SR 400 retro

[Arnie]

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. :-)

[The General]

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
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. 

[ken65]

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

[TexasDave]

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


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

[Burns]

I remember that bike. It had no starter noise at all. You pushed the button and it was running.

[mikedastonfj1100]

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...