Had this bike for a few years, recently interested in making the kick start a reliable start method. The electric start works, but I can kick it for hours with no result. I have gotten it to kick start twice in about 7 years. Both after 40+ minutes of hell.

Compufire electronic ignition
Rev tech 3 ohm dual coil and dual plug set up
New top end
S&s super e

Runs great after its started. Very strong motor. Timing set by a professional mechanic so I assume it's correct. Wondering if some one knows if maybe my ignition or coils aren't good for kicking. Thought about going back to points but i feel like that's downgrading. Thanks for any help. BTW I have performed several searches for best kick tunes and such. None were specific to the parts that are installed on my bike though, and that's really what I'm asking about.

 

Points or a Dyna S ignition.
Once timed, jetted, and valves set correctly, cold starts; ignition off/enrichener on, 3 primer kicks, drop enrichener, turn on ignition, crack throttle about 1/4 turn.........bingo.
Warm start; turn ignition on and 1 stab should have you running.
Scott

 

I still have 2 kick start bikes only,they can sit for 6 months at a time and usually start on the first or second kick. Good luck .

 

After the OP becomes more familiar with his starting squences, the method which I described is generally a sure-fire way to light one off, in particularly in uncharted territory.
My 1967 FLH will light up on 1 when cold, about 1/2 a kick once warmed.
Good state of tune, sound engine, and the owner very familiar, is about 99 and 44 one hundreths percent of it.
Scott

 

Make sure the ignition is compatible with kick start, some only fire after 2 revolutions, compufire has both kinds, guarantee this is your problem

 

We have also witnessed those Comp ignitions waaay off on power vs a Crane, or Dyna 2000i, while on the dyno.
Scott

 

I bought a new kick-start-only FX back in '74 - too tight to pay the extra for the FXE with electric starter! I sooned learned the folly of my ways. Even on a brand new bike, straight out of the factory, the darned thing could be troublesome. All my previous bikes had been kick-start only, so I was experienced. Most certainly ensure that you have a suitable ignition system for kicking. Scott has given you useful tips, so I suggest you bin yours and choose a Crane or Dyna, without further delay!

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Can anyone recommend a dyna s that is 100% kick start compatible. Possibly a part number? I'm ok with changing to another electronic ignition. My old sporty was points and I liked how easy it was to kickstart but all my friends are telling me it would be a mistake to go back. Thanks

 

I can't help you with the Dyna part number, but agree that it is a backward step to return to points. There was a time when we could buy 'new' wonder conversion kits, to dump points and advance mechanisms. They were night and day better once fitted!

 

Bikes with kickers all have their own sequence and rituals that must be followed. The trick is finding it.

My '77 with S&S Super E and Dyna S dual fire was:
COLD. Ign. off, enrichner on full, no throttle, 2 kicks then one more with a 1/4 twist of the throttle.
Next, ign. on, 1/2 enrichner, 1/4 throttle and would fire within 2 kicks.

WARM. Ign. on 1/2 enrichner, 1/4 throttle it would light on first or second kick.





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