cold kicker
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Stage IV
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4
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From:
cold kicker
so my 1972 shovelhead kick-only has been sitting for the last couple of months, it's been a bit cold around here. I was hoping to ride a couple days this week, but I've been having trouble getting any life into her. this is my first kick-only, and I love it... but I don't know any of the tricks or tidbits to wake it up. anyone got any suggestions? all are appreciated.
[IMG]local://upfiles/47919/2683AA5826674277BAA969A067F24DEA.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/47919/2683AA5826674277BAA969A067F24DEA.jpg[/IMG]
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
RE: cold kicker
ignition off
twist the throttle once
kick over slow
ignition on
enricher up
kick hard no throttle
if it doesn't start after 6-7 kicks then turn the ignition off hold the throttle wide open and kick 7-8 times and start again from the begining
twist the throttle once
kick over slow
ignition on
enricher up
kick hard no throttle
if it doesn't start after 6-7 kicks then turn the ignition off hold the throttle wide open and kick 7-8 times and start again from the begining
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 748
Likes: 1
RE: cold kicker
I don't know of any kick start bikes that fire right up when cold or after sitting for a while, including dirt bikes. I've ridden kick only bikes for many years and have found the best way to get her to fire without completely exhausting yourself is to pre-heat the engine and oil tank. I use a propane heater (at a safe distance of course) and it only takes me a few kicks in the winter. I know that doesn't help after I've left the house, but after she's been out on the road I think she knows she's about to go again and she fires up pretty quick. 
Kick bikes are like combination locks... they are all different. After a while you'll find the right combination to starting your particular bike. Bore gave you the combo to his bike and who knows, it may work on yours too! There is a ritual you'll have to perform everytime you start her; throttle, choke, ignition switch on or off, kick once... then do this or that. Try different things, you'll discover yours.
Good luck and ride safe!
Kick bikes are like combination locks... they are all different. After a while you'll find the right combination to starting your particular bike. Bore gave you the combo to his bike and who knows, it may work on yours too! There is a ritual you'll have to perform everytime you start her; throttle, choke, ignition switch on or off, kick once... then do this or that. Try different things, you'll discover yours.
Good luck and ride safe!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: cold kicker
One big problem with a bike that has been sitting a while is oil in the cases(sumping). It puts a big drag on the flywheels. Much worse when real cold making it hard to kick with any speed. My S&S cases have a drain plug that lets me clear out this excess oil. Heating (100w lightbulb) overnight helps a lot. If it has an alternator you need some speed on the kick to bring up 14v, hard to do with a full sump. If no drain plug it takes many kicks to clear the sump out the breather(put a drip pan under breather tube exit).
I have an S&S carb that works well when cold with the following:
1) enrichner on full
2) turn idle screw in 1/4 turn(high idle)
3) pump throttle 2 or 3 times
4) kick thru twice(switch off)
5) switch on
6) healthy kick
Should start, if "poof" thru carb, repeat 1-6, If backfire thru exhaust open throttle full, kick 6-8 times with switch off, then repeat 1-6
Works for me almost all the time
.
I have an S&S carb that works well when cold with the following:
1) enrichner on full
2) turn idle screw in 1/4 turn(high idle)
3) pump throttle 2 or 3 times
4) kick thru twice(switch off)
5) switch on
6) healthy kick
Should start, if "poof" thru carb, repeat 1-6, If backfire thru exhaust open throttle full, kick 6-8 times with switch off, then repeat 1-6
Works for me almost all the time
.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: cold kicker
Haven't got experience with newer mags. In the past, mags were no easier for starting but they were there no matter how weak the batt. Most guys would run the gen/alt and batt to keep the lights on even if the bike stalls. The mag does need to spin pretty good for starting so cold starts required about the same kick speed as a batt system.
Maybe someone with recent mag experience can offer a better answer. Good Luck!
Maybe someone with recent mag experience can offer a better answer. Good Luck!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,303
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From:
RE: cold kicker
The new Morris mags dont need alot of speed for a good spark,the M series.No problems with lighting if capacitor is employed.Starting still depends on bike/build/owner
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: cold kicker
Some of us are gett'n to old to have a kick only.... I kick mine almost all the time, and hardly ever use the button..., but it sure is nice to have a little help when she's cold and sleepy.... or when she hot and tired...
Later
Hogback
Later
Hogback
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: cold kicker
ORIGINAL: HogBack
Some of us are gett'n to old to have a kick only....
Hogback
Some of us are gett'n to old to have a kick only....
Hogback
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