hello all,

I'm new to the group and harleys, I just bought a 74 Sportster kick only. She seems to run pretty good but I am having a problem with kick start. When I try to kick start her from a cold start I have to kick it for ever and get nothing then I push her back in the garage and try one more time out of spite and she will start up. I think the clutch needs to be adjusted a little because she want to stall when i come to a stop, but I don't think this is part of the issue or not. Also, I think the timing may be a little off, but don't know if this is part of the problem also. I have watched the kick start video on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl7Eo7Oe8Hk

 

any help would be appreciated!!!!!

 

I've owned kick start bikes in the past, but not HD.

From what I've seen there is almost a secret handshake process. From what I remember it's kinda like:
1. Turn on key
2. Set choke
3. Slowly kick over a couple of times
4. Make sure the cylinders are in alignment with Mars...top of the stroke.
5. Come up to full leg extension and come down firmly on the kickstarter

Repeat as necessary. Prayer helps.

 

Timing is a big part of kicking her over, you'll also need to adjust the carb, and get the points just right as well. You my friend, have bought a machine.....one that will need constant tinkering. Let's see some pics.

Oh, and they don't call it sportster knee for nothin!

 

Thanks for the help. I will adjust the timing today and try and post some pics.