How to properly kickstart your classic motorcycle. How to avoid your most expensive kickback mistake
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Helping how to kickstart an old classic large engine without electric starter. Also high compression single cylinder crosser bikes as they are the most brutal at penalty.
Ten years ago, I got a 1969 XLCH, last year of the factory magneto. I'd been riding HD Shovels & Evos for decades, and had always heard cautionary tales about "Sportster Knee." I never really knew what the term referred to---- I kind of figured that maybe the old ironhead Sportsters were harder to kick over than BTs for whatever reason. After living with the CH for a few months as my daily ride, I was brutally introduced to Sportster Knee. The kicker gears on the old 900 Sporties had a tendency to slip subtly if constant pressure was not maintained on the pedal. As was my wont, I blasted through the kick motion, the gears slipped, and my knee hyperextended at the end of the stroke. The pain was blinding and instantaneous--- I saw stars and supernovae. I was at a gas station, and managed to limp to the restroom, where I sat on the closed toilet lid for about 20 minutes trying to get my breath back. I was 50 miles from home, sucked it up, limped back to the bike and it was guts football kickstarting her. While my knee healed, I learned to sissy kick the bike with my left leg---- then my left knee hyperextended. By this time my right knee was okay, but I shortly hyperextended it again. I thought about getting rid of the CH, but learned the safest way to kick was in the straddle position. Left foot stays on the ground, so that if a kicker slip occurs, body weight is centered on the left leg. I truly cringe when I watch UA-cam vids of guys dive bombing their ironheads with kamikaze kicks. It's only a matter of time before they become acquainted with Sportster Knee. BTW, kickbacks were never an issue, with the CH and I never encountered kicker slip on any BT tranny.
Interesting.
XLCH will teach you the hard way. 😄
Giant Joint
When you do superman kick you using your body weight and your leg is just like a connection rod. When kickstarting normal way your leg works as a loaded spring which is more dangerous on the knee.
if you truly want to avoid injury while kicking it is important to have one foot on the ground. The bike kicking back isn't nearly as painfull as your knee hyperextending. Putting your whole body weight on your already hyper extended knee, once the compression breaks is the real issue. Stay as close to the kicker pedal as possible so your kicking leg can't hyperexted. If you jump always land with your other foot first, never start kicking midair.
It is the Harley way ...
@@planair1 talking about harley aswell, when i got my shovel i injured myself quite often. This was the way a guy in a forum told me, since then she never hurt me again.
Nice tips.
"Stand as close as possible to your bike." [Aw, MAN! I had been trying to start it while standing across the room.] ~ 0:44 I am SO tired of "Suggested Videos" popping up before the current video as ended. The last video I watched had focused on a satisfied manager, but the "Suggested Videos" hid her face! Now I can't tell what the first line says!
I tend to straddle the bike and keep my right knee bent through the kick; my left foot leaves the ground as I jump on the starter (not a big guy, so have to put some effort in). My 1979 XLH does kick back very occasionally; it's not as vicious as a BSA A10, but a fair bit nastier than an SR500, but I've avoided Sportster Knee up to this point. One day I'll get careless.
Use safety boots you mean??? Kick backs hurts like a biatch I felt it, Don't wanna feel it ever again LMAO
more about technique than brute force
It helps to be under 50 years old or to weigh over 200 lbs.
Get with an old guy to show you the best way. I've had a mag fired 65 stroker for years and can start it with no shoes on.
You get on the bike first then start it
cant read the content due to the thumbnails. turn them off please.
Step 1 buy something else
Yeppp , just get a new ebike. No struggle. Maybe one , they are useless for long trips.