Motorcycle Repair: Kick Starter on Honda CT 90, screw slot, clutch adjustment

Question
Hi Bill,

What a wonderful program!

I've had my 1975 Honda CT 90 Trail - Model CT90K6 - stored since 1991. I have decided to sell it, so had the motorcycle shop got through the carb and got a new battery, tires etc.

Most of the time when I kick start it, it will start on the first kick.  Then the next time I can't get any compression on the kick starter.  I can keep trying and all of a sudden there is my compression and the next kick will start it right up.  It seems to run and shift fine.

What are your thoughts on this problem?

Thanks,  Linda

Answer
Hi, Linda...  The usual cause for that feeling that the engine has lost compression is due to the automatic clutch being out of adjustment or something is worn internally.

The clutch adjuster is on the outside of the left case, with a lock nut and adjustment screw.  Here is a copy of a reply that I made on this subject before on AllExperts...

"As far as clutch adjustment here goes: bike on center stand , in neutral , you'll need a 14 MM box and wrench and a narrow flat blade screwdriver that fits in the screw slot without touching the sides of the nut this is very important so check your tools before you begin using an open ended wrench will cause you to ruin the nut and gouge up the side cover too so DON'T try it no offset 14 MM box wrench not to worry get a 14 MM socket and a pair of Vise Grips and clamp the Vise Grips onto the socket presto now you have a box wrench and can proceed.

Loosen the 14 MM nut one full turn , now take the screwdriver in your finger tips and gently try to turn it counterclockwise it won't go not surprising, turn it clockwise until it gets loose then turn it counterclockwise until you feel resistance, very little resistance, stop and turn the screw clockwise 1/8 of a turn but NO MORE . now tighten the nut while holding the screw from turning, look at the position of the slot and if it moves,stop and do it over.

Now go ride your bike , the kick starter should spin the engine much better and it'll probably take up in a day or so so expect to re-adjust as needed until the clutch beds in again and stays in adjustment.

"It is critical to hold the adjusting screwdriver very gently so you can feel the very instant it bottoms as you're turn it counterclockwise, then stop, turn it 1/16 - 1/8 turn clockwise and then HOLD it right there as you use a boxend wrench to tighten up the lock nut. Failure to hold the screw means bad adjustment as it WILL creep as you tighten the lock nut."

This was actually originally posted on a CT90 forum (Yahoo).

Hope that helps you solve that problem.

Bill Silver