Topic: Kickstarter spindle sanity check

[stereosilence]

I have the engine out of my '75 CB550 because my kick start spindle came apart after I reassembled it when I took the engine apart. I found out that the circlip on the end was over expanded so it just came off. With that replaced, I think everything is in order.

My question is that while testing the transmission by hand, I had to manually keep the kickstart disengaged. This made me wonder if everything is correct. If I understand right, either the engine or the position of the kick start level will twist the spindle and contact the metal that is pressing against the case and this rotation will provide separating force that will pull the meshed teeth apart and disengage the gear from the spindle.

Before I put the engine back on the bike, can someone confirm that this is what the spindle should look like at rest and not with the teeth separated?

[dave500]

you have the heavy return spring connected?

[stereosilence]

Yes, the one on the outside of the case.

[minimo]

You might be missing the two springs that go along the length of the kickstart assembly. What I can see here is that you are missing the ratchet spring (#21)...

And quite possibly missing the pinion starter set spring (#19).

Don’t forget to include these. If they somehow get lost, you can find a used set on eBay fairly easy.

Otherwise, looks like you have the layout of parts correct (sans springs). Once you get the springs on the shaft you’ll find that it will be difficult to keep the parts on the assembly because they spring back. Simply take a set of needle-nose Vise Grips and clip in between the Ratchet Guide Plate to keep everything in place while you snap the ring back on the end of the shaft (with either angled or right angle snap pliers). It’s also best to use a BRAND NEW circlip. No sense in doing all of this and have the clip slide/snap off and make you do all of this again.

Good luck!


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[stereosilence]

I definitely have the springs 19 and 21. 19 is inside part 20 and 21 is just hard to see because of the size of the photo. After having the whole thing come apart, I reassembled it very carefully.

My main question is if 18 and 20 should be enmeshed at rest?

[minimo]

Perform a dry run with the kickstart pedal?


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