|
|
17 Apr 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 132
|
|
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
|
17 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 41
|
|
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...
|
17 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
|
|
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.
|
17 Apr 2008
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
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)
|
17 Apr 2008
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
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.
|
17 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
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 .
__________________
Dave
|
17 Apr 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
|
|
I've put a kickstart on my XT600E...and don't regret doing it! I' am maybe going to put a manual decompressor on it but ain't sure yet...
The kickstart is a plus in my opinion..doesn't hurt to have it on but it sure does when it's needed and you don't have one!
|
18 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
The big problem with many modern bikes with electronic ignition or engine management systems is that they need stable battery power to work. The only way is to use jump leads. You cant generate enough power kicking them. Unlike older Triumphs where to start with a flat battery, all you had to do was switch from 'ign' to 'emg' and that put you on an energy transfer system, once started the motor would bring up the battery voltage in less than a minute enough to switch back to normal ignition.
|
18 Apr 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
|
|
Hi... my battery is flat(it's wasted btw) and the kickstart does make it turn on...... just needs some practice on the kick
Vando
|
18 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 235
|
|
My 3Aj with the twin headlights flattens the battery in 10 minutes if I forget them on. I put a kickstart on and have never looked back. Trying to bump start a bike with panniers on. Or will you remove them 20 times a day everytime you switch of your bike to take in the wonders and views? Bumping - Panniers - You are asking for trouble. The last thing you want on a trip is to physically hurt yourself. Riding long distance on a bike in pain is not fun. Getting caught in africa with a broken leg.... oh man. Bye bye bike, trip, everything.
|
18 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bacardi23
I've put a kickstart on my XT600E...and don't regret doing it! I' am maybe going to put a manual decompressor on it but ain't sure yet...
The kickstart is a plus in my opinion..doesn't hurt to have it on but it sure does when it's needed and you don't have one!
|
Take care. Experience with Enfields and Urals would suggest that the decompressor or cable is a more likely source of problems than the electrics. Given the reliability of Yam wiring i'd save the cash and the issues involved with an extra hole in the gearbox, extra cables, lean mixtures from worn seals etc. You can always give the plug a quarter turn out if the engine is cold and doesn't want to play, in effect a temporary decompressor.
I didn't have my XT long enough to find out if this is possible, but can you put a socket and ratchet on the flywheel/generator? I've started sidecar outfits that way when unsucessful bumping was going to leave me with a horrible up hill push. In conditions too slippy to bump this might work?
If the bike comes with a kickstart, good, if it doesn't why worry IMHO.
Andy
|
18 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 235
|
|
As a field based geologist in a past life, my experience of africa and life nearly came to a grinding halt, when the 4x4 I was in, battery ran flat because I was using it to power the tent light. Coupled to this the "well" for water I found, wasn't a well, it was an abondoned french drain. Hoo Haa and with a squirt. No chance of push starting a 4x4 on your ace, chronic food poisoning and no water. 5 days on 2 litres of water, a couple of cans of coke and a bag of granny smith apples. The doctors say I was a medical marvel, the doctors are wrong, I died a million times. It's always the little stupid things that catch you out. Never falling off, never being attacked by a mob or whatever the general fear is the order of the day. The stupid and avoidable things. Dont take an avoidable chance.
being able to get out of a place is more important than being able to get in.
Last edited by bruken; 18 Apr 2008 at 13:40.
|
18 Apr 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
|
|
Hi andy. you're reffering to the automatic decompressor... I'm talking of a Manual decompressor...
The manual decompressor only has the decompressor valve on top of the cylinder head, a cable and a small bicycle-lever that fits on the handlebar...
If I could get my hands on a WR400 decompressor lever or one from another bike that would be even better
Vando
|
18 Apr 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 212
|
|
Decompressor really not neded
All.
If you are using a retro-fitted kick start as an emergency back up, and are average hight and build you will get by fine without the decompressor, I do.
Mark
|
18 Apr 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
|
|
I do fine without the decompressor... but doubt my mother or even my father could kickstart it without the decompressor....they also ride the bike from time to time
Vando
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
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.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|