Motorcycle Repair: 1975 Honda Xl175, point gap, bill silver

Question
QUESTION: Hi bill
 I have a 1975 Honda xl175, one day my brother was trying to kick it over and the kick start pedal snapped off i haven't been able to find a kick start shaft for it but is their any way i can take it off a 74 75 xl100 or xl250?what can i do to fix it if i cant find the part?
thanks
nick

ANSWER: Nick, this part is the weakness in these models. The design and part number are unique to this engine and are not shared with other models, as far as I know.

Keeping the engine in good tune, so it starts easily is part of the secret in preventing these failures. Honda doesn't have these parts in stock any longer, unfortunately. It is a "bump start" bike now. Clean the points, adjust the valves, clean out the carburetor and set the timing correctly, so it will light off easily.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_XL175   see OTHER notes.

Bill Silver


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is there a website you know of that will help me with adjusting the valves and timing
thanks again

Answer
Nick, there is good information here:

http://www.dansmc.com/valveclearence.htm

http://www.dansmc.com/bat_coil_ign.htm

Specifications are: intake valve .002" and exhaust .003" clearance when piston is at the T mark on the flywheel and both valves are loose. If both valves are tight at the T mark alignment, turn the crankshaft over ONE complete turn and check again.

Point gap should be about .014" maximum, then move the point plate around until the points just OPEN at the F mark alignment.

Bill Silver