setting decompression lever XT600
 

Hi Guys
getting old an wrinkly 65+ finding sometimes its a tad difficult to start the old girl
when engines in right position its a pussy cat. Hot or cold, never had the need to jump on it
she's been of the road 15 plus years took carbs off cleaned them an she started first kick after a few turnovers obviously.
engine was rebuilt by an old buddy about 18 years ago
But
not sure whether the decompression lever is set right any tips on setting it up.
Its a 1984 US import.
drum front brake absolutely useless
Just getting used to having something alive back underneath me and there's nothing like having cars peeling outta your way when they see this thing in there rearview an if they dont see me they certainly know when passing.
Out of all the bikes ive had its the best buzz ever.:funmeteryes:

Welcome to HU! Sorry I don't know any specifics on the XT, but someone here does :)
GENERALLY, you kick the engine over till you feel compression, pull the decompression lever, and kick. That's it. It's just an aid to get past compression, to give you three "strokes" to get the engine spinning fast enough to start. The big thing when kicking a big single, is to make an explosive, high energy kick and follow it all the way through hard. If you're wimpy about it you'll fail, and wear yourself out continuing to try.
good luck!
Also see this thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...on-lever-43777

Setting the decompression lever
 

Hi Harrythehat,

The XT600, unless modified, has no lever. An automatic decompression system using a cable from kick starter to exhaust valve is fitted. The cable has an adjuster along its length where a small amount of slack is required. I assume that is the adjustment you seek.

Turning the engine over will produce a click sound alerting you that the correct position has been reached to release the kick lever to the top.
A sharp thrust on the lever will turn the engine over fast enough, all else being good, for it to start.

Note that the early 600 bikes had fairly fragile magnesium clutch covers. Many of them were cracked by riders with more enthusiasm than knowledge.
Don't 'kick. Push the lever.

The 600 is not an easy bike to start. Anything wrong with ignition or carburation will exacerbate that. Most owners develop a system that works for them. I have been starting my 2kf for many years, never mastered the click system to my satisfaction. Parking the crank at TDC always works for me.

Below is the URL to a thread on the subject

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...starting-66461

Be well,
p

Well XT600`s are auto decomp not handlebar lever (although some guys do convert them) but no XT600 has drum brakes so i`m thinking you may have an XT550 perhaps? or a 500? any pics?

Mezo.

quote 'drum front brake absolutely useless'

TT600 ?