Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Kickstarting, tae quon, mr hahn

Question
Mr. Hahn,

I recently got a lot of help building the Custom Chrome "Kit" Pimp Daddy. My problem is that I'm having a hard time kickstarting the bike. It tends to kick back hard. Keep in mind that I have very little to no experience with a kickstart (only had a 1971 175cc honda with kickstart). I probably dont know the proper procedure for kickstarting the bike. At this point I'm considering using a Tech Cycle Panhead electric start kit (very expensive). The motor on this kit is the pandemonium 88 inch with 4 speed revtech transmition and it has a malory electronic ignition. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer
This sounds like a case of biting off more than you're ready to chew! The big twins have always been notoriously tough to kick over (I've heard of people breaking ankles when they get it wrong!) though I think the more modern versions are a little easier, but still not for the inexperienced.

A couple things you can try:

1. When you're starting the bike, don't think of yourself as "kicking" the engine to life, but rather you're "spinning" or "twisting" the motor to get it started. The objective is torque: you need to develop good twisting force to overcome the compression. You really have to "follow through," like a judo or tae quon do (sp?) kick: all or nothing.

2. Maybe there is a smaller bike (or less pimped bike) you can borrow for a little while to practice kick starting. Use an easier bike to develop your technique and balance, and when you feel comfortable with it, you can use the same techniques to turn over your big twin.

It might not be a bad idea to have someone there to help you while you're getting used to it. Leave the sidestand down while you're starting it, and have someone on the right side of the bike to keep you from falling over that side.

It will take a little practice, and you'll probably have a huge right leg (and a normal sized left leg) when you're done!

Good luck

Pat