From: doc@webrider.central.sun.com (Steve Bunis)
Newsgroups: ba.motorcycles
Subject: Re: Kikustaatu-Do: The Way of Kickstart
Date: 5 Jan 1993 17:08:54 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Distribution: usa
Reply-To: doc@webrider.central.sun.com
NNTP-Posting-Host: webrider.central.sun.com

Which brings up the question of what street bikes are there (over 250cc's) that
offer even the possibility of adding a kick starter to the bike.  I've never
been comfortable with being totally dependent on the battery for starting!  

Yeah, I know you can push it but that doesn't sound like much fun to me.  I'd
much rather kick the damn thing (much better for the emotional release although
maybe not as aerobic).

Anyone know of any recently made bikes in the 750-1100 range that can have a
kick start added?  Yeah, I also miss manually controlled steering dampers on
street bikes too, just don't forget to loosen them up on exit ramps :^).

---
Steve Bunis,  Sun Microsystems
              Itasca, IL

-------------------------------------------------------
In article 27592@sybase.sybase.com, leighann@quetzal.sybase.com (Leigh Ann Hussey) writes:
> 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: ba.motorcycles