The art of kick start...

Hi Gopher
Brought mine 79 ér a few weeks ago.
Tryed exactly the same yesterday, rode 2 km downhill, walked 2 km uphill with the beast. I was warmed up and the engine was cooled down, it started then at first kick. Did you notice the white button at the carburettor for hot starting aid. Mine was set way to lean at idle.
Now i am doing some changing oil and polishing, to get it ready for spring.

Hi chaps have a read of I have a SR ankle in the wecome mat , about 12 articles down . I've had 2 SR 500s in my life . 1 when I was 18 now I'm 46 . There is a knack to be learnt . Button , choke , kickstart & positioning , every bike has its own mind that needs to be read so good luck don't give up ! If you do push start , set the compression as if your going to kick it hold the clutch & use 2nd or 3rd gear . They usually bump straight away so hang on also try to do it downhill (for obvious reasons) cheers Dave .

Thats quite right Cameron ! as I said the knack . Thats exactly how I used to do it in my younger life . Now I've got to have it on the centre stand and look in the magic window or I end up in a crumpled heap on the deck (this SR has hurt me a couple of times & I've just put it down to a long time between drinks). I always wear full lace up work boots too for the exercise . The knack is gone but hopefully not forgotten Cheers Dave .

Yeah I learn't that one whist I was contemplating if the damage to my ankle was going to be permanent or were the tears going to drown me . It was a last ditch effort & I was facing down hill , it started & I got home iced it . (my ankle that is) The bike got advertised in the next paper .(it hasn't done it since) Its got a nice home to live in so im sure it will behave . Next time I'll drop the price . Cheers from Dave.

Hi all,

I roll (push) start my SR nearly every time I start it before leaving home, the advantage of having a downward slope to ones driveway.

The secret to a good roll / push start on a SR is to hold in the valve lifter, get the bike rolling at a reasonable speed, release the clutch to get the engine turning over, THEN, release the valve lifter! I find my SR starts almost instantly on releasing the valve lifter. On a cool morning it does need the choke on though or it will not start. I have been doing this for many years and have suffered no mechanical problems with the valve gear.

I also do similar starts with my 1949 Matchless G80 500 single. However, when I do have to kick start the it from cold, I hold the valve lifter in, kick like crazy until the engine is turning over at a reasonable speed, then release the vavle lifter. This works a treat with this bike because it has flywheels twice the size/weight of the SR, and once you get the crank spinning, the monentum of it keeps it turning over for enough time to start. Trying the normal big single technique work ok when the engine is warm, but cold start have many a sore ankle.

CJ

I lucked out with mine... I don't use the comp release or the hot start, and usually wear tennis shoes. But I always think before I kick, and always kick like I mean it. The main trick on mine is "don't touch the throttle". Usually 1-2 will do it hot or cold.

miker

i figured it out! when the engine is hot and it wont start ignore the hot start button, set the compression as normal then when you kick her over just open the throttle right up and she'll start no bother.

peace

Damo