89 XT600 *GACK* shearing off kickstarters like they were cast in butter
 

Does anyone know if there is a decompression on the manual start XT's? I have gone through 2 kickstarters in less than 2 weeks. The first one was original with the bike and the second was used from a salvage yard. They are just snapping off at the knuckle. The last one broke on a tight trail. Had to get pulled out to a jump start with a 500 honda ATV, cheers for that.
-Maybe somebody has a line on a beefier kicker?
-D

Dont they have an auto decompresser that runs off a cam on the exhaust vavle ?

Is there a cable running from the top of the engine into the case by the kickstarter ??

Auto Compressor!
 

That´s right, you should see the cable coming down to the kickstarter.

I had the problem that the cable didn´t move any more inside because of of corrossion, not very expensive to get a new one.

Good luck!

You are correct i went out and looked at it a little more closely in the daylight and seen the cable that runs from the kickstart to the cam. I will definately try a new cable and or see what else is going on. I talked to the previous owner and he said that although he had never broke a kickstarter he generally made a practice of running through the kickstart stroke with very little force behind it to prime it first and then would give it a good kick on the second time arround. I haven't had the opportunity to try this yet as my kickstarter hasn't arrived but if it works and preserves the precious metal then i will make it general practice too.
D

Correct adjustment
 

With the decompression mechanism well adjusted, she should be very easy to start.
With engine running, push back the lever on the R/H cilinder head towards the rear. After 1 mm you should feel the exhaust tappet. If the stroke is longer, adjust the cable adjuster till it is.
When everything is ok, find another workout, b'cause kickstarting won't make you sweat ..


Auke

Starting procedure
 

ScootsMc,
If you have not seen them already then check out the other threads in here that advise about the kickstarting procedures (once you have the decomp lever set up correctly) - there is lots of advice for starting, hot or cold.
Cheers,