1981 Starter kick

[thefrenchdude]

Hi folks!
Do you know if it's possible to fit a starter kick on a 1981' engine?

Thank you

[natemoen]

Most say you have to split the cases open to put the internal gear on the tranny. A small few have claimed it can be done without splitting the cases though.

It is possible, it is just a matter of if it is worth all the effort.

[BA80]

It's possible however, late 80 and all 81 models the internal ratchet gear for the kicker was deleted. It takes some disassembly to get that gear installed.

IIRC the cases need to be split.

[thefrenchdude]

Well I guess it's easier to find a 79' engine !

[motoman]

Well I guess it's easier to find a 79' engine !

Your gonna have to list what year your XS11 is. If it's an '81 model, the ignition assembly under the round cover on left side of bike will have to be swapped out for the 78-80yr. models. If your scoot is an 81model(Standard or Special) the TCI module under the seat(4RO for 81model) will have to be swapped out for the earlier(78-80) module. If your scoot is an XJ(Maxim1100) Both those units previously mentioned are even all different yet.

[motoman]

Just swapping in an earlier than 81' motor tisn't as easy as you may think.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there,

DO you have a bike? When I completed your registration, you had not stated what YEAR or MODEL style, special or standard bike you possibly had. I had mentioned in the registration confirmation email that you should add your bike's year/model to your profile and your signature to make it easier/quicker for us to refer to because tech info is year/model specific. Your profile/signature still just says XS11 !?

IF you have an 81 bike, as stated, a bit of a PITA to try to add the kick starter. HOWEVER, another thing that has been noted before is that IF your battery is low....like below 10.5 volts, a kickstarter will NOT help, because the ignition system won't work anyways, you won't get any spark, and all of the kicking in the world won't start the bike.

This is one of the reasons why Yamaha did away with the kickstarter after the 79 year model. Granted, folks with them have enjoyed the looks they would get when they would kick start their bike, some folks do it almost all the time. But the kickstarter was only really designed to be an emergency device, that's why it wasn't permanently mounted to the shaft, but folded/stored away below the battery box.

SO...if you do have an 81, just keep it in proper running condition with a strong battery and working charging system, and you won't need to worry about having a kickstarter. And IF the battery does get that low/weak....just get it JUMPED from a car with cable so it will be sure to have plenty of voltage to keep the ignition system to at least to 11V or more while starting.

T.C.

[BA80]

Well I guess it's easier to find a 79' engine !

If you change the centrifugal advance unit and put the solid shaft 81 reluctor in it will be pretty much plug and play.

Other than that everything will work just fine. Except the timing curve for the 79 cams is different and it won't run right.

As TC said, if the battery voltage is below 10.5 volts the TCI won't fire the coils even with the kicker. However, if you have a worn battery with low cranking amps you may still have better than 10.5V.

It saved me from walking home a time or 2.

Not really worth it if your 81 engine is solid.

[BA80]

You may be able to get away with leaving the centrifugal advance in the 79 engine and just changing the TCI to a 2H7 unit. That's actually how the Bob Jones Navy Bike is set up. (81 Venturer)

Not sure if the harness was changed or not. Some electrical guru's here might weigh in on that.

LOL.....sorry.....just thinkin' with the keyboard...