adding kickstart
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
adding kickstart
I am just wondering if it is possible to add a kickstart to a newer sportster. I see that there are kits for the big twins but have not found any for newer evo's. Any one done this swap?? thanks in advance
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, Florida
RE: adding kickstart
I doubt anyone ever designed a mod for that. Nor would I think there would be much of a market for it. Having experienced the evilness of kickstarting, it's certainly not something I'd want to do again. What part of you are you interested in breaking? Foot, ankle, leg? 
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
RE: adding kickstart
Well the main reason would be for the looks, or the occasional kick, I had an old honda that was only kickstart and loved it. Wonder what it would take just to fake it, like hook a microswitch to it so when you kicked it it engaged the starter, any thoughts anyone!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: adding kickstart
My 1981 Shovel has both an electric and kick start, and it has come in handy from time to time, but you are taking about a Very Major project to add a kicker to a newer Sportster...
With the right amount of time and money anything is possible, but it would that would be a project and a half (to say the least)....
Might just be me, but I can't see any reason at all to add a "fake kicker"... Don't know how it is where you live, but with something like that around here you would be laughed out of town. LoL
With the right amount of time and money anything is possible, but it would that would be a project and a half (to say the least)....
Might just be me, but I can't see any reason at all to add a "fake kicker"... Don't know how it is where you live, but with something like that around here you would be laughed out of town. LoL
Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 16
From: Virginia
RE: adding kickstart
Just say no to a fake kicker. 
The only kickstart bike I ever had was a 1970 something 125 Yamaha Enduro. I was happy when I finally got a bike with an electric start but I did miss the kick a little. Didn't miss hurting the front of my foot banging it on the footpegs while kicking it over though.
The only kickstart bike I ever had was a 1970 something 125 Yamaha Enduro. I was happy when I finally got a bike with an electric start but I did miss the kick a little. Didn't miss hurting the front of my foot banging it on the footpegs while kicking it over though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: adding kickstart
No one has made a kicker for the later Sporties. When they did a buncha redesign stuff on the tranny/primary/clutch it pretty well did away with any room for the bits and pieces needed. Now if'n you have a big wad of change layin' around, I'd bet there'd be someone willing to design and manufacture one. Might look a bit cobbed together, butt .... 
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: adding kickstart
Or.... you could find yourself an old Sportster w/kickstarter and when you feel the need.... I think that would be the way to go....
Had a '65 Sportster with what you think you want... But believe me... on a cool morning, when you're in a hurry all dressed up and ready to go, you don't want a carburated Harley to try and kick start to get going.... Been there and done that....
When I got my '71 Electra-Glide w/electric start... I prayed to the electric-start Gods for years thanking them....
Charlie D.
Had a '65 Sportster with what you think you want... But believe me... on a cool morning, when you're in a hurry all dressed up and ready to go, you don't want a carburated Harley to try and kick start to get going.... Been there and done that....
When I got my '71 Electra-Glide w/electric start... I prayed to the electric-start Gods for years thanking them....
Charlie D.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 81
Likes: 10
From: New Jersey
HTTPS://www2.vtwinmfg.com/kick-start...oy-finish.html
Kick Starter Conversion Kit Alloy Finish
Retail Price: $445.64
VT No 22-0458
Kick starter conversion kit includes alloy finish sprocket cover with transmission mainshaft, kick starter arm, rubber pedal, and kick shaft. Includes alloy cover that features a natural finish. Fits 5-speed models.
Kick Starter Conversion Kit Alloy Finish
Retail Price: $445.64
VT No 22-0458
Kick starter conversion kit includes alloy finish sprocket cover with transmission mainshaft, kick starter arm, rubber pedal, and kick shaft. Includes alloy cover that features a natural finish. Fits 5-speed models.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 800
From: Colorado
May want to back it up, since what ignition system in play.
Hence most of the stock systems needs the engine to rotate twice on cold start, so system can see the compression slowing pulses, before the ignition is going to send spark.
So if going to kick start, will need to replace the ignition system, so it will send spark on the first rotation of the motor off cam position sensor.
Hence most of the stock systems needs the engine to rotate twice on cold start, so system can see the compression slowing pulses, before the ignition is going to send spark.
So if going to kick start, will need to replace the ignition system, so it will send spark on the first rotation of the motor off cam position sensor.