Scooterotica

Guys......on an indian gp we are finding that the kickstart is engaging on 1st gear ok, then here and there it's completely missing it ? ie; kickstart just misses and hits the tarmac......I checked to see if the piston was ejecting ok on the ramp and it seems fine, is there maybe a known issue ...OR any suggestions to deal with it ?

Any ideas ?

Are the teeth on first gear all there and in good shape ?

Jason, yes all good with not one chip. The only thing I can think of is that the piston is not releasing on each occaision when the kickstart is kicked downwards.....maybe the pin is catching something.

I must add, the chap who owns the bike failed to keep the gearbox filled with oil so had run dry so maybe it has seized a little ....the clutch plates separating the cork plates had also got some rust on them (from no oil I guess) so wondering if I just need to replace the piston and pin and spring perhaps ?

Check the pin is not catching, I would take it all out and check its all moving right.

Cheers Jason, i'll strip out the lot and replace moving parts to eliminate any concerns here.

I always replace the reference pin on the kickstart plunger as the ramp wears a groove in it.

Dapper yes good point, i'll hit it this weekend again, cheers

I had a similar problem which turned out to be the teeth had chipped off the piston. That was an original Italian one, replaced with an Indian one off ebay and it's been perfect ever since

most likely the K/S piston teeth chipped/ worn as mentioned above.

That was one of the first problems I had with a Lambretta way back in 1968.

When I figured out what the problem was I went down to my local authorised dealer, and ordered a new K/S piston, but asked for one with "longer teeth so it engages better......."

The look the old guy gave me was a mixture of contempt and pity

Oh the innocence and naievity of youth

Chris

Cheers all......now resolved with new kickstart piston and spring, never thought such a small thing makes a big difference.....cheers all