Tips on Starting your Shift-Kit equiped bike

MrLarkins · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 03:00 PM

ok, PLEASE give all the tips on starting this shift-kit equipped beast...its like pedaling a tank!

Clotho · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 03:06 PM

Choke on if the engine is cold. Prime it if it is cold. Bike in lowest gear. Point bike downhill. Right pedal at the top of the arc (I'm right handed). Clutch out. Stand up on the pedal gently and it should start.

MrLarkins · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 03:14 PM

like a kick start almost, right?

Ghost0 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 03:28 PM

Not like a kick start, as Clotho said get the pedal of your strong leg just past the top of the crank arc. Apply your weight to it and it should start to turn over. Once it starts to turn over just keep pedaling. It also helps to get the bike moving at a decent pace so you are just turning the engine over and trying to propel the bike at the same time.

lordoflightaz · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 10:23 PM

Like Ghost sez, except if I don't get it to pop I rewind back up and step down again, that way I don't have to pull in the clutch to get it back to just past the top of the arc. Latest build I think my clutch might be a little loose so I can pedal it through but will be tightening that up. I do it on the weak side leg, right, makes it easier to give it some gas.

joewlms3 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 10:25 PM

if the rear wheel didnt have a freewheel would it be able to then bump start?

Creative Engineering · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 10:58 PM

MrLarkins,

It's the change that is hard to get used to. We form habits that are hard to break. Once you get out of the mind-set of "pedal-stop pedaling-release clutch-Go"; it's not so bad.

Brett Mavriks' jack-shaft set-up was the same way...it was VERY awkward at first. As suggested, pedal up to 5-7MPH before releasing the clutch, (the momentum will help), and then continue to pedal hard against the compression of the engine until it starts.

Get the engine fine tuned, and learn exactly what it takes to execute an easy start as Clotho pointed out.

Before long it will be second nature.

Jim

Creative Engineering · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joewlms3

if the rear wheel didnt have a freewheel would it be able to then bump start?

YES...and for the remainder of the ride you will be aboard a traveling egg, I mean leg, beater.

Jim

Clotho · #9 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joewlms3

if the rear wheel didnt have a freewheel would it be able to then bump start?

Alas no, The freewheel is on the pedal crank so same difference. The motor won't turn over unless you are turning it over. You are already pedaling downhill right?

Giver a little gas and she goes! Become one with the machine.. No need to kick the machine... Just make it turn over a few times.

MrLarkins · #10 (**permalink**) 07-11-2009, 07:57 AM

good suggestions guys, any more?