Hi, sorry for two posts in rapid succession:

Anyone any info on why my 1VJ has the (I think) decompression clutch on the (right) side of the cylinder head but has no cables attaching it to anything at all never mind near the kickstart.

There seems to be no difference between the positioning of the lever to the performance of the bike, so i am hoping that it is disconnected. or maybe a cylinder head from another bike.

I have had no problems kick starting the bike, even in UK winter all it takes is a good few kicks, from a weeks cold, about 8, but never had a problem being kicked off

Do i need to do anything about this? its been perturbing me somewhat and I dont know what to do about it.

Thanks G

I'd fix the lever in a position pointing vertically upwards (sturdy paperclip?), just to make sure that it does not do any harm.

Further, to make your deco system working again; check behind the little cover just below the kickstart shaft (two allen bolts, first remove footrest). There should be a small lever there also. That is where the other end of your missing decompression cable should go.

If you decide to install the cable, make sure that you adjust it correctly; best with a running engine, push the lever on the cilinder head in the direction of the rear wheel. You'll feel the exhaust tappet at a certain point. Now adjust the cable so there is about 1 mm play in the cable between rest position and the point you feel the tappet. BTW, you also need a spring the pushes the level on the head back to the rest position.

Auke

__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com

Hi G,

I have a couple of parts pictures of the 1VJ mechanism, as I fitted a kickstart to my 3AJ. You can see them on these two links, and check which parts are missing, although I suspect it is only the cable?

The valve lifter is only there to prevent a severe kickback from happening and potentially damaging your shin. Remembering that our bikes are 600cc singles any kickback can be quite dramatic (stories of visiting neighbours over the fence, etc...).

It sounds as though you have mastered the starting technique successfully, but fitting the cable would aid your safety.

UK Tenere Owners
UK Tenere Owners

Ciao,
Geoff