QuestionI have a Yamaha 250 Exciter 1981( SR250 I believe) with electric start only. I would like to put a kick starter on it because even with a new fully charged battery it doesn't turn over very well and I have not been able to get it started. Can I just remove the cover to the starter gear and put a kick starter lever on the shaft or does it need an extension/spring/gear to the shaft etc?
Back story:The bike sat in a garage for 6-7 years. The tank had a few pin holes and some solidified old gas which jelled up and clogged the carb. I cleaned the tank (apparently not well enough & gummed up the carb again. I had the carb cleaned out by a local independent mechanic, who then ran it ran it (& adjusted the new plug/timing) and said it ran great but don't put the tank back on until completely cleaned, patched & relined or replaced.
I found a good clean used tank off a working parts bike, put it on but have a difficult time getting it to crank normally and won't start. It seems to turn over ok but not strongly.
I'd like to be able to kick start it and not rely on the electric starter. The bike has 3993 actual miles on it, was carried on a motorhome (or garaged) & occasionally used for local transportation on vacations. It had been serviced by Yamaha dealers and had been parked in a dry garage for 6 years before I bought it. Thanks for any info. - Steve 1-16-11
AnswerHi Steve,
The starter may need to be cleaned up and checked
out unless the starter drive is slipping.
If it sounds like the engine is turning over
okay then the starter itself might be weak
and the drive system may be okay.
You could try cleaning up all the connections
like the ground cables etc.
The frame ground connection and cables may need cleaning.
Any poor connection will lessen the power to the starter motor.
A heavier amperage battery might help too.
As far as kickstarting goes it may be tough to find
all the parts for a bike this old.
You would need a complete kickstarter shaft with
all the springs, clips and gears.
You would also need the kickstart idler gear
which contacts the clutch basket gear to turn the
engine.
The holes in the case would have to checked to
make sure the bushings are there for the kick shaft.
This is the kickstart shaft assembly: (copy/paste in browser)
http://www.perthstreetbikes.com/72823/2001-Yamaha-SR250---Deus-Inspired-Cafe-Rac...
This is the whole kickstarter assembly including the idler gear:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4556/2001sr250kickstart.gif
Whole kickstart assembly installed:
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr226/noahnsteph/SR250/kickstartinners.jpg
Another alternative may be to find a Yamaha TT250 or XT250 engine which has all the parts on it.
There may be a wrecked one somewhere for parts.
If the bike is in good condition it should start with the electrics
but I know it feels good to have an alternative.
Keep the throttle closed when you are starting as the
"choke" or enrichener needs the engine vacuum to
pull fuel in. If the throttle is opened the vacuum is lost.
Use NGK spark plugs also.
Luck to you!
Wayne S.
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