So the '61 Pan is on the truck, due to arrive any day now. The first thing I'm gonna try to do is start it but I'm not sure how. From what I've red, I'm supposed to turn off ignition, kick twice, choke, turn on ignition, retard the timing, kick again and the bike is running.

How exactly does the manual timing adjustment work? Is it counter clockwise to retard and clockwise to advance? When starting, do I retard until I can't turn the grip anymore? Once the engine gets to temperature, and your riding, do you just find a comfortable spot for the timing where the motor is smooth, and leave it there or are you always messing with the adjustment?

Also, I've never ridden a bike with a tank shifter, and foot clutch. Any words of wisdom?

OK,

Here ya go. I had a 59 pan for years and this is the best method I figured out.

When the bike is cold:

Retard the bike (Turn the left grip away from you all the way (opposite of giving it gas).
Pull out your choke
With the ignition off give it two easy kicks
Now turn the ignition on and kick swiftly
If and when it starts turn the left grip all the way back towards you and push the choke in as it warms up.

When the bike is warm.

No prime kicks.
Turn on ignition (no choke)
Kick swiftly

This of course is in a perfect situation where the bike wants to start. If you flood it you will have to leave the ignition off and give it full throttle (hold it there) and kick all the excess gas out.

I had a foot shift on my 59 so you're on you own as far as learning how to ride with the suicide clutch and jockey shift.

Good Luck and Happy Kicking

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One thing I always did Prior to the above procedure was say 1 Hail Mary.

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HOG's RULE

I had a couple '51s for years.
Foot Clutch: Engine off. Insure transmission is in Neutral. To insure that it the clutch is adjusted somewhere close "Heel" (disengage)the foot rocker down all the way and the kicker should push thru without turning over the engine. Next "Toe" (engage) the foot rocker and the engine should be able to turn over when applying the Kicker. The Foot rocker should be able to stay disengaged by itself...even with engine running. There is a friction assembly at it's rotating area. If the friction pad(s) are oily, then it will not stay disengaged. If they are clean and it still does not stay in disengaged position; then the nut must be tightened some. Once the engine is running and you have insured that the clutch is adjusted properly; "Heal" (disengage) , ease shifter into 1st gear, bring up rpms slightly, start "Toeing" (engaging) clutch and you will start moving. "Toe" completely down, take off to an acceptable ist gear speed, "Heal" it, shift into 2nd, "Toe" it, etc etc. One of the most toughest things about starting out from a stop is if you have to turn left as you start because if you are off balance you will put your left foot down on the ground to catch yourself when you should be easing the clutch in. A Manual will be of the greatest assistance to you as it will show every adjustment, etc.

My '52 Pan started almost every time useing the same method that Terry described, I'd just like to add be sure to kick it "all the way thru" to the bottom of the stroke or risk a kickback. I was once thrown up onto the bars! LOL

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He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Find a combination to start your bike........got it?....ok. The best advice I can give you for riding a ratchet shift is to learn to find neutral real fast. Whent youre sitting at a long red light with your right foot on the ground and your left foot on the clutch you need to be sure and shift your weight to the right by sliding your ass (can I say ass on the forum?...if I cant then I mean butt.) halfway off the right side of the seat. Otherwise youre likely to lose your balance and when you do that its only natural to take your left foot and slam it to the ground to keep you from falling down and looking stupid, thus engaging the clutch and propelling yourself into the middle of said intersection and right into the path of that Peterbuilt.
Anyway, learn to find neutral before you come to a stop, and avoid crowdes places...especially ones with gravel.
Just my two cents (they probably aint worth half that).
Kick