TOPIC:

I have an 82 kz750 M1, bike doesn't start easily. When I get the bike to be on the verge of starting the starter sounds like it kicks back and just spins. Do I need a new starter or is there a better/cheaper fix?

Steve

It's not the starter, it's the starter clutch that is located behind the rotor that is causing the problem, and it's a problem that most of us twin owners have.

My solution is to keep the bike well tuned so it starts on the first or second kick

Repair parts are available if you are so inclined.

Kick starting looks cooler too! Chicks dig it!

How does the kick sequence work? I've tried kicking it before and got nothing.

On mine-cold. Turn key to on, make sure right handle bar switch is set to run.In neutral,and as I recall leave the clutch alone (funny how some things you don't actually think about doing). Little bit of choke.A quick twist of throttle, kick her over. From a cold start not have been run for a few days I can get her to start in 3-5 kicks.Warm in one or two if I'm coordinated enough.

The clutch was what must have been getting me, I always had it in. I'll try it out when I get home tonight.


Thank you,
Steve

Everybody's kick-starting technique is probably different, but here's mine:
Cold bike:
Key off, fuel petcock to RUN, choke on full.
Kick the bike 6 times with no throttle (with the key still off).
Turn on the key, turn off the lights (if you can).
Kick the bike with full choke and no throttle. Usually starts on the second kick.

I always turn my petcock to OFF after riding, so I think it takes the 6 kicks to pull some fuel into the carb bowls.

When it's warm, just kick it with the key on and no throttle.

Thanks to everyone. I can get the bike started this way. hte electric starter wouldn't start the bike at all. I wonder if maybe the starter clutch was slipping just enough that the engine couldn't build enough vacuum to start. Now I just need to fix the idle. I think that I may have to rip the carbs apart again. I have the idle set screw backed all the way out but it still idles at 5000 rpm. I think something is stuck in the carb, but I wonder there too. It only goes up to 5000 rpm when the bike starts to warm up but not for the first couple of minutes.


Steve