Proper Kick Start Assembly--Seeking 100% Clarity

[Spargett]

Here's what worked for me.

1. The spring end that wraps around the bolt needs to have the orientation of an "S".
2. There is a punch mark and a "o" on the each of the two gears.
3. After the top gear is installed on top of the "S" spring, align the lower gear when installing so that EITHER the punch or the "o" line up.
4. With the crankcase flipped over, install the kickstart lever so that the punch on the arm aligns with the small punch on the tip of the shaft.
5. Go to the bike and turn the kickstart shaft that's in the transmission clockwise until it will not move any further.
6. Then as the kickstart lever is rotated, the gears should rotate around and either both punches or both "o's" will align. You'll find that the lever is now pointing up at about 2 o'clock.
7. Now hold the lever in this position and slip it onto the kickstart shaft on the bike and you're good to go.

I made the initial mistake of having the spring installed backwards, and not rotating the kickstart shaft clockwise completely. Thanks to Ed and everyone for help clarifying everything.

[jleewebb]

Thanks for a good, clear explanation Scott. I've copied it and added to my archives...

So your bike is running, you're riding, all is well, right? Wahoo!

To answer question about shift points, I generally shift around 6-7K, lower if just "cruising," higher if showing off. You gotta flog it a little if you want to go fast. Keep it above 4-4.5k when riding if you don't want to have to downshift to accelerate. Lugging the engine is not a good idea. I'm no expert, Iinterested to see how others answer this question.



--Lee

[e3steve]

I try to stick to shifting around 5-6Krpm, but my little ends rattle like a good'un after 4K. Dropping the motor soon (yeah, right!). I peak it out regularly, figuring I have nothing to break before rebuild, but it sounds like shite.

[redblk63]

Lee,

Thanks for the owner's manual pictures, they are great. I concur with the RPMs you suggest. I try to keep my CB77 between 4000 and 6000 when cruising through the twisty roads through the mountains just N of Los Angeles.

Yesterday I took a 120 mile ride with the local Norton Owners Club, and had to forget about those limits to try and stay close on the uphills.

Those Norton guys all just seemed to be taller, richer, and FASTER. Oh well, they showed a lot of interest in my old Honda, and I had a great time.

I may be slow, but sometimes I break down anyway.

Larry

[gwfischer@hotmail.com]

Thanks very much for the step by step on the alignment of the kickstarter gears.

[GregMcN]

How much should the kickstarter shaft rotate?

The guidance says rotate the kickstart shaft fully clockwise when assembling - I assume this is just by hand. Mine will only rotate 5 - 10 degrees. I am guessing this is not correct?

Greg

[G-Man]

Greg

It depends where it starts. You are just turning the shaft (the splined shaft sticking out of the gearbox) clockwise to it's 'park' position. It needs to be there so that th eratchet pawl is properly disengaged when the engine is running.

Depending on where it is when you start turning it can be a lot or a little.

Note - theis is the inner shaft, not the outer one the kickstart attaches to.

G

How much should the kickstarter shaft rotate?

The guidance says rotate the kickstart shaft fully clockwise when assembling - I assume this is just by hand. Mine will only rotate 5 - 10 degrees. I am guessing this is not correct?

Greg