'Lectric Starters...?

slupdawg said:

On the topic of kick starting on wheels, can anyone tell me how difficult it might be to do this when riding 2 up?

Click to expand...

Make sure your passenger gets their foot out of the way before you start kicking, otherwise he/she probably won't be too pleased about having their toes crushed by your boot heel!

Ha! Good advice. Might be the last ride she'll take. Or, will remember to move her foot next time.

Has anyone tried the longer kickstart lever sold by Commando Specialties and RGM? Does that improve things and make the change worthwhile?

Even when I was young and strong I always kick started my Commando on the stand. To do otherwise was just stupid.

I have a 30 inch inseam, and my MKIII is in Interstate trim. I've always felt the seat was a little on the high side. I can kick the thing in the saddle, but feel much better doing it on the stand. Now my '72 Roadster can be kicked off the stand much easier because the seat isn't so high. Yes, I know my MKIII has a nicely working Dyno Dave starter, and the sprag (as of last use) works fine, but I still like to start it on the stand with the kickstart when cold. Nice to know it's there, but I don't use it every time. Now, as brought up earlier, if you are two up, and for some reason need a re-start, the button is great! My wife will attest to that.

If I'm not misstaken the longer kickstart lever you ask about Yello-cad is the MKiii lever. I have both & the MKiii one does give noticeably more leverage. I use rearsets & to position them in a place I like I need the older style lever. This and right hip issuses from a lower back injury mean I have to start the bike on the center stand. I can see the day coming in the next few years where a electric start system may be needed. Anyone know anything about that guy in France that was working on one? Seemed like a good system.

MexicoMike said:

I spent a bit of time today on and off practicing at kicking through my 850 with no stands - just on it's wheels.

So I want to thank those who pointed out that it's just a matter of learning the technique, not a matter of weight - I weigh 165 so I'm not heavy enough to scare the bike into starting! So I'll add my voice to the "Yes we Can!" (kickstart, that is. Don't know about that other stuff.)

Click to expand...

You should try doing it on a Triumph Trident with a Norman Hyde "1000cc" (973cc) conversion kit that's got a healthy compression?


After that, I'm sure you'd think that kickstarting a Commando on its wheels was relatively easy!