Classic Triumph Bonneville

[JackyJoll]

Now the clutch is "tight" I had a practice kick on it. Really not sure I'll be able to get it going it's got some properly meaty "dooofs" in the piston when you kick it now. At the top of the compression it'll easily hold my weight on the kicker.

I find compression with the kickstart, then pull the clutch in and get the kickstart near horizontal, then (having let go the clutch obviously) jump on it and force it over compression. Usually starts with one kick like that.

[Supermofo]

Only ever started 2 strokes with a kicker.

I did once have to try and start a KTM Duke II with the kicker and I kicked, and I kicked, and I kicked...you get the picture. 15 mins later I got a bump start. Bloody awkward with a left hand kick start too.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

or the Prince of Darkness.....

Joseph Lucas?

[Count Steer]

I had a 650 Panther (long stroke, single) when I was an 8.5st weakling yoof.
The kick-start procedure was a bit complicated (handlebar levers and a little lever on the side of the engine etc).

If I got it wrong - particularly if I forgot the little lever by the right foot) it would flip me in the air.

I only ever start it on the centre stand.

[JackyJoll]

or the Prince of Darkness.....

Joseph Lucas?

There was a motto displayed on the wall in the factory:

“A good day’s work and home before dark.”


My other favourite was the Lucas 3-position light switch: Off, Dim and Flicker.

[cheb]

There used to be a good Joe Lucas spoof website. It had one button and when clicked the screen went black.

[Nidge]

Isn’t this damn bike running yet?????

[Mr. Dazzle]

I planned on giving it a try today, but my lack of a primary chain adjustment tool stopped that. I could have sworn I had one I did consider closing it up anyway and then adjusting the chain from the outside, but that means you have to drain the oil out anyway. Seemed kinda silly!

In other news, I've just ordered a Venhill 'featherlite' PTFE lined clutch cable.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I planned on giving it a try today, but my lack of a primary chain adjustment tool stopped that. I could have sworn I had one I did consider closing it up anyway and then adjusting the chain from the outside, but that means you have to drain the oil out anyway. Seemed kinda silly!

In other news, I've just ordered a Venhill 'featherlite' PTFE lined clutch cable.

I preferred the gossamer

[Nidge]

That primary chain adjuster tool is basically a thread less bolt with a screwdriver flat machined on the end. Or you could use a screwdriver….

[JackyJoll]

I planned on giving it a try today, but my lack of a primary chain adjustment tool stopped that. I could have sworn I had one I did consider closing it up anyway and then adjusting the chain from the outside, but that means you have to drain the oil out anyway. Seemed kinda silly!

In other news, I've just ordered a Venhill 'featherlite' PTFE lined clutch cable.

I preferred the gossamer

Ribbed for her pleasure.

[Mr. Dazzle]

That primary chain adjuster tool is basically a thread less bolt with a screwdriver flat machined on the end. Or you could use a screwdriver….

It is....but the location of the frame rail makes it impossible to get a screwdriver in the 'ole. I tried

The tool I've got had a hex on the send rather than a slot so you can do it from the side.

[Cousin Jack]

Starting 'big' bikes with a kickstart is an artform. Back in the day I was reckoned to have the knack and was called in to help mates with such exotic beasts as 500 Goldies and Thruxton Venoms. Triumph Twins were considered pussies for starting.

[Mr. Dazzle]

#grewupwithindoorplumbing

#alwayshadTVthatworks247

[JackyJoll]

Starting 'big' bikes with a kickstart is an artform. Back in the day I was reckoned to have the knack and was called in to help mates with such exotic beasts as 500 Goldies and Thruxton Venoms. Triumph Twins were considered pussies for starting.

Most of the big singles start reliably if you set it just past compression, then give it the big kick. There was a bit of a juggle, to retard the spark enough to not kick back but not enough to stop a weak magneto sparking at all.

I found the Velocette Venom started reliably too, if the unique “Velocette drill” was followed.

I find that simply forcing the Triumph 650 over its compression starts it.

[David]

What you would advise for a '67 441 Victor once I have fitted the new tank and clean taps, clean carb and new points?
Though I will leave the points till the fuelling is back in place...change one thing at a time!

[David]

It has a mildly effective de compressor on the bars and no choke.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I've kick started a few big 4 stroke single enduro bikes, none of them like starting hot, like when you've stalled it in axle deep mud, dual carb Yamahas are good starters, Honda XRs can be strange, if you use them every day they're fine, if you don't they take 50 kicks to start and then sit there ticking over like they've started on the first kick, Suzuki DRs were never any trouble.

My method is being the piston up to compression, use the decompressor if it has one, then give a good solid kick for the full length of the kick start stroke. Do not jump on the kick start, kick it.

[JackyJoll]

It has a mildly effective de compressor on the bars and no choke.

From cold, tickle it until petrol is running out, find compression, pull the decompresser and ease it past compression, let go the decompressor, switch on, open the throttle to 1/8th and give it a swinging kick. What does the handbook say?

[David]

What handbook?