TOPIC:

I have a 1976 KZ-750 twin. It seems to start easier using the kick start that it does with the electric start.
The engine usually turns over to the point of killing the battery using the electric start but starts on the 1st or second kick using the kick starter.

Could this be the ignition coil or something else?

Thanks in advance.

Joe

This is a pretty common problem with these old bikes. Between old wiring and corroded connections, worn starters drawing more power from the system and weak coils because of their age, enough spark isn't being created to start the ol' girl.
It's time consuming but worth it to go thru the wiring haress checking for any corroded terminals, disassemble the starter do a general cleaning and lube, check condition of the brushes and bushings.
And, an easy and inexpensive mod it doing Wiredgeorges coil relay conversion which is found here.
Along with a lot of interesting things on the carb guru's website.
And, even with all this done I still usually use the kick starter for the first start on cool mornings here in Maine.

HI Milkman,
That's an awesome read!

It was like wiredgeorge was working on my bike the way is was described.

I will give it a shot.
I was getting close to giving up on this old girl...but with the support I keep getting from people like you, it's hard to turn my back.

humourcar
aka Joe

Wait... these things have an elecri... wel,, I'll be darned, *that's* what that button is for...!!

...seriously, I have disabled both my 750 twin's starter clutches, due to their propensity to fall apart... so I always kick anyway... it's a great way to start the day, if you ask me...

Have you considered that you might be just that much of a baddass that you can out-kick the starter? Just a test, see if you can pick the bike up over your head.

Does anyone know if Wiredgeorge's coil relay conversion will work on a single coil bike? Or is it only for double coil bikes?

humourcar

Undoubtedly, it will work.

There's nothing special about the coil mod, it's common to use a switch controlled relay in that type of circuit, it will work for any common electrical load.

I use the kicker just to save wear an tear on the starter which aint cheap if ya hafta buy one.also less strain on battery.

76 LTD wrote:

I use the kicker just to save wear an tear on the starter which aint cheap if ya hafta buy one.also less strain on battery.

I do it because it's cool

Course I really started out on Brit bikes that didn't have electric start anyway

How do you kickstart a bike?

Well, I couldn't wait any longer. I was confident I followed wiredgeorge's instructions to a tee and I had to know if this is going to work.

I opened a beer, took a large swig, called my insurance company to insure that I had fire insurance on the bike and then I put the key in the ignition.

All I can say is, WOW!
What a difference!

A little bit of adjustment to the idle but now my old 76 Kawi twin purrs like a kitten. Hopefully she'll see another 30 years on the road.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice. And especially wiredgeorge! If I ever make it to Texas I owe you a beer.

Joe
Ontario, Canada