From: ed@Tekelec.Com (Ed Campbell)
Subject: Re: Kikustaatu-Do: The Way of Kickstart
Organization: Tekelec Inc
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1993 21:42:01 GMT

In article <27592@sybase.sybase.com> leighann@quetzal.sybase.com (Leigh Ann Hussey) writes:


>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...
>
WAIT! WAIT! That's close, but that's not the way to spiritual enlightenment!
Here is the way of truth;

      Move the shift lever to "N". Roll the clutch rocker forward to the
engaged position. Turn the brass knob on top of the left tank counterclock
wise to turn on the fuel flow.
      While Linkert is filling his bowl, retard the timing and meditate on
what you will do if this is forgotten and the mighty god of kickback flings
you to the ground before the front wheel. (or into the rose bushes)
     Now, close the choke, open the throttle wide and kick 3 times for a cold
engine, a fourth time for cold weather.
     The time of enlightenment has come. Choke half open, throttle just open,
switch on, gather your inner self, kick with everything you are or might be!
A hesitation, an instant of uncertainty, a bark, a thunderous roar! Quickly
reach down and advance the timing. Let the force guide you, you will know
when to ease the choke fully open, roll the clutch back, pull the shifter
back to the "1" position and slowly gently roll the clutch forward.


Ed Campbell
     Email ed@Tekelec.com (maybe) 
doh # 000069.000 
      000074  (Panhead displacement)
      3 15/32 (Panhead bore)
'57 FL  (Ol' Beasty)
'76 XLCH (Hoss)
My other car is a '54 Harley Servicar. (Leapin' Lena)

 
#insert std.getas 
    ed geta bike
    ravi geta shift key
    (as required) 
           geta life 
           Getajob
        Etc.
 


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