Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Kickstarting Kickstarting
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 89
Kickstarting
I have just bought a 1986 kick and electric start model. It starts fine on the electric boot but I can not manage to kick it over. I also have a 1200 Harley and can kick that no problem. Is there some trick to starting Yamaha singles?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Jan 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
You need to ease the piston just past TDC after the compression stroke. This will allow you to turn the engine over with least effort & allow the piston/crank to build up a bit of momentun to overcome the next compression stroke.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
If you have a manual decompressor, pull it in, then kick fast, once the kickstarter is horizontal let the decompressor go. It's a bit difficult but once you get to know the bike and it accepts you as the boss, you'll have no problems. Harleys are easy, anyone can start them.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
If you have a manual decompressor turn engine over slowly till you feel full compression TDC,
pull in decompressor
ease piston just past TDC
Let out decompressor
Give a big kick No throttle should start
On my TTR 600 If the crank does not turn fast enough you wont get a spark thats why you need to be just past TDC and get the full momentom.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Steve & Bolla, why the hard way if you can do it the easy way? Just try, or come to Holland then I'll show you.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 25
If it's '86 it should be a 1vj - factory jobby like mine.

Does it have the decompression cable - there's no lever, just a cable from the right hand side of the head down to above and just in front of (?) the kickstart.

On mine, the kick lever has to go all the way up to the top, otherwise it doesn't engage.

good luck,

jim
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Hi Fred
I thought my method was ok, my bike TTR has an auto decompressor if I just kick away and it dont start it will usually flood then kick back.I have badly injured my ankle like this 3 weeks on crutches so I like my method.
If my bike is ever in Holland i will let you show me how its done I need to find a new engine first (hole in my crankcase)
Cheers John
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
If you don't have a manual decompressor you'll have to do it the hard way. Or make a small modification.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 89
Thank you all. I have the auto decompression system. I guess I'll get the knack in time but am I right in thinking that it will never be easy?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 25
I always kick start mine (electric is broken), it's easy although there is a bit of a knack. If you really can't turn it over, your' decomp must be buggered.

If I operate my kickstart lever by hand, there's two inches of travel at the top before it engages the crank - easy to test in gear. You can feel "something" happening through the lever, but only the first time you do this.

I've never taken it apart, although I'm sure I've heard of people using a separate lever (is that what later conversions do?)

Hope this helps,

jim

PS - where in yorkshire are you?

[This message has been edited by shaggy (edited 08 January 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 89
Thanks Shaggy
I'm in Hebden Bridge. On the Yorkshire Lancashire border.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
This guy dont seem to find it difficult

http://www.offroad-freaks.com/R%DCDI...er%20Hand.mpeg
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:09.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top