dead engine start - 79 wr250

so, i was wondering how to get a quality dead engine start.

i have no problems getting it to fire first kick, but it's the can't pull the clutch in and start it in gear thing that's slowing me way down.. the fact that you have to start it in neutral makes me so slow off the start. gotta kick with wot,start,roll off throttle, pull clutch, shift to 2nd, slip clutch and roll on throttle.


or am i totally missing something? is there a way to start it in gear? when i pull the clutch the kick disengages...

I have a 360 but it has been so long since the electrics loosened up and I had it in something to ride I forgot how it behaved. Generally if the kick starter turns a gear in the transmission it has to be in neutral and the clutch has to be strong enough not to slip. As time went on they came out with primary kick starting which the kick starter turns something on the primary drive and they generally start easier in neutral but will start in any gear with the clutch pulled in. There is some drag when the clutch is pulled in and that is why I say generally. I find when stalling out with my newer stuff I have to make a decision as to try and kick with the clutch in or find neutral and most likely kick only once. Now that you mention the issue I seem to recall the 360 wasn't primary kick but not sure.

What sort of events are you entering? I take it there are wave starts. How many waves and can you enter a different class with a smaller line?

Fran

If you want to kick in gear... You'll need an '81 or newer with primary kick.

it will have to be started in N, pull the clutch in rev it once..get it done..

okay - i guess i'll need to practice more starts today. ill probably be on the lookout for a 1981 bottom end (i'm assuming the top ends are the same?)

also, when i pull the clutch in, i get a ratcheting sound when it's running- does this mean kicker is indexed wrong? at what point should it engage when i kick it (it's engaging when shaft rotates about 3/4 inch) - is there a set up guide for how much preload to put on the kicker shaft spring when the knuckle is installed?

i checked the bottom end - it does have some play at the flywheel, but no time to fix it now. it's gonna need rebuilt after this upcoming race..

oh no, the 81 and up engine, is by far a better beast..
drop a 81 engine in, and youll be happy.

do the earlier top ends (79) work with 81? bore/stroke/cylinder mouth the same?

not sure, honestly, iv not tried it, id bet it will, if you use the piston and all.
as the 81 and up have different porting.