The early bikes, up to engine number 751 500 were fitted with an " L " shaped lever, also known as the boomerang type. They proved to be fragile in use, the design for retaining the swingaway lever being taken from the singles. This consisted of a retaining washer above the lever and a circlip to hold the plot together. The alternator covers had a habit of breaking the bushing support, as well as clearance issues between the lever arm and the right side Conti. Many owners relieved ( read bent any way that worked for them ) the arm to prevent damage to the Conti and burning the soles of your boot when attempting to start with a warm or hot engine.
The stress on the circlip often proved too much, the result being as the circlip and washer disappeared, the swingaway lever could also become detached, releasing the small ball and spring which provided a positive detent stop to the lever when at either extent of its arc. The lever wouldn't be far away, but the spring and ball as well as the circlip and retaining washer could be lost forever.
A judicious kick was required when attempting a start if you happened to stall at traffic lights, if you leap on the kicker and followed through, the usual result was the top of the arm and retainer scraping the ground - leaving a nasty gouge. This still can happen with the later lever should your full weight be applied and the suspension compressed, at least the retaining ring is thick !
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A new design ( after 751 500 ) using a washer, then a thick retaining ring and a rollpin through the ring and lever arm made certain there were no further failures in that area. The lever arm was also curved to avoid contact with the Conti, though this was only partially successful, depending on how well your machine was set up. Further to this, the kickstart lever shaft in the cases was lengthened and the alternator cover bushing for the shaft was extended and strengthened. A worthwhile upgrade to early machines still in regular use. |
In 1979 or '80 a batch of " L " kickstart levers were produced which addressed the weaknesses of the early lever. They had a curve in the arm to clear the Conti and had the later retaining ring to secure the swingaway lever. Sadly, these are quite rare.
The combination of the rare replacement arm as well as the later alternator cover and longer kickstart lever shaft as shown in this example makes for a near perfect setup.
No kickstart lever was ever fitted with a rubber. The rubber shown is the type fitted to the early 750 Sport (manufactured by BevelRubber) and keeps the chrome underneath looking sharp as well as providing a more secure grip for your boot. The later style rubber fitted to the 750Sport and SS will work equally well.