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Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all.

Now that winter is upon us, my thoughts return to improving my 350 Scrambler. Because of my replacement knees and right hip. I have trouble giving it the kick it needs. I've converted to 12 volts and installed a compression release and now am contemplating an electronic ignition. I'm not sure it would help. Any advice? - Frank

Hi Frank,

happy holidays to you too!
hard to say if a new electronic ignition may help - if the old ignition works flawless a new one can't be an improvement. I skipped to an eletrex ignition (electrexworld.co.uk) and I'm quiet happy with it (all my joints still in good order). Am I right that the 350 has a shorter kick lever compared to the 450? A longer lever is always helpfull.

Cheers

Wolf

I've been told that a longer 450 lever would help (if you can find one) since it would rotate the crank further. Maybe that is the only answer.

I do believe that an electronic ignition would give easier starting, although I am no electronics expert, but on reputation, an electronic system is supposed to give a fatter spark, hence the warnings in manuals not to risk a shock from such a unit!

Colin

How to kickstart a 4stroke single

Preconditions: motor in good state, valves, ignition, carb perfectly adjusted

1) Engage manual decompression lever

2) Kick through several times with decompression engaged to get a fresh charge in the cylinder

3) Disengage the manual decompression lever

4) Lightly push the kick starter down until it engages the compression stroke (usually won't go down further)

5) Engage the manual decompression lever again

6) Gently push the kick starter down one more inch (stop!) to get the piston right past TDC, hence allowing the crankshaft 1 3/4 rotations to gain inertia for working against the next compression force build-up

7) Disengage the manual decompression lever and release the kick starter so it tops out

8) Get Ready, hop up, and bring your weight down on the kick starter. Brute force is not necessary, just a complete kick-through. If you give it a half-hearted, gentle or reluctant kick... and don't reach the bottom, the motor will take offense and try to put your knee thru your nose. Also, use whatever foot you prefer, and stop asking to specify ... your preference

9) When the engine is cold, open the choke valve by moving the lever for 1-2 cm. Normally, opening the throttle while kicking is not necessary at all. So, keep it closed or at the very most constantly opened for a few degrees.

Bikes with electronic ignition sometimes do not show easy starting, especially if a Motoplat CDI is installed.

cheers Hans

Thanks Hans, Colin and Wolf. I'm pretty familiar with the proper starting procedure but to be honest, am a bit intimidated because I've had experience with violent kick backs. My artificial joints won't survive too many. Just wondering if an electronic ignition would be of any benefit. I've done all the timing procedures over and over again but I believe the problem is that I'm not reaching the bottom of the kickstarters arc and probably inviting a kick back.

Frank, at 67years I too was having some trouble kickstarting my widecase 350 mk3 (and I don't have any replacement joints.....yet!.....), I had previously removed the valve lifter from my engine about 40 years ago "to add lightness" I have recently replaced it and this has for me made starting really quite easy, I have Lucas rita electronic ignition fitted.......however I have good old fashioned points fitted to my 250 desmo and really can't see any difference in kick speed spark between the two systems. If you follow the procedure as Hans has described and the engine is well adjusted it should be an easy start. The only thing I would add is give it a committed kick, a half hearted or nervous kick will be more likely to give you the dreaded kickback.
Cheers and seasons greetings.
George

I remember DewCaTi Bob and others recommending that bringing the piston up on the compression stroke and starting the kick with the compression release depressed and releasing it immediately will give the crank more inertia to get passed the next compression stroke. If there is any advantage to an electronic ignition, I would be tempted to try it. Anything might help. I have started the bike after multiple attempts but my joints only can do so much.

I also believe that starting a 250 is much easier than a 350

Electric start worth considering?

Have you got one?