Topic: kick start not working...well

[cbcoker]

my 72 cb350f has a marginal kick starter. i've read that the kick start is know for braking off. when i kick really hard sometimes it just disengaging completely and offers no resistance. and it will stay that way and then will engage after some few kicks.
I would assume something is worn to the point where it only marginally engages. what can be done or replaced to remedy this situation? I'd prefer to run the bike kick start only. an english motorcycle magazine i read saidthe kick start not working was always a problem with the early cb's. thanks for any responses...s

[oldbiker]

It could be something as simple as a broken spring on the kickstart ratchet or wear on the ratchet or pawl. If you lay the bike over to the left (resting on some cushions or similar) you can remove the cover and the kickstart mechanism without draining the oil and look for any damage. It's not a major job if you're a bit mechanically minded. It might be a good idea to remove the tank first to avoid spilling petrol.