Motorcycle Repair: Kickstart & clutch, clutch action, old bikes

Question
This question is regarding kickstarting & clutch action on my
1958 HD panhead.

1) Kickstarting. Its a kick only.  When cold, it is difficult to start.
Rerely it will fire
on @ 5 kicks, usually it tales about 20 or so, sometimes Im
kicking for 20 min!  When warmed up & within a couple hours of
not running, it always starts on the first kick all day... . Once
started, it runs great & strong.  Other notes-  if I take off the air
cleaner cover, it sems to start right away (within 2-5 kicks) when
cold... even if I have been kicking for 10 min prior to taking the
cover off.  About every 5-10 kicks it "spits" out the carb.  could
it be a carb issue... dont know how old the carb is, but it was
recently tuned up.  Usually when cold, I open the choke & twist
throttle 2x... then throughout the "kicking process" I turn the
choke off & on & twist the throttle now & then depending on
how its reacting.  Sometimes it starts with the choke off when
cold as well.

Eng Details.  1950 bottom end, STD dual plug heads, fresh
rebuild (1,400 miles on it), Mallory electronic ignition, S&S E
carb,  S&S air cleaner with K&N Element. Bike is 12v with new
battery

Any ideas?


Clutch:
has a moustrap eliminator, its a hard to pull, looks like the cable
rubbs a bit on the top of the tranny (orig 4sp ratchet top).  Is
that how these old bikes/tranny's operate & feel?  Is there a way
to make it an easier pull with better clutch response?

Thanks for your time, Mike  

Answer
First, make sure your timing is set right. If not it will be hard to start. Next, make sure your plugs are not fouled and the gap is set right. If they are fouled then the either the carb needs to be rejetted or you have a bad coil.
And last, here is the way I start a kickstarter harley. Has worked for me for years. Leave the ignition off. Give the throttle a couple of twists. With the choke on kick the bike a couple of times. Now turn the ignition on and with the choke about half way on kick it. If youa re getting spitting back through the carb, then you are getting to much gas in the heads.

As to the clutch. All the old bikes we tough to pul the clutch. You didnt say how old the clutch was, but if its pretty old replace it. It has probably gotten dry and that will make it hard to pull.
Happy New year
Mike