I have just bought a 1986 kick and electric start model. It starts fine on the electric boot but I can not manage to kick it over. I also have a 1200 Harley and can kick that no problem. Is there some trick to starting Yamaha singles?

You need to ease the piston just past TDC after the compression stroke. This will allow you to turn the engine over with least effort & allow the piston/crank to build up a bit of momentun to overcome the next compression stroke.

If you have a manual decompressor, pull it in, then kick fast, once the kickstarter is horizontal let the decompressor go. It's a bit difficult but once you get to know the bike and it accepts you as the boss, you'll have no problems. Harleys are easy, anyone can start them.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

If you have a manual decompressor turn engine over slowly till you feel full compression TDC,
pull in decompressor
ease piston just past TDC
Let out decompressor
Give a big kick No throttle should start
On my TTR 600 If the crank does not turn fast enough you wont get a spark thats why you need to be just past TDC and get the full momentom.

Steve & Bolla, why the hard way if you can do it the easy way? Just try, or come to Holland then I'll show you.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

If it's '86 it should be a 1vj - factory jobby like mine.

Does it have the decompression cable - there's no lever, just a cable from the right hand side of the head down to above and just in front of (?) the kickstart.

On mine, the kick lever has to go all the way up to the top, otherwise it doesn't engage.

good luck,

jim

Hi Fred
I thought my method was ok, my bike TTR has an auto decompressor if I just kick away and it dont start it will usually flood then kick back.I have badly injured my ankle like this 3 weeks on crutches so I like my method.
If my bike is ever in Holland i will let you show me how its done I need to find a new engine first (hole in my crankcase)
Cheers John

If you don't have a manual decompressor you'll have to do it the hard way. Or make a small modification.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

Thank you all. I have the auto decompression system. I guess I'll get the knack in time but am I right in thinking that it will never be easy?

I always kick start mine (electric is broken), it's easy although there is a bit of a knack. If you really can't turn it over, your' decomp must be buggered.

If I operate my kickstart lever by hand, there's two inches of travel at the top before it engages the crank - easy to test in gear. You can feel "something" happening through the lever, but only the first time you do this.

I've never taken it apart, although I'm sure I've heard of people using a separate lever (is that what later conversions do?)

Hope this helps,

jim

PS - where in yorkshire are you?

[This message has been edited by shaggy (edited 08 January 2005).]

Thanks Shaggy
I'm in Hebden Bridge. On the Yorkshire Lancashire border.

This guy dont seem to find it difficult

http://www.offroad-freaks.com/R%DCDI...er%20Hand.mpeg