QuestionHi Rich. This is my situation. I own a 1968 cl450. The bike has given me problems on and off for a few years. Recently, the kickstarter has been jamming after a few kicks (not starting either, mind you). I'll put the bike in 4th, push it forward and backward and the kickstart will come free. When I purchased the bike, the kick was already in bad shape-- it no longer sprung back up after kicking it down. The electric start is another problem.
My solution: I'm planning to pull the engine and then split the cases to get to the kickstart. I'm thinking there's something wrong with the kickstarter pinion or related parts.
I'm a novice when it comes to mechanical work. Sure, I can replace starters, alternators, brakes, etc. but engine work is something new to me. Any tips or advice would be welcomed. Also, do I need to pull the cylinder heads, pistons and the like when splitting the cases?
Thanks!!
Dave Cope
AnswerWell Dave, the CL450 was the first bike I ever worked on. A guy brought it into the shop with the engine all apart in a box. I didn't have a manual and I had never seen one of these bike before. The shop owner said if I could get it together and running, I could have a job as a mechanic. After a week or so the bike was back together and running good. I have a special fondness for those old CLs. My brother still has the 70 CL he bought while in the army before going over to Nam in 1971.
Well the problem is as you suspected, in the kick starter pinion, ratchet or the recoil spring. To get to it, you have to split the lower cases. Pull the engine, remove the right and left side covers along with all of the clutch and oil pump hardware under the right side engine cover. The top end will not have to be disassembled to get to it.
Good luck
Rich
