1100 could be a kickstart:-)
Quote from: mikedastonfj1100 on October 05, 2014, 09:15:05 PM
Quote from: moparman70 on September 30, 2014, 11:14:31 PM
kick starter ---- ahhh that is what makes it the coolest retro out there ....
yea... me tooo... now if only the fj1100 could be a kickstart:-)
My God! Either your memory is failing you or you never owned many, if any of them.
There is nothing cool about kick starting bikes, particularly big singles and anything that's temperamental.
People used to literally break their legs kick starting bikes.
Starter motors, electronic ignition and fairings are the best things to happen to bikes in the last 100 years (and hydraulic brakes)
I'm sure some of the scars on my shins are from kick starters.
It makes as much sense as crank handles on cars (with which people used to break thumbs)
I was probably on my 20th bike before I got my first electric start, oh what joy.
Nooooo, leave them back in the dark ages where they belong and limit retro to styling.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on October 05, 2014, 10:48:36 PM
Quote from: mikedastonfj1100 on October 05, 2014, 09:15:05 PM
Quote from: moparman70 on September 30, 2014, 11:14:31 PM
kick starter ---- ahhh that is what makes it the coolest retro out there ....
yea... me tooo... now if only the fj1100 could be a kickstart:-)
My God! Either your memory is failing you or you never owned many, if any of them.
There is nothing cool about kick starting bikes, particularly big singles and anything that's temperamental.
People used to literally break their legs kick starting bikes.
Starter motors, electronic ignition and fairings are the best things to happen to bikes in the last 100 years (and hydraulic brakes)
I'm sure some of the scars on my shins are from kick starters.
It makes as much sense as crank handles on cars (with which people used to break thumbs)
I was probably on my 20th bike before I got my first electric start, oh what joy.
Nooooo, leave them back in the dark ages where they belong and limit retro to styling.
Noel
The XT pictured above is one of the easiest starting bikes I've ever thrown a leg over...
if one knows the proper drill.If not, it can be pretty nasty. :shok:
if only the fj1100 could be a kickstart:-)
Nooooo, leave them back in the dark ages where they belong and limit retro to styling.
==========
A kick starter is fine for a small bike with electronic ignition, fuel injection and automatic decompression, but makes about as much sense on a big bike as it would on an SUV.
Then there was my brother's OSSA Pioneer 250 with the kickstarter on the LEFT side.
It was so awkward that I never got the hang of it. I would just push start it.
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on October 06, 2014, 04:54:13 PM
Then there was my brother's OSSA Pioneer 250 with the kickstarter on the LEFT side.
It was so awkward that I never got the hang of it. I would just push start it.
My Husky 390CR was like that. I hated it.
One of the reasons I sold it, the other being that it was totally inappropriate for trail riding around here.
First bike I rode was a 1951 Matchless 500, single cylinder thumper. We called it "the tank". It was my dads dirt bike. "when you can start it, you can ride". It was an adventure every time. Use the compression release to get the piston just past top dead center, you had to feel it. Kick like hell. Of course all this after you tickled the carb and put the choke in the sweet spot. Sometimes it was just easier just to coast down a hill and pop start it. It was striped down so much that the electrical system consisted of a single wire from the magneto to the spark plug. When it did not run quite right my Dad would say...Hmmm, must be the electrical system. RIP DAD.
My 85 SP/DR 600 is kick only. with comp. release and two plug head she usually starts 1st kick for 40,000 miles now. But stall her out in the woods... forget it!!! take a break and let it cool for ten minutes then shell start. You gotta know the drill. This model evolved into the DR 650 and now has E-start...go figure. I love this bike anyway, for 25 years now. Charley.
Quote from: Mike 86 in San Dimas on October 06, 2014, 10:21:13 PM
First bike I rode was a 1951 Matchless 500, single cylinder thumper. We called it "the tank". It was my dads dirt bike. "when you can start it, you can ride". It was an adventure every time. Use the compression release to get the piston just past top dead center, you had to feel it. Kick like hell. Of course all this after you tickled the carb and put the choke in the sweet spot. Sometimes it was just easier just to coast down a hill and pop start it. It was striped down so much that the electrical system consisted of a single wire from the magneto to the spark plug. When it did not run quite right my Dad would say...Hmmm, must be the electrical system. RIP DAD.
Now
YOU know what I'm talking about.
You make the starting process sound so simple but of course they never did and you'd need at least third gear to roll start or the back wheel would just lock up which meant rolling it faster than you, or your buddies. could push. I had lots of old Pommy bikes and they were all bastards to start.
Good thing to remember too, those extra few seconds you sometimes spin the starter when your bikes being a bit cranky are equal to about 20 plunges of the kick starter, and without the continuity.
Noel
Easy but you have to do it right and from cold is easier than hot. In the past a stalled big single gave you enough time to smoke a cigarette while it cooled down. Lower compression engines with manual advance and retard are pussy cats. Treat them right and they purr. Treat them wrong and it gets very nasty very quickly. I used to have a 620 KTM with a very high left hand kickstart. That thing was an animal and I used to approach it with all the humility that one reserves for wrathful gods that demand blood sacrifice. The previous owners did not use it much. I did not use it much and I suspect that its new owner will have been mauled by now.
I had a 1990 Suzuki Dr 350.... Just would not die... I tried everything to kill it... Just would not die.... Had it for 6 years b4 someone gave me an offer I could not refuse... Long story short best dirt bike I ever had... Used it on the street to:-)...
Quote from: charleygofast on October 07, 2014, 06:22:34 AM
My 85 SP/DR 600 is kick only. with comp. release and two plug head she usually starts 1st kick for 40,000 miles now. But stall her out in the woods... forget it!!! take a break and let it cool for ten minutes then shell start. You gotta know the drill. This model evolved into the DR 650 and now has E-start...go figure. I love this bike anyway, for 25 years now. Charley.
[/quote
I had an XT550 that if you stalled it when hot you HAD to drain the float bowl to re-start. It took a lot of kickin' before I figured out the drill. Big singles definitely have personality.
When I stall the SP when hot sometimes I turn off ignition pull in decomp lever, hold throttle wide open kick a half dozen or so times then switch on and kick...no throttle or youll get booted over the bars or break your leg!!! Still, I love this bike...personality, oh yeah! Speaking of love... Not a libs profile pic! :lol: :lol: Thump-on! Charley.
I read the article and came to the conclusion that this bike is a cute puppy, but it is still a dog. Shoulda gave it 600 cc's and put it on a diet ( chrome-moly frame, alloy tank/fenders for a start). I doubt that there is a market niche for this pretender to the throne.
I just read Motor Cyclist's review of the SR400. It is the exact same bike they have been building since 1978. The only update is FI.
$6000 is a lot of money for what is essentially a 36 year old motorcycle. Performance is on par with 1978 also.
Quote from: Burns on October 09, 2014, 11:57:03 AM
I read the article and came to the conclusion that this bike is a cute puppy, but it is still a dog. Shoulda gave it 600 cc's and put it on a diet ( chrome-moly frame, alloy tank/fenders for a start). I doubt that there is a market niche for this pretender to the throne.
I agree. I can not imagine what market yamaha is looking for in this retro bike. If it is the younger starter bike riders why make it kick start only? If it is the older kick start riders should have been at least 600cc. Dave
Quote from: TexasDave on October 09, 2014, 12:13:06 PM
Quote from: Burns on October 09, 2014, 11:57:03 AM
I read the article and came to the conclusion that this bike is a cute puppy, but it is still a dog. Shoulda gave it 600 cc's and put it on a diet ( chrome-moly frame, alloy tank/fenders for a start). I doubt that there is a market niche for this pretender to the throne.
I agree. I can not imagine what market yamaha is looking for in this retro bike. If it is the younger starter bike riders why make it kick start only? If it is the older kick start riders should have been at least 600cc. Dave
+1
I've been waiting for another SR (or perhaps XT) roller to come along, since I have a spare engine to hot rod a bit, and SRX600s are rare a hen's teeth in these parts. I doubt if anyone is going to bring something like that Stateside again (and no, an Enfield isn't quite going to do it).
I weighed about 120 lbs when I rode those things. I didn't even try to kick them over the top of a compression stroke. I'd put the bike in second and rock it backwards till the wheel stopped. That put the piston on the top of the power stroke. A firm prod would spin it from there.
Once to prime (switch off) then the quest for fire began - switch-on, tickle the carb, (choke as temperature and experienced dictated) then give it a stab. If Lucas was in a good mood that stab would wake up the motor and the neighborhood. If not it was a good time to talk about Dick Mann or High School football.
This technique also saves you the pain of a "reverse power stroke" which is what you get when one of those things fired with the piston on the wrong side of TDC.
Quote from: Burns on October 09, 2014, 05:45:50 PM
I weighed about 120 lbs when I rode those things. I didn't even try to kick them over the top of a compression stroke. I'd put the bike in second and rock it backwards till the wheel stopped. That put the piston on the top of the power stroke. A firm prod would spin it from there.
Once to prime (switch off) then the quest for fire began - switch-on, tickle the carb, (choke as temperature and experienced dictated) then give it a stab. If Lucas was in a good mood that stab would wake up the motor and the neighborhood. If not it was a good time to talk about Dick Mann or High School football.
This technique also saves you the pain of a "reverse power stroke" which is what you get when one of those things fired with the piston on the wrong side of TDC.
....keeping the knee slightly bent.
The technique if you stall one in heavy traffic is to jump off the bike, turn around to face the oncoming vehicles so you jump out of the way if need be and so only your bike gets run over, pray you don't get cleaned up and when a big enough gap appears push it to the side of the road and start the procedure Burns described. Although in your haste you'll probably muck it up and wish there was someone around to talk high school football with while contemplating upgrading to something with electric start, having just escaped being run over on a dead bike in the middle of the road.
As I said previously, electric start is one of the best improvements to bikes in the last 100 years.
Noel
I can't stop looking at reviews and pics of this bike.. so cool! Like the idea of the kick start, less weight and complication. the FI probably makes it a reliable one-kicker which I could live with. And I do love thumpers.
but this is just too much money for what it is.. at least a grand too expensive new. Also compared to the big dual-sports available that are more powerful, less/same weight, equally road capable plus offroad ability, with electric starts AND less expensive.. how can you justify that price on the SR? You just gotta really want it.. I expect it will be a one and done model year with new 2014 still on the floor in two years. Now that said, if one were to turn up cheap in a year or three and catch me with some extra cash, I could see having it.
Quote from: ddlewis on October 10, 2014, 08:09:21 AM
......Like the idea of the kick start, less weight and complication. the FI probably makes it a reliable one-kicker which I could live with.
Haha, in your dreams! Read the thread. :biggrin: I can tell you for a fact (experience) that kick starts give more problems than starter motors.
I understand the appeal and the nod to yesteryear about kicking a big single thumper to life manually but in the real world the novelty would last couple of days. Like swinging the prop on a plane, a bit of fun the first few times then it just becomes a regular PIA.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on October 10, 2014, 08:29:00 AM
Haha, in your dreams! Read the thread. :biggrin: I can tell you for a fact (experience) that kick starts give more problems than starter motors.
I understand the appeal and the nod to yesteryear about kicking a big single thumper to life manually but in the real world the novelty would last couple of days. Like swinging the prop on a plane, a bit of fun the first few times then it just becomes a regular PIA.
Noel
A "fact" straight from your rear end.. :blum1: In my experience - never had a kick start fail.. fail to start, yes. lever fall off and go MIA in the woods, yes :biggrin: but not break. Starter motors, not often but once in a while, break. They're more complicated, its inevitable.
I'm not as far removed from the reality of kick starters as most, having owned a string of XR-R converted dual sports. Most recently an 03 XR400R until 2011. So I know all about dripping sweat and stomping on a kick lever. I still have a little 4t dirtbike with kicker in the garage right now. (ridiculously easy to start too)
Usually (9/10) my bikes will start cold in two, warm in one. but sometimes 3 and sometimes 5+.. sometimes they're too hot to start, sometimes they flood out. I agree, you don't want to deal with that nonsense on a quick trip to the store for a loaf of bread. But I've put up with it before and I would do it for the SR. Like I said, betting the fuel pump/FI system makes it way more reliable 1 kick.
Quote from: ribbert on October 10, 2014, 08:29:00 AM
Quote from: ddlewis on October 10, 2014, 08:09:21 AM
......Like the idea of the kick start, less weight and complication. the FI probably makes it a reliable one-kicker which I could live with.
Haha, in your dreams! Read the thread. :biggrin: I can tell you for a fact (experience) that kick starts give more problems than starter motors.
I understand the appeal and the nod to yesteryear about kicking a big single thumper to life manually but in the real world the novelty would last couple of days. Like swinging the prop on a plane, a bit of fun the first few times then it just becomes a regular PIA.
Noel
Just because
some people can't figure out the drill for kick starting a particular bike doesn't mean that it can't be done. :unknown:
In
my experience, all of my kickstart only bike bikes (TL250, XT500, H2) were pretty reliable starters, once I learned what they required. No, not as easy-peasy as thumbing a button each time, but it was pretty gratifying to be able to do it consistently.
I've not been able to keep the XT350 going long enough to figure it out... :sorry:
Quote from: ribbert on October 10, 2014, 08:29:00 AM
Quote from: ddlewis on October 10, 2014, 08:09:21 AM
......Like the idea of the kick start, less weight and complication. the FI probably makes it a reliable one-kicker which I could live with.
Haha, in your dreams! Read the thread. :biggrin: I can tell you for a fact (experience) that kick starts give more problems than starter motors.
I understand the appeal and the nod to yesteryear about kicking a big single thumper to life manually but in the real world the novelty would last couple of days. Like swinging the prop on a plane, a bit of fun the first few times then it just becomes a regular PIA.
Noel
I rode a friend's Kawasaki W650 recently. It has a kick start (as well as electric, of course) and I kicked it into life first time with surprisingly little effort.
Quote from: ribbert on October 10, 2014, 08:29:00 AM
Quote from: ddlewis on October 10, 2014, 08:09:21 AM
......Like the idea of the kick start, less weight and complication. the FI probably makes it a reliable one-kicker which I could live with.
Haha, in your dreams! Read the thread. :biggrin: I can tell you for a fact (experience) that kick starts give more problems than starter motors.
I understand the appeal and the nod to yesteryear about kicking a big single thumper to life manually but in the real world the novelty would last couple of days. Like swinging the prop on a plane, a bit of fun the first few times then it just becomes a regular PIA.
Noel
This is weird. In Aus many are more expensive second hand than New! It has a top speed of only 120kmh. (according to this review http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/road/yamaha/sr400/first-ride-2014-yamaha-sr400-44505 (http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/road/yamaha/sr400/first-ride-2014-yamaha-sr400-44505)). Note: the reviewer is very happy that it only takes 5 kicks to get it going thanks to the new age of fuel injection.
Yet the proven DR650 is the same price new and I can sit on mine 130 to 150kmh all day fully loaded with camping gear. (Dirt power slides?....no prob.)
It`s not a nod to yesterday at all....just moves my head alternatively left and right in ever diminishing movements!
Quote from: The General on October 10, 2014, 09:21:29 AM...This is weird. In Aus many are more expensive second hand than New! It has a top speed of only 120kmh. (according to this review http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/road/yamaha/sr400/first-ride-2014-yamaha-sr400-44505 (http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/road/yamaha/sr400/first-ride-2014-yamaha-sr400-44505)). Note: the reviewer is very happy that it only takes 5 kicks to get it going thanks to the new age of fuel injection.
Yet the proven DR650 is the same price new and I can sit on mine 130 to 150kmh all day fully loaded with camping gear. (Dirt power slides?....no prob.)
It`s not a nod to yesterday at all....just moves my head alternatively left and right in ever diminishing movements!
Well it is a ribbert-style FACT that the DR650 is the greatest motorcycle ever conceived of.. :good2: Seriously, I aggree. How could you buy an SR4 with a cheaper/better in every quantifiable measure DR650 sitting beside it on the sales floor for LESS. Like I said.. you just gotta really want it. and i kinda do.
Quote from: ddlewis on October 10, 2014, 09:34:23 AM
Quote from: The General on October 10, 2014, 09:21:29 AM...This is weird. In Aus many are more expensive second hand than New! It has a top speed of only 120kmh. (according to this review http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/road/yamaha/sr400/first-ride-2014-yamaha-sr400-44505 (http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/road/yamaha/sr400/first-ride-2014-yamaha-sr400-44505)). Note: the reviewer is very happy that it only takes 5 kicks to get it going thanks to the new age of fuel injection.
Yet the proven DR650 is the same price new and I can sit on mine 130 to 150kmh all day fully loaded with camping gear. (Dirt power slides?....no prob.)
It`s not a nod to yesterday at all....just moves my head alternatively left and right in ever diminishing movements!
Well it is a ribbert-style FACT that the DR650 is the greatest motorcycle ever conceived of.. :good2: Seriously, I aggree. How could you buy an SR4 with a cheaper/better in every quantifiable measure DR650 sitting beside it on the sales floor for LESS. Like I said.. you just gotta really want it. and i kinda do.
haha, I hear ya.....hmmmmm, hardly have ta change gears on the DR and don`t need the rear brakes much....a set of clip ons and placing my feet on the pillion foot pegs would be cool for the Mapleton Muster! (Might have ta practice the traditional Latte U turn me thinks). :drinks:
modern ignitions and fuel systems take a lot of the drama out of kick starting. My last xs650 was kick only ( I got rid of the battery when I put in an RD350 based permanent magnet charging system). It had the Pamco (Hall effect) points eliminator which allowed much hotter coils. Of course it is a twin, but it would fire on 1 easy prod hot or cold almost every time.
I have seen stripped splines on kick-shafts, so, yes they do break.
For me it is a weight question, if you are getting as light as possible losing the battery and starter motor has merit. But Yam pigged up that 400 anyway.
There's no fun in kick starting bikes, especially when their having a bad day and your running late for work. :dash2: My little Suzuki 2 stroke normally takes 1 to 5 kicks to start, but there's days when it could take 20 kicks. It's a lot easier pushing a button swearing than kicking your guts out swearing when they won't cooperate. In saying that though, all bikes should be fitted with both, I think from memory it was the XS1100 that came with an accessory kick start lever that was stashed on the bike somewhere and fitted in case of a flat battery to start.
Quote from: Bones on October 10, 2014, 03:31:51 PM
There's no fun in kick starting bikes, especially when their having a bad day and your running late for work. :dash2: My little Suzuki 2 stroke normally takes 1 to 5 kicks to start, but there's days when it could take 20 kicks. It's a lot easier pushing a button swearing than kicking your guts out swearing when they won't cooperate. In saying that though, all bikes should be fitted with both, I think from memory it was the XS1100 that came with an accessory kick start lever that was stashed on the bike somewhere and fitted in case of a flat battery to start.
Yep, I got one on mine. (Bit rusty though.). I keep it with my Recue kit. (Racq details, puncture repair kit, basic tools & a six pak) :drinks:
Quote from: ddlewis on October 10, 2014, 08:54:35 AM
Quote from: ribbert on October 10, 2014, 08:29:00 AM
Haha, in your dreams! Read the thread. :biggrin: I can tell you for a fact (experience) that kick starts give more problems than starter motors.
I understand the appeal and the nod to yesteryear about kicking a big single thumper to life manually but in the real world the novelty would last couple of days. Like swinging the prop on a plane, a bit of fun the first few times then it just becomes a regular PIA.
Noel
A "fact" straight from your rear end..
It may be, but that is a rear end that has hovered puckered and poised over literally thousands of bike seats while kick starting them.
Noel
The term "kick start" isn't really accurate in most cases. You kick start small capacity bikes and plunge start big ones. Only small capacity bikes can be started with the downward force of your leg only, bigger ones requiring the extra thrust of body weight. Depending where the piston is, you can stand with all you weight on a kick start lever and it won't move.
Someone suggested they should still have both, this makes no more sense than including crank handles with new cars. Modern bikes have electrical and fuelling systems that make them very reliable and flat batteries should no more of an occurrence than they are in a car.
Some of you may remember a few small capacity 2 strokes (may have even been a Yamaha) that used what was referred to as a "reverse alternator" to start the bike. Using the alternator as a starter motor. It was weird, because there was no sound. You pushed the button and the motor just started turning. I believe this technology is becoming popular again although I know little about its current use.
Who needs either:
Pull Start Volkswagen with strap on pulley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI46qVW2WA4#ws)
Noel
I've had a 'number' of kick start bikes, including Bultacos that could be started backwards, Yamaha 2-stroke twins and singles, Suzuki 2-stroke square fours, and a Norton 750 twin. I'm not missing the occasional struggle to start them. This is why I was intrigued when I saw this bike a few years ago. :-)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/99_12_03_10_9_23_17.jpeg)
Here`s one with a kick starter that`s a beauty.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YAMAHA-1980-XS650-SPECIAL-/231352310441?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item35ddac1aa9 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YAMAHA-1980-XS650-SPECIAL-/231352310441?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item35ddac1aa9)
It`s for sale by a meticulous mechanic mate. He spent $12000 on parts for her (Books of receipts over 4 years) and only wants 6 grand. And it`s a Yamaha! EBay Auction ends tomorra. (He lives near Ken too!)
He`s had to buy a scooter for health reasons. :drinks:
At the moment i have 3 kick start only bikes. An rd350lc, 72 bonneville and a 71 xs1b. After finally getting the rd sorted i actually on occasions started it with only using my hand/arm while it was on the bike stand. When i 1st got the bonne it would take a few kicks to start it if i was lucky but every now and then it would take a chunk out of the cotter , I went through 1/2 a dozen or more. When I put the new carbs on it, it starts 1st kick every time if i get the sequence right . With the xs it usually starts 1st kick but one day i kicked and kicked till i could kick no more, then it dawned on me with the electric ignition a flat battery doesn't do you any good.. Ive noticed with both the 650's, if you go in with only half an effort , it can bite you.
ken
Quote from: ribbert on October 10, 2014, 07:33:39 PM
The term "kick start" isn't really accurate in most cases. You kick start small capacity bikes and plunge start big ones. Only small capacity bikes can be started with the downward force of your leg only, bigger ones requiring the extra thrust of body weight. Depending where the piston is, you can stand with all you weight on a kick start lever and it won't move.
Someone suggested they should still have both, this makes no more sense than including crank handles with new cars. Modern bikes have electrical and fuelling systems that make them very reliable and flat batteries should no more of an occurrence than they are in a car.
Some of you may remember a few small capacity 2 strokes (may have even been a Yamaha) that used what was referred to as a "reverse alternator" to start the bike. Using the alternator as a starter motor. It was weird, because there was no sound. You pushed the button and the motor just started turning. I believe this technology is becoming popular again although I know little about its cur
Who needs either:
Pull Start Volkswagen with strap on pulley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI46qVW2WA4#ws)
Noel
Noel you are right once again. My first full size bike was a 1968 yamaha Bonanza 180cc twin. The electric starter was the alternator on the end of the crank. Dave
I remember that bike. It had no starter noise at all. You pushed the button and it was running.
I had a 1990 Dr 350 from Suzuki.... It was kick only... Once u could get it started after say 15 kicks or so... It would purr like a newborn kitten... I paid $500 for it and put about $600 into it just to get it running and drivable.... Kick starts can be pains in the arse sometimes... I live on a hill thankfully... Push start works alot better when kick does not...