From: leighann@quetzal.sybase.com (Leigh Ann Hussey)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles,ba.motorcycles,sybase.motorcycles
Subject: Kikustaatu-Do: The Way of Kickstart
Date: 4 Jan 93 23:41:37 GMT

Well, it's like this:  I got a flat front tire (didn't lose control, didn't fall down !  Ahahahahahah!), so the Elk (Maxim) 
is in the shop getting tire and brake replaced, and carbs seen to as well.  Which means I've been riding the 
Dragon (CB360) for a few days.  Dear fiends, my faith has been restored.  Just because some overprivileged 
squid who's never had anything more complex to ride than some plastic-shrouded/chrome-plated modern
machine that does all his work for him doesn't mean that the Drake belongs on a scrap heap.  Not a  damn
thing wrong with that bike -- *I* have no problems putting it in neutral, the front brake works perfectly
adequately (as I discovered this morning perforce... yipe!), and I've had none of this dying at idle business.  
I can only conclude that the bike was offended and refused to perform well for someone so obviously 
uninitiated.

Said Squid wrote:

>Hmmmmmm, what's this strangely bent bar coming out of the
>right side crank case cover . . huh . . what did you
>say Leigh Ann?? A kick starter?!?!? Yeah, right, sure!
>Huh, what was that Leigh Ann . .. . no electric start .
>. . the starter button is missing!?!?! Oh, sh*t!!!  OK,
>Leigh Ann my dearest . . how do you get this sucker
>started!?!??!


Which brings me to my Point Of The Day.  Few people in this modern age of ABS and electronic everything
(including reverse gears!) can appreciate the true, existential pleasure of the skillfully- and cleanly-performed
kickstart.  Motorcycle manufacturers, in an effort to "make life easier" have in fact taken away a rare source of
satisfaction.  Therefore, I shall take my life and my self-esteem in my hands and reveal ... The Mystery of the
Kickstart!

You see, Grasshopper, one must be completely in tune with one's machine; moto and rider are one, this is the
Supreme Truth.  Do you not remember the form the older students performed in the courtyard?  Those strange
motions, seemingly inchoate, are the Dance of the Moto -- eh? you thought they were a martial art?  Well,
certainly they are...  Come, address your machine as I taught you.

Mount!  Switch on the ignition, and be sure that the petcock will let fuel flow.  Reach now with your left hand, 
strong but relaxed, and move the choke lever to full on.   Reach now with your right hand, and pull the start
lever into position.  Set your foot on the lever -- wait!  Do not kick yet!  For I see you are excited, eager to go,
but that is not The Way.  Instead, gather your self; turn inward.  Sitting astride the silent metal, become yourself still,
potential waiting to break free, like the electricity stored in the battery, the unburned fuel in the carbeurator
(gotta get that fixed one of these days...) ahem.  And when you feel that you and the machine are one, that
your chi turns as the drive will turn, THEN kick, and bring the machine into synchronicity with your Self.  Wait again
before riding off, letting yourself become still again -- this is the follow-through step, most important.

Ah, you did not succeed on the first kick?  Do not become flustered, Grasshopper.  Mastery comes with Time. 
When you can snatch this key from my hand, when you can mount and start the moto in one flowing motion,
then it will be time for you to leave.  Oh, and don't forget to put the paper back down to keep the oil off the
mats.  Practice hard, Grasshopper; there is worth in you that is yet to be revealed...

Remember: Before enlightenment, lube chains, check tires.  After enlightenment, lube chains, check tires.

It furthers one to cross the great Interstate; the Superior Man buys socket wrenches.  No blame.

Ommmmmmm.....

	- Leigh Ann

----------------
Leigh Ann Hussey  
leighann@sybase.com           {sun,lll-tis,pyramid,pacbell}!sybase!leighann
DoD#5913                  AMA#624549                    AWRRA#23 (skidoo!)
'74 Honda CB360 "Fyrdraka"   			'81 Yamaha Maxim650 "Elhaz"
"I do not trust thee, Cage from Hell, / The reason why I cannot tell, /
But this I know, and know full well: / I do not trust thee, Cage from Hell."
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles