Starting an 850

bigstu · Jan 5, 2009

Hi
Just restored and 850 Mk11a
When the plugs are out the engine kicks over OK
When the plugs are in the bike is very difficult to get the kickstarter through to the bottom of its stroke.
The resistance seems excessive, and has resulted in the bike kicking back and damaging my ankle(s).
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Stuart.

marinatlas · Jan 5, 2009

Hi there,
could be : wet sumping (I had one rebuilt cdo which empties its oil tank in few days , yes i should had a look to the oil pump.....), or may be tired after those New Year festivities........

BillT · Jan 5, 2009

If you just finished rebuilding it, you've got a little more resistance than normal because the rings haven't bedded in yet.

Check for wet sumping - pull the drain on the case bottom and see how much oil comes out. If you drain into a clean container, just pour it right back into the oil tank. If there's a quart in the case, it could make crank a bit harder.
Check the compression to make sure you're within spec
Check your static timing - if the timing's out you could get kickback
How are you kicking? I either stand on the side of the bike, on its centerstand, and kick with my right leg, or straddle the bike, left foot on left peg, right foot on lever. I usually cycle once or twice before turning the ignition on to prime the chambers.
Which kickstart lever are you using? Mine came with a Racing Spares lever when I got it, and I replaced it with a MkIII, which is about an inch longer - makes a difference in effort.

Remember, its 828cc. It does take some effort to crank!

cash · Jan 5, 2009

Bigstu,
Keep your kicking knee slightly bent it will absorb the kickback. Just lift yourself up on the kickstart then push down using all your weight and the flywheel should do the rest. Make sure you follow through, don't do it half-heartedly that's when it will kickback. Practice with the ignition off attempt to get over two compressions in one kick. It's the second where it will usually start or kick you back. And the more throttle you give it the more viscious the kickback.

I'm a short arse with a totally knackered right knee and still managing.

Best of luck,
Cash

Norvin · Jan 5, 2009

as mentioned in all the above threads -
check that the cases are'nt over filled with oil.
double or triple check your timing -(valve timing too - are you 100% certain you got it right ?)
and remember - they are'nt known for being easy to kick over !
i can start my 750 triumph trident with my arm,
the 750 bonneville is easy to kick through.
the norton can throw my girlfreind over the handlebars.
you can always drop the $$$ for a track starter ...
g'luck....
marc

aceaceca · Jan 5, 2009

If you are running a boyer, when the battery is low or on the way out it will cause severe kickback.

bigstu · Jan 6, 2009

cash said:
Bigstu,
Keep your kicking knee slightly bent it will absorb the kickback. Just lift yourself up on the kickstart then push down using all your weight and the flywheel should do the rest. Make sure you follow through, don't do it half-heartedly that's when it will kickback. Practice with the ignition off attempt to get over two compressions in one kick. It's the second where it will usually start or kick you back. And the more throttle you give it the more viscious the kickback.

I'm a short arse with a totally knackered right knee and still managing.

Best of luck,
Cash

Thanks Cash.
Thats the problem. There seems to be no flywheel. If I give it everything I have got I can't seem to get the bugger through to the bottom. I can start my Triton no problem. That generates some momentium.
Stu.

Corona850 · Jan 6, 2009

Thats the problem. There seems to be no flywheel. If I give it everything I have got I can't seem to get the bugger through to the bottom.

When my bike sits for 4 weeks (and it regularly does) the wet sumping causes such a drag on the flywheel that it can't be kicked through. I could spend all day kicking it over but never get enough momentum to start it. But, when I drain the sump it will start first or second kick. It sounds like you might have a similar problem.

Cookie · Jan 6, 2009

I'd also wonder about the wet sumping. My Boyer also has given me a bit of a kickback but not much since I retarded it a hair. Folks here tipped me off to be sure to have a hot battery for the Boyer.
My little jock wife came out the other day while I was kicking the Norton. She offered to give it a few few kicks and ex long jumper or not she couldn't get that thing to turn over well.
They always were a bear to kick compared to most other bikes I've tried.