Electric start vs. Kicker
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Electric start vs. Kicker
Hi Every one.
Why would my 65 start more consistently with the Kicker vs. the Electric start? It turns over with the electric start but sometimes it takes a bit to start. So lately as soon as that happens I kick it over and it usually starts on the first kick. Any idea's?
Thanks In advance
Red
Why would my 65 start more consistently with the Kicker vs. the Electric start? It turns over with the electric start but sometimes it takes a bit to start. So lately as soon as that happens I kick it over and it usually starts on the first kick. Any idea's?
Thanks In advance
Red
Tourer
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From:
RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
I had the same problem with my old ironhead sporty years ago added the electric start to it seemed to take a lot of cranking to start it,the tech told me that the starter takes so much juice that the old bikes did not have enough spark to start easily? So I think dab nab it,I just spent $$ adding electric start for nothing!! What I used to do is crank it a few times with the starter then it seems one good kick and off I go...
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RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
Hi Texas,
Thats what I was thinking that maybe the drain is lowering the voltage at the spark plug. Maybe I need a fresh set of plugs and clean up the points some and make sure I have a good clean path. I gues a new set of plug wires would be a good idea also. It is weird though because like you said I will crank it a couple times and nothing. Then I kick it over once and it fires up nice and strong! eh I guess someone is trying to tell me I need some exercise!!
Thanks
Red
Thats what I was thinking that maybe the drain is lowering the voltage at the spark plug. Maybe I need a fresh set of plugs and clean up the points some and make sure I have a good clean path. I gues a new set of plug wires would be a good idea also. It is weird though because like you said I will crank it a couple times and nothing. Then I kick it over once and it fires up nice and strong! eh I guess someone is trying to tell me I need some exercise!!
Thanks
Red
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RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
Actually (its been a while late 70`s) if memory serves me correct the problem was the coil was not getting enough voltage,you may want to clean all connections make sure they are good and tight also how old is your coil? How old is your battery,in my case the bike did not come with electric I believe battery and other components were simply not designed for it,sounds like your on the right track..at least it starts easy by kickstart the reason I went to the electric start was I got tired of limping! Then later traded my old ironhead in for a new 81 fxr,actually miss both those bikes....
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 770
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From: East NM
RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
If you have or can get a voltmeter, measure the voltage drop across the battery, then across the length of both battery cables. If the battery drops more than 1.5 - 2 voltsor either cable drops more than 1 volt, you've found the problem.
Personally, I prefer a kickstart anyway. Along with being more reliable, it's a safety factor. Especially on older bikes with manual advance, if you can manage to get it running after a party, you're probably in good enough shape yo make it home safely.
Personally, I prefer a kickstart anyway. Along with being more reliable, it's a safety factor. Especially on older bikes with manual advance, if you can manage to get it running after a party, you're probably in good enough shape yo make it home safely.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
Couldn't agree more. I can push a button no matter how drunk I am, but getting the procedure right to start my kicker EVO I have to be pretty sober. On the Sporty kick, I found that my EVO was a bitch to start when new, after 3000 miles it became easy. It would jump start immediately but you could kick all day. Turns out the tight motor wouldn't turn fast enough on the kick to spin the alternator up to 14v and the 12+ on the battery wasn't enough to fire the plugs.
Your electric start drops the voltage below that and the coil doesn't energize. You kick and have max volts and even more if the gen/alt spins up a little. Seems like the same problem I had. Good Luck.
Your electric start drops the voltage below that and the coil doesn't energize. You kick and have max volts and even more if the gen/alt spins up a little. Seems like the same problem I had. Good Luck.
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From:
RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
try the opposite, kick it through a couple of times with theignition off, then turn ignition on andtry the electric start.
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From:
RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
I've had electric and kick start pans....and I too prefered the manual foot to the electric foot LOL. I cant recall too many instances where the old girl wouldn't fire on the 1rst or 2nd kick,she was manual retard(like me...retardedLOL do you have the old prestolite starter? My friend had a 65 pan with one and he swapped it out for an ALL ***** starter 1.4 kw prestolite replacement.........now she spins over like no bodys bidness!!!
He also replaced the Big battery with.......believe it or not a Sears die hard lawn mower battery with 345 cold cranking amps!! 34.95!!!
He also replaced the Big battery with.......believe it or not a Sears die hard lawn mower battery with 345 cold cranking amps!! 34.95!!!
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From:
RE: Electric start vs. Kicker
Don't know 'bout anybody else. But for the years I rode (or should say "jumped up and down a lot") when I removed the e-start form my '65 FL. I gained a bad ankle from two broken kicker
shafts and a broken kick arm. {You ain't livedtill you have come down full force onto concrete.} I can still kick her but she and I both prefer the button. "...'nough said!" AMF
Ride Safe
shafts and a broken kick arm. {You ain't livedtill you have come down full force onto concrete.} I can still kick her but she and I both prefer the button. "...'nough said!" AMF
Ride Safe