1976 350 Road

[Jordan]

More flywheel weight?
They made them in aluminium and bronze.

[Bevel bob]

My Rudge 500 has a clever inlet cam that incorporates a half compression device that combined with an ex valve lifter makes kicking over a big HC single a doddle. A low saddle and C of G and the ability to fully retard the ignition means it will be the bike for me till the end. Oh, and it has a big lever to pop it on and off the centerstand, Childs play, what clever chaps they were. 200 miles in 2 hours in the 1920's . Not sure you fully understand what you can do with a decompressor, ? spin up the motor fast with several kicks and drop the lever slowly , it fires up with reduced compression.

[George]

Thought I would give an update with starting issue. Tried compression plate under barrel to see if any easier and as Bevel Bob stated in earlier post it made no noticeable difference and took it out again. I can remove top half quick now with all this practice.
I damaged my left ankle when I was knocked off bike last year and I tend to be a bit hesitant. I usually stand astride bike and kick with left leg.
Had a bit of a think about it and tried standing to left of bike and kicking with my right leg. After a few trial kicks with ignition off gave it a go, success fired first time. feels a bit strange but have managed a few miles.
Impressed so far. It was a good idea to fit new Amal carb instead of faffing about trying to get old carb running right.

[Bevel bob]

Thats good news Goerge. I start my HC 250 the same way. Feels very awkward but gets better with practise , I also do it OFF the stand which requires me to hold the front brake on and lean the bike towards me, As I am using an SSI29D with remote racing float i also flood well and hold the throttle half open. It often starts first kick but 8 strokes till it clears . All a bit exciting and a bit of a specticle. Which is what it should be !!

[blethermaskite]

George, I have always started my Ducati's standing beside the bike and kicking with the right leg (with the bike on the stand) I have weighed in at 9 1/2 stone since I was 19 (still do) and frankly the only way I could start my 350mk3 was ease over compression and kinda jump kick with my full body weight .......and normally first go start every time.......even when I was in my 20s I could not start it over the saddle or not on the stand, I am 70 next year and I still start it like this ...... I refitted the decompressor again last year (don't ask why I had ever removed it )
And this has made starting easier (to get it over compression). Good to hear you are going to stick with it .
Cheers,
George

[ranton_rambler]

I also start mine with my right leg, standing on left of bike, at least when it’s cold. Once it’s warm I can do it astride the bike.

[Duccout]

Hi George,

Really glad that you have made it work! I can only start my Ducati Singles by standing at the side of the bike and kicking with my right leg, anything else feels 'cack-handed'. The bike looks great BTW.

[George]

Glad I persevered with kickstart. Easy now I have the knack. First long run Sunday 140 miles round trip to Brooklands motorcycle day. Most impressed, cruise along 60-65 no stress. I will be keeping this one

[Duccout]

Glad to hear it George.


Cheers,


Colin

[Ventodue]

Good man, George.

Enjoy!