81 kickstart

[Sgriger534]

I have a 81 xs and i was wondering if i could use the kickstart if i just put a kick lever on it. I see the shaft and it seems to move the engine when i move it.

[81xsproject]

The 80s bikes lack not just the kicker but the internal gears as well. You have to split the cases and install the gears.

[Sgriger534]

i just found it it is a 78, would it be possible for it to have electric start and no kickstart on it, it has the kickstart shaft, and if you turn i by hand it seems to catch

[crazy steve]

i just found it it is a 78, would it be possible for it to have electric start and no kickstart on it, it has the kickstart shaft, and if you turn i by hand it seems to catch

If it's a 78/79 motor, yes, the kickstart mechanism is all there. The kick lever wasn't 'fitted' to the motor, but was a non-folding 'emergency' item that was stored under the airbox/battery tray. There should be a vinyl cover for the exposed shaft.

The guys that are kicking these on a regular basis are using 750/850 Yamaha triple levers I think, although if you do a forum search you may turn up some other choices too.

I never saw the attraction personally, but to each his own...

'78E original owner