XS11 kickstart retro fit on a XJ11??

[dpo]

I've been wondering if it is possible to retrofit a kick starter pedal and gears from a XS1100 on a '82 XJ 1100. (Or '80/'81 XS)

As far as I can tell, the last year a XS had a kicker was 1979???, yet all years afterward has a black rubber plug in the hole with 'kickstarter' cast in the case around it.

Looking through the oil fill hole you can see where the far end of the shaft would go, and I've seen multiple full gear units on Ebay.

Does anyone know if its possible or has anyone accomplished the change? It looks like they used the exact same cases as the '79, or there wouldn't even be a machined hole inside for the shaft bushing, and there wouldn't be a rubber plug, but nothing at all on the outer cover. you are left with a large empty area where the shaft, gears and return spring 'would' have been.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has ended up pop starting the bike now and then when the battery takes a dump.

Info???

[crazy steve]

The kickstarter can be fitted, but you'll have to pull the motor and split the cases to do it. More info here: http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36652

[dpo]

Thanks-

I enjoyed reading the tech tips about the motors etc and got a good laugh to see that the kicker wasn't even permanent to begin with. I can just picture people pulling the pedal out of a tool kit etc and sliding it into the clutch cover and having at...

Not sure I want to ever kick my 1100 over with a weak knee but it's better than having to pop start it or wait for a truck.

[aquamantx]

My 76 golf wing had a kick starter. You had to pull the lever from under one of the tank pods and insert it into a receiver at the rear of the engine. Actually had to use it a couple of times when the starter went out.

[kboehringer]

Kicker MAY be possible without splitting cases...

SNIP....
Looking through the oil fill hole you can see where the far end of the shaft would go, and I've seen multiple full gear units on Ebay.
SNIP...

DPO,
It MIGHT be possible to install a kick starter without splitting the cases. I did it on my 1980 engine which did not come with a kick starter.

Typically, you will see the kicker shaft and return assembly (items 2 through 9) on the photo below frequently offered for what seems like a cheap price. However, what they are selling is only 1/2 of the parts needed to install the kicker.



On all three of my 1980 model XS11 motors, Yamaha removed the kicker but left parts: 12, 15, 4, 16, 4, 17, in the motor. You will need to verify what is actually inside your motor to know what you need. I do NOT know if Yamaha left those pieces in there after '80 but it is quite possible they did.

These are the parts they left inside my '80 model engine. You will need to pull your clutch side cover to see if these exist in your motor.


Unfortunately, part numbers 11, 13, & 14 are the HARDEST parts to find to install the kicker. Buying the kicker assemblies you see advertised is only going to be 1/2 the project (and the easy part at that!).

It should also be noted that the kicker when installed on the earlier models was intended ONLY for emergency use. There is no bushing in the cases to prevent the damage that would occur from continuous use.

There are a couple folks around here that have modified kickers from XS850s and have them mounted permanent as they do look pretty cool. I have the temporary use kicker mounted under my battery tray (as stock) and it could be used in an emergency!

Sincerely,
Kurt

[natemoen]

Unfortunately it was only earlier '80 engines that had those parts left in the engine. It was like they just decided to use up the parts they had before stopping altogether. An XJ most certainly wouldn't have those in there, but never hurts and isn't hard to look.

[MPittma100]

Kick Starter

It is much less trouble to jump start an 11 or call for assistance than it is to put in a kick start system.

If the battery is down enough for the starter not to turn the engine, there is not enough voltage to fire the coils either.

[BA80]

If the battery is down enough for the starter not to turn the engine, there is not enough voltage to fire the coils either.

I disagree Mike. It only takes 9 volts for the TCI to fire the coils. A battery with a completely dead cell will push 10 volts and even with diminished amps will still work. BTDT The kick start has saved me a couple of times when the battery wore out.

That being said the cases don't need to be split to get the kicker parts in however it does take some finesse.

The kick gear holder (#15) is replaced in the later models with just a plate to cover it's mounting hole in the case under the clutch cover. The plate comes out easily with just 3 bolts but to put the kick gear ratchet assembly back in it's place gear #11 (the ratcheting gear)



Has to get past gear #29 to mesh with gear #28 in the transmission.



Which will probably require dropping the oil pan and moving the drive axle to obtain enough clearance to get past #29.

[kboehringer]

BTDT The kick start has saved me a couple of times

The kick starter has not yet saved me, but it might some day. I'm not nearly as worried about a dead battery as much as I am worried about a 35+ year old DC starter motor or some other portion of the starting circuit failing! Personally, I rather try to kick this monster than attempt to push start it!
Respectfully,
KURT

[BA80]

The kick starter has not yet saved me, but it might some day. I'm not nearly as worried about a dead battery as much as I am worried about a 35+ year old DC starter motor or some other portion of the starting circuit failing! Personally, I rather try to kick this monster than attempt to push start it!
Respectfully,
KURT

Ha ha ha ha ha.......I hear ya. I've had to do both, kick and push. If you've ever kicked a Hardley, the XS is a lot easier unless it's cold outside. Unless you have help or have a slope to roll it down pushing really isn't a very good option.

[trbig]

I disagree Mike. It only takes 9 volts for the TCI to fire the coils.

I've always heard the magic number was 10.4v. I've always had problems with the bike firing in the 10 1/2 volt range, even with a push start, BUT... that's not meaning that I'm getting all of that through my 30+ year old connections either.

[BA80]

I've always heard the magic number was 10.4v.

You might be right.

I could kick start mine when the battery wouldn't even crank the engine over once though.