Topic: kickstarter doesn't engage in neutral

[xProjectx2501]

When I bought my bike, the PO said the engine was stuck. Turns out it wasn't, neither was the clutch. (rolled it down a hill in neutral and put it into first to get the coerce the engine into turning over) The problem was that the kickstarter didn't engage the main drive in neutral. No idea why, but it does engage in every other gear. Any ideas what the problem could be?

[mattcb350f]

What model of bike are we talking aboot?

 Matt.

[xProjectx2501]

That would help, wouldn't it.   1972 CB350F

[seaweb11]

Can't wait for the answer.....Happened to the CL350 today. I haven't looked at it yet because I lent it to a friend for this parking lot test tomorrow.

[kghost]

My 350 doesn't engage in neutral with the clutch IN.

Its inherent to the design.

It will with the clutch out.

ALso will engage in any gear with the clutch IN

[mattcb350f]

Like Kghosts says... it's because of the design.

The kick starter works backwards through the transmission by engaging one of the transmission gears which turns the clutch to turn the engine.

If the clutch lever is pulled in (disengaged) the power flow is broken and nothing happens

 Matt.

[xProjectx2501]

Forgive me, I should have clarified, but it doesn't engage with the clutch in or out. Tried it both ways just to make sure I wasn't being foolish. I'll try to remount it into the frame again tomorrow and double check that I'm not an idiot. Hopefully I'll pass that test.