Re: [ST] Just for kicks! - no ST content

[Agate47@xxxxxxx]

Doug and Rick, et al,

Yes, I remember kick starters. I used to say, "if you are not man enough to 
kickstart the bike, you should not ride it." I have mellowed somewhat, 
particularly since my '00 RS does not have a kicker, and I am not sure my 150 lb body 
would do much good.

My first bike was a 1960 Ducati 200 that someone in AZ converted for dirt. It 
was manageable, but had the kicker on the left.

I later bought a BSA 350. It had a compression release, though it was not 
essential. As I remember, it started well enough. During my senior year at 
Arizona State University, I traded the Beezer for a new 1970 Norton Commando 750. 
That was interesting. Most times I needed to put it on the centerstand to get a 
full kick with my puny body. The hardest day I remember was a clear, cold 
morning on my way to school. I kicked it many times, trying to get the 50 wt oil 
to flow. I finally got it lit, rode 4 miles in an unlined Bates Leather jacket 
and jeans. I was frozen to the bone. Later in the morning, I learned the 
weather folks had recorded a low of 18 degrees that day. BRRR!

I was out of motorcycles from 72 until the late 90's when a friend gave me 
his 78 Yamaha SR500 that needed help. I cleaned it up and got it runnng for a 
couple years. That was a challenge to start, more so when warm than when cold. I 
returned it to my friend when I got my RS.

Now I have a new wee beastie to kick. It is a 67 Hodaka Ace 90. It, too, 
starts better when stone cold than after running a bit. However, a little push and 
bump is almost as good as an electric leg.

Steve Knudsen
Auburn, WA

Steve Knudsen Phone: 253-223-3737
Sr. Mortgage Banker Fax: 253-839-9093

Pacific Trust Lending
2505 S. 320th St. Ste. 260
Federal Way, WA 98003
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