kickstarter post spline/keying position

[CWilliamson]

Okay, I've located the kickstarter and went to attach it but the mount point on the bike has the keyed part (the flat section of the post) facing down which with the kicker mounted would put it parallel with the rear brake pedel.

Is this a sign that someone reassembled something wrong in the past? what would it take to get inside the case and flip the gear over?

Thanks,
Clark

[randy]

Sounds as if someone didn't set the preload correctly. The return spring needs to be tensioned so the kick lever will return itself to the upright position. You need to turn the shaft counterclockwise, under spring pressure, and then mesh the teeth.

[CWilliamson]

thanks

So to do this I have to drain fluids and get to the backside of the splines right? Do I do this from the transmission cover? I'm still waiting on my manual to arrive.

Thanks,
Clark

[randy]

You don't have to drain the fluids, you can lay the bike over on it's side on a couple of old car tires, (BTDT). then remove the clutch cover. You'll have to loosen the rear engine mount bolt (also holds the right footpeg) to gain clearance to remove the clutch cover.

[John]

Actually, just having the bike on the side stand is enough of an angle to open up the clutch cover without loosing any oil. I had to go into mine, and that's how I did it.

[CWilliamson]

no preload

You were right. I got home last night and found I could turn the post by hand clockwise back to the vertical position. So I can get to this from the clutch cover with it on the side stand. I shouldn't need to replace any gaskets if I'm careful right?

Clark

[CWilliamson]

how do I get this spring preloaded?

Man that spring is strong. I've taken a screwdriver and pried it around but when I get it to the housing it keeps coming loose to soon and I've ended up with busted knuckles, poped blood vessels and thought I broke a digit until the pain went away.

Any secrets to getting this thing mounted right?

Thanks,
Clark