Topic: PANIC - CB400F broken kick starter

[kajtek]

hello all,

I have broken the kickstarter on my 400. its the type that is suited to the 'rearset' models. I proceeded to look online, speak to local bike shops etc, NO ONE has one. so panic. as a few years ago i removed the elec starter and the gears for it in the bottom ened. what an idiot.

One option is to get it fixed. its not the actual lever thats broken its the knuckle thing that hold on the shaft, its split at the open end. currently looking for a local welder that is happy to have a go. may or may not work.

Other option is to look for kickers from other bikes. the 750 one definately wont fit but maybe the 550/500 will? looks very similar, might be longer? hard to tell. i really dont care if it doesnt suit the look of the bike etc, i just dont want bump starting to be my only option!

Many thanks for any advice. for info i live in france.

Kind regards

Ashley

[Bodi]

Same problem. We have a few good bike breakers here, and I looked though way to many bins of kick levers to be proud of. Nothing I found would work. I think the 400F kick lever is unique. There's at least one that could work except the spline is a lot bigger.
I bent the knuckle back into shape and had it welded, with some reinforcement added.

[kajtek]

ahhh thats a shame, thanks for preventing me wasting my time. i can definately bend it back in to place to work. any advice on what type of welding should be used? it looks cast, my friend suggested TIG but wanted to be sure before i ask around.

thanks

ashley

[vames]

The 350F kicker works. It's not perfect -- it doesn't tuck as close to the bike as the 400f one when you're riding. As a result, it kind of grazes your right leg in the normal riding position, but just barely and you get used to it immediately.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=95002.0

[kajtek]

thank you for the info! will start my search for one straight away...

ashley