Removing kick starter

Im building a kz1000 motor. 1075, ported head and just under 400 lift cams. I would like to remove the kick start and install a ape blockoff plate. My engine builder says its a bad idea, and said not to do it. I didnt press him on it but I could tell he was serious and was firm on not doing it. He has 35 years with kaws and held dozens of national records during this time. What is the forums thoughts on removing the kick start mech.

ask him

I only use it to turn over the motor while doing maintance, but that does make it handi. I just leave the external kick pedal and arm off as for driving as its never needed.

I will ask him and report back.

4TheKZ1000 wrote: Im building a kz1000 motor. 1075, ported head and just under 400 lift cams. I would like to remove the kick start and install a ape blockoff plate. My engine builder says its a bad idea, and said not to do it. I didnt press him on it but I could tell he was serious and was firm on not doing it. He has 35 years with kaws and held dozens of national records during this time. What is the forums thoughts on removing the kick start mech.

Why remove the kick start?

It's especially nice to make a big deal out of using it when being watched by a H-D button pusher. :lol:

Good Fortune!

I'm interested in what he says. My return spring is broken and I'm debating repairing it vs deleting it.

If youre ever stuck sitting someplace with a weak battery or a junk starter youll be really glad you have a kick starter

It's handy and it's part of the character of the bike.
Had more than a few youngsters either ask what it was or marvel at it.
It's kind of like seeing a crank start on an old car. :lol:

How long have you owned the bike - long enough for the battery to need replacing or the starter clutch to need repairs? I know in my case I use the kick start very often, even with a good battery and starter clutch, and would never consider removing it. Ed

The thing is if you're used to more modern bikes you're also used to getting by without kick start. I've push started a bike a time or two, it's not that big a deal in an emergency.

I admit it's a good way to look like a badass kicking your bike to life. It's also a little redundant (kind of the point I suppose) and antiquated.

Push starting is one of my primary reasons I only drive manual cars and love that 99% of bikes don't come in auto. Once I had to push start my Explorer multiple times a day for a week when the starter went out and I couldn't afford to fix it. Good times.

When you're an old fart like me you remember your older bike(s) only came with kick starters so you're used to getting by without electric start. Push starting the bike works fine as long as you don't find yourself caught in snow. Sounds silly, I know, but this happened to me on my old BSA when the kick starter tooth was broken. I had to wait for a parked car to leave so the dry spot under the car could be used to bump start the bike - quite embarrassing. Ah, the good (bad) ole days. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: