Transmission work question

[Major Softie]

When the kicker is at the top of its stroke, the qudrant gear on the kicker is completely disengaged from the idler gear in the kick start gear train. As the stroke starts on the kicker lever the teeth on the quadrant can butt against the top of the teeth of the idler gear. When you rock the bike for and aft the idler gear is moved and the gears mesh. You should always "feel" the lever into engagement and advance a few degrees before stroking it through to crank the engine.

On mine I merely needed to pull in the clutch while getting the teeth engaged, then release it to kick over the engine. No moving of the whole bike was necessary.

[Duane Ausherman]

Major, that is the usual solution, as even when new, they could bind up when the teeth hit on the top. However, it was less common.