I have a 1975 kick only and have started experiencing the "sportster knee" man does that hurt, anyways sometimes its just slipping all the way through. how hard is it to replace the components? I found the kit on zoom cycle, what all do I need? I dont really want to have to buy the whole kit if I just need acouple of parts. I feel pretty mechanically sound, but im not comfortable opening up the engine case, will that be required to repair this?

 

No takers? Im sure someone here has had to replace the kickstart ratchet assembly. Any help or advise is very welcome.

 

You have to remove the primary cover and remove everything you see in there to get at the back of the clutch drum. Then check the ratchet plate, the ratchet gear and bushhing carefully. Make sure the gear is good and the bushingis stillfairly tight. You might want to take them all to an experienced mechanic to tell you which parts need replacing. Also check over the starter shaft and gear. The shaft maybe bent or twisted from yearsof use.Now is the time to replace them if needed. Tally up the parts that need replacing and then you'll know if you should buy a whole kit or just one or two parts that are bad. Then when all the bad parts have been replaced, put her back together.

 

It's not too hard. I did one just last week. You do have to rivet on the ring behind the clutch hub.

It's not always the ratchet, though. Sometimes the clutch hub bearing itself can cause the problem.

The gear in most of the kits is a little different from the oem part, so inspect it carefully, and replace only those parts that need replacing. The wear should be fairly obvious.

 

I had an issue with the ratchet plate rivets on the clutch drum loosening up and causing the ratchet plate to "flex" while kicking the motor over....Your best bet is to pull it apartand inspect the parts before sinking money into the problem.....It may result in down time but living on a budget like many do in here beats the crap outta throwing money away.

 

yeah, im not in the business of throwing money away. I will waint untill a rainy weekend to tear it down and see whats going on.