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17 Apr 2008
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK
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Do I need kick start?
:confused1: Techies, overlanders out there, i've got an electric start '02 XT600e. For an overland trans-Africa trip, is it worth having kick start fitted? If so, know of a supplier of such a kit, or is it a breaker's job?
Cheers,
Disco
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17 Apr 2008
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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Same situation here, 2001 600e
I just put in a new battery and I'll just trust my electric starter. Maybe I'm gonna buy a solar battery charger just in case...
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17 Apr 2008
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IMHO that a new battery and you are good to go. You didn't mention where you were going trans africa but the majority of the riders going through africa are riding only with electric start. Unless the '02 XT's are notorious for ther unreliable starting (in which case I would recommend taking a different bike), putting on aftermarket kick start is overkill.
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17 Apr 2008
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remember that you can always jump start a bike if needed, have even managed it on a 250 kg plus bike on flat ground (very, very tiring)
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17 Apr 2008
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oops, meant bump start. I took a cable that had a cigarette lighter attachment on one end with a torch built-in-meant that I could run the torch off the bike battery and also stick the lighter end into a car or truck and jump start the bike from their batt.
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17 Apr 2008
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Bump starting singles is not easy
You might like to read this thread:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ic-start-31595
including post number 12.
I have never come to a firm view on your question, but, as someone once pointed out, it is a bitch to bump start any bike in sand or mud  .
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Dave
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
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