Gear change / Kick start slop

[Lobo]

F2 now finished, no short cuts, no "she'll be right", everything as spec as I could get it. (barring US engine / frame!)

Anyways, now getting fussy...

(1) Gear shift has a bit of slop (on footrest peg) - what is typical lateral play at the toe end? Any tips for taking this out? 

(2). Kickstart not clamped tight onto splines - despite going as tight as I dare on the pinch bolt. No question of it slipping etc, just 'offends'. Have tried closing it a little in the vice, but the metal too hard & doesn't give an inch... er mm. Is this normal; if not tips for making it solid to the shaft?

Cheers,
Simon

[tom400f]

Wow looks great. Is your silencer original too?

Will look later regarding your questions....

[Lobo]

Cheers Tom,

Yep, Mint & OEM exhaust, seat & mudguards. Stove enamelled frame, stunning tank job that whisked me back to 1978! Carbs nicely set up, idles beautifully, throttle blips unhesitaingly. Only parts that need renewing now the rims, due bit of scuffing to the chrome.

Grateful for any comments on the perceived slop.

[tom400f]

There is at most 1mm gap on the kickstart in that photo. It's tight on the splines.

Gear shift has may be 2mm end float at the pivot and same amount of lateral movement at the toe end.

Hope that helps
Tom

[Lobo]

Cheers for that Tom.

As I thought, and now to find some way of making the Kickstart tightly clamped, and the gearshift 'bushed' somehow, as I reckon mine has about 8-10 mils lateral at the toe. I bought this as a re chromed / reconditioned item, and am not thrilled with it, as it ain't 100% 'true'. Wasn't cheap, and I'm now having doubts as to whether its had a bloody rebore!

Thanks again,
Simon.

[Bryanj]

Splines on the kickstart wear and the knuckles are very difficult to get now

[Lobo]

Thanks Bryan,

Forgive me... what are the 'knuckles' - do you mean kick starter spindle mating part?

Fixes?  I feel that IF I could only pinch the kick start arm up a little I'd be home and dry.... but it is so bloody 'hard', and I don't want to damage the chrome.  There is no perceivable pinch closure even in a vice - a pattern kick start... or somehow hardened with age?

The splines actually appear ok... no obvious wear.

Cheers,

[kent400]

I think there always was a bit of 'slop' on the gear change lever, mine certainly has but it's never caused a problem. A previous 400f had rather more 'slop' so I just fitted a thicker washer behind the circlip, that reduced the end float and the 'slop'. As for the kickstart lever, of course that should be tight on the splines and over-enthuslastic tightening of the 6mm bolt should not be required. As mentioned the kickstart knuckle is unobtainable and hard to find. In truth you won't need to use the kickstarter much, if everything is right the 400f starts with a touch of the starter button. If the kickstart lever is really too loose it's either the shaft or the splines in the knuckle of course. Maybe borrow a kickstarter lever to discover which of the two parts is the problem. If you want to try that send me a PM.

[Lobo]

Thanks Kent.  Yup, mine does start beautifully on the button - just tightening it all up towards perfect. Might have found a new kick shaft spindle.... will get back to you once more known.
Cheers,
Simon