Kickstart starting (or not)

[paulbaker1954]

Hi
I don't seem to be able to start my 500 k0 off the kicker. Starts easily off the starter motor and runs really fine

Is there some magic trick to using the kickstart I should know?

By the way is fine when warm only have issue from cold

[hairygit]

Is the motor turning over on the kickstart? Reason I ask is the kick start runs through the clutch, and if the clutch is pulled in or slipping, it won't turn over properly.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

[paulbaker1954]

Is the motor turning over on the kickstart? Reason I ask is the kick start runs through the clutch, and if the clutch is pulled in or slipping, it won't turn over properly.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

Motor turns over fine, as I said kickstart is fine when she is warm

[hairygit]

Could be that your timing is fractionally out, as on the kickstart on the 500/550s it only turns the motor through one or sometimes two cylinders on the firing stroke. How long does it take to start from cold on starter motor?

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

[gordo]

Mine can be a git when cold. Found this works for me: fuel on,ignition on kill switch in off position, hold throttle wide open, two/three kicks, kill switch to run, one kick and she lives.

[Seabeowner]

+1 as gordo says, plus choke on. Worked for me for a few years. Then after a rebuild it was much better and only needed that in really cold weather!!?

[florence]

sounds like it needs tuning.  I don't have an electric start on mine and always use the kick starter.

Full choke and a tiny smidgen of throttle, usually starts second kick from cold, first kick gets the fuel in, choke goes off within about about five seconds. 

I find if the bike has been standing for ages, i.e. months it will take quite a few kicks to get going, or indeed  if the points have become badly pitted.  When the bike becomes harder to start I know it's time for a service.