a starting question....

[mhsilverw]

Hi,
A question maybe for those who have had (or have) different versions of the 350.

The kickstart lever on my '350K' folds out from the bottom (near the shaft) it mounts too and is 'straight'. I seem to recall the strada 350, a while ago (with drum brakes) had a kick start with the (top-bit) 'foot lever' that swung out.

My one seems (at some point in its life) spent some time 'rubbing/resting' on the mounting bolt/screw for the heat shield and a previous owner seems to have filled the mark/worn part with what I guess maybe chemical metal. A bit worried it may have got weaker - and might give way (and then the leccy start stop in sympathy) so toyed with a replacement; but found (like Martin Gelder on the Real Classic site) that the version for the later models was 'unavailable' at the moment. That seemed to be the reply from NLM.

So are kick starters (from an earlier model) interchangeable?

I am not too concerned with originality; so will the earlier 'folding top' sort fit & work. From memory I seem to recall on the strada it cleas the silencer & heatshield 'better' too.

Regards
M

[George 350]

Hi Mark,

It will work providing that you don't have rearsets on it. Have a look at the Strada for sale at NLM. http://www.northleicestermotorcycles.com/sn2879l.jpg - See where the footrests are. If yours are further back than that, you run the risk of hitting your toes on the footrest when you are kicking it over.
If you want to give it a try, I have an admittedly rusty kickstart of that type available.

George.

[mhsilverw]

George,

Thanks. In looking at the photo in your note...

Hi Mark,

It will work providing that you don't have rearsets on it. Have a look at the Strada for sale at NLM. http://www.northleicestermotorcycles.com/sn2879l.jpg - See where the footrests are. If yours are further back than that, you run the risk of hitting your toes on the footrest when you are kicking it over.
If you want to give it a try, I have an admittedly rusty kickstart of that type available.

George.

...my bike doesnt have the Tarozzi type rearsets (but does have the semi-rearset ones that the factory put on the later models). My footpeg is about in line with the bottom / lower / right-hand clutch cover allen bolt. So I think the mounting for the footpeg is about 'half as long' as on the strada.

Sounds like it might be worth an experiment....I have tried to illustrate the sort of footrests on my 350K and one of the Strada's at NLM...

Mark

[3potjohn]

I too have a 350K. My obsevations are
1)the kickstart being worn is a bit wobbly
2)it rubs on the heat shield retaining bolt
3)It sometimes sticks down after kickstarting as it catches on some other bit of the bike( guess i can fix this)
4) it was rusty but i got it re-chromed by a firm in Weston super sludge and it is still not rusty.
5) It goes up your trouser leg if not wearing long enough boots.
6) Bike starts easily by paddling 2 steps and dropping clutch so good .

I have a working e-start for the minute.Much improved with a later starter clutch.I do not like the high current relay.i have had the points burn out and stick together.Should have a low current relay and solenoid but then this would be a BMW.Then i'd have to contend with the bottom end going after 250,000 miles.

[Daddy Dom]

Hi Mark,
I have a Honda kickstart on mine, bent out with heat and that works just fine. I have Tarozzis, but I think if you can find a lever that works, go for it. Picture here. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2553
Cheers,
Dom