The V-twin engine is a defining feature of the history and identity of Harley-Davidson. The kick start, which has been a feature of Harley-Davidson motorbikes for more than a century, is one of the essential parts of this engine. By pressing down on a lever on the right side of the bike, the user can manually start the engine using the kick start, a straightforward procedure.
The Harley V-twin 
‘s kick start is a conventional starting system that requires a lever fastened to the crankshaft to manually turn the engine over. The rider would kick start the engine by depressing the kick start lever with their foot, which would cause the engine to turn over and fire up. Harley riders prefer this method of starting the engine because it offers a distinctive feeling and a sense of tradition. Modern Harley-Davidson models do, however, frequently include an electric starter as well.
In the event that the electric starter malfunctions, the kick start on Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycles acts as a backup starting option. On a Harley V-twin, a kick start is not necessary since the electric starter is the preferred starting technique and is generally dependable.
Because it harkens back to the early days of motorcycle riding, when kick starting was the only choice, some Harley riders, nevertheless, prefer the kick start for aesthetic or historical reasons. Additionally, some riders believe that starting the engine with the kick start creates a more immediate connection with the bike and may be entertaining and engaging.
Personal preference ultimately determines whether or not a Harley V-twin has a kick start. A kick start may not even be an option for some vehicles, while it may be an aftermarket or standard feature for others. It can be worthwhile to think about installing a kick start on your Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycle if you prefer the way it looks or feels.
Compnents
A strong and dependable mechanism, the kick start system on Harley V2 motorcycles gives the rider a pleasant manual starting experience. It is made up of various parts, each of which serves a certain purpose. The kick starting shaft and kick starter gear are both rotated when the rider applies pressure to the kick starter lever. The primary driving gear of the engine engages with the kick starter gear, starting the engine. To ensure that the kick starter gear properly engages with the engine's primary drive gear, the spring offers the necessary resistance.
Kick start lever first.
It is often found on the motorcycle's right side and is attached to the kick start shaft. The shaft, which connects to the engine's crankshaft through the transmission, is a metal rod. The crankshaft is turned by the lever being depressed by the rider, which starts the engine.
A ratchet mechanism is also a part of the kick start system, which keeps the lever from returning to the starting position after the rider releases it. This guarantees that the engine will keep turning until it ignites.
Kick start the shaft, next.
This metal shaft connects the engine to the kick starter lever by passing through the engine casing. The rider's foot is used to manipulate the lever, which is often found on the motorcycle's right side. Through a gear system, the kick start shaft is linked to the engine's crankshaft. When the rider applies pressure to the kick start lever, the gear spins, turning the crankshaft and igniting the engine. After the rider pushes down on the lever, the spring-loaded mechanism returns to its initial position.
Third, shift into high gear.
This little gear meshes with the crankshaft gear and the transmission gear and is found at the end of the kick starter shaft. How much pressure the rider must exert on the lever to start the engine depends on the gear ratio between these parts.
It is a shaft that runs from the motorcycle's primary drive to the end of the kickstarter lever after passing through the engine's transmission. To provide a smooth and reliable start, it must be sturdy enough to withstand the pressures exerted by the rider and the gears must be correctly aligned and greased.
Finally, spring.
It is an internal coil spring that prevents the kick starter gear from engaging with the engine's main drive gear by acting as resistance. The suspension system of a motorcycle is not complete without springs. They provide to a better ride for the rider by helping to dampen the shocks and vibrations caused by the road surface. The motorcycle's correct height and balance are also maintained by the springs.
The coil spring is the most prevalent kind of spring used in motorcycle suspensions. When the suspension is engaged, a sequence of tightly coiled metal coils in this sort of spring compress and expand. The spring's stiffness, or spring rate, determines how quickly it compresses and expands. While springs with a lower spring rate are softer and offer a more comfortable ride, springs with a higher spring rate are stiffer and offer a firmer ride.
The shock absorber, which usually supports the spring, is in charge of absorbing the shocks and vibrations that the spring produces. The hydraulic fluid and piston in the shock absorber work together to absorb and dissipate the energy produced by the spring as heat.
What Takes Place Inside The Engine When It Kicks Off?
An engine's power comes from combustion, which is essentially started when you kick start it. A general description of what transpires inside the engine during kick-starting is provided below:
Air and fuel are combined in the carburetor or fuel injection system, which is necessary for proper combustion to take place.
On the intake stroke of an engine, a mixture of fuel and air is brought into the combustion chamber as the engine piston descends.
Compression stroke: The fuel and air mixture is compressed into a smaller space when the piston goes back up during the compression stroke, raising the mixture's pressure and temperature.
Ignition: The spark plug ignites at the peak of the compression stroke, igniting the fuel and air mixture. On the power stroke, this causes a little explosion that forces the piston downward.
Exhaust stroke: The waste gases from the combustion are released out of the engine through the exhaust valve as the piston goes back up on the exhaust stroke.
Repetition follows, with the piston descending on the intake stroke to suck in a fresh mixture of fuel and air.
An engine's intake stroke, which sucks fuel and air into the combustion chamber, is started when you kick start a v-twin engine, essentially starting it over. The spark plug firing and subsequent combustion then start the rest of the process.
Is it difficult to create a starter for a motorcycle with a twin-engine design?
The difficulty of building a kickstart for a motorbike with a v-twin engine model depends on a number of elements, including the engine's design, size, and construction materials. In general, designing a kickstart for a motorcycle with a v-twin engine can be difficult, especially for non-mechanics or non-engineers. An in-depth knowledge of the engine's internal mechanisms and the parts required to build the kickstart mechanism is vital for the process.
Furthermore, the manufacture of the starter assembly might be a labor-intensive procedure that calls for access to specialized techniques and equipment. It's crucial to remember that safety measures should always be implemented when using equipment and instruments to prevent injury.
How can you start a motorcycle by kicking it?
Although it can be a little challenging, starting a vintage motorcycle is a crucial aspect of the riding experience. The general steps to kick start a motorcycle are as follows:
Before attempting to start the engine, check the gasoline and oil levels to make sure there is enough of each. Fill them to the required level if they are low.
The fuel valve should be turned on if your motorcycle has one so that fuel can flow to the carburetor.
Set the choke: To make starting your motorcycle easier, especially when the engine is cold, set the choke to the “on” position.
The ignition key must be in the “on” position for the electrical system to operate, so make sure it is.
Ensure that the motorcycle is in neutral before attempting to start it. It can be unsafe to do so when the vehicle is in gear.
If your motorcycle has a decompression lever, pull it. Then, to prime the engine, gently depress the starter lever. To make sure the engine is primed, repeat this procedure several times.
Once the engine is primed, kickstart it by placing your foot on the starter lever and kicking it firmly and deliberately. This procedure might need to be repeated several times until the engine starts.
Once the engine is started, adjust the choke gently to the “off” position. This will facilitate a smooth start and operation of the engine.
Warm up the engine: Before attempting to ride the motorcycle, let the engine warm up for a few minutes.
NOTE: The motorcycle's make and model may affect the precise stages, so always consult the owner's manual for detailed instructions. When riding a motorcycle, always sure to wear the appropriate gear and abide by all safety precautions.
Seven tips for attempting to kick start a motorbike engine
It can be physically taxing to start a motorbike engine, especially for larger or older motorcycles. Don't overwork yourself; instead, take breaks as needed. Consider having a professional take a check to make sure everything is in good operating condition if you're having difficulties getting the engine to kick start.
Before attempting to kick start the engine, make sure the fuel tank has adequate fuel and that the air filter is clean.
Before attempting to kick start the engine, make sure the motorcycle is in neutral. When you kick start a motorcycle that is in gear, it could lunge forward, which is risky.
Rear brake: Hold the motorcycle steady while kicking it off by applying the rear brake. When you press down on the kick start lever, the motorcycle won't move forward or backward as a result.
Compression Release: To lower the pressure on the engine when kicking it off, many motorcycles incorporate a compression release lever or button. The engine will be simpler to start as a result of this.
Smooth Motion: Use a deliberate, smooth motion to kick start the engine. Instead of just jabbing at the lever, adopt a deliberate motion to gather momentum before rapidly letting it go.
Repetition is key if the engine won't start after the initial kick. The motorcycle may require several tries to start the engine, especially if it has been idle for some time.
Wear appropriate safety equipment when starting a motorcycle engine, such as a helmet, gloves, and boots. In the event of a fall or other accident, this will aid in protecting you.
Which is preferable, an electric start or a kick start?
Motorcycle engines can be started using either an electric start or a kick start. The piston must move in order for the motorbike engine to start so that the mixture may be compressed and burned to produce power. Traditional motorcycles require pedaling to start. You can rotate the crankshaft by stepping down the starting lever, which moves the crankshaft through the gear. The primary technique is to start the engine when the clutch is closed by immediately applying motion force to the front of the clutch through the start lever. This technique is utilized by a lot of conventional underbone motorcycles. Transmission of the starting lever's movement to the transmission is also optional. The clutch must transfer the motion from this manner to the crankshaft. The engine cannot be started without the clutch being opened.
The crankshaft rotates as a result of the electric starting method's reduction of the starter motor's speed through gearing and increase in torque. Simply said, the vehicle can be started by electric ignition by pressing the switch on the right hand handle. Even though it appears to be a straightforward and uncomplicated method of starting, it needs a battery that can supply a sizable current to the powerful beginning motor. Currently, the majority of motorbike batteries use a 12V voltage. Motorcycles with electric starters need to be started frequently to retain the battery's properties; otherwise, the long-term storage battery is susceptible to power loss. After only one or two years of use, many batteries used in electric-start motorcycles need to be replaced. The phrase “foot-operated motorcycle” is untrue. Let's examine the competition in the following areas.
Easy of Use is first.
Simply turn the key and press a button to start an electric vehicle.
Kick starting is more physically taxing because you have to use your leg to get the engine going.
Next, dependability.
Kick start technologies are less dependable than electric starts. There's no need to be concerned about the battery dying or the starter motor breaking down.
Due to malfunctioning components or user mistake, kick start systems are sometimes prone to failure.
Third, upkeep.
Little to no maintenance is necessary for an electric start.
Kick start systems need to be adjusted on a regular basis to ensure appropriate operation.
4th, price.
Due to the additional parts that must be purchased, such as the starter motor, battery, and wiring, electric start systems are more expensive.
Fifth, comfort.
In the winter, electric start systems are more practical. In every temperature, it performs nicely.
In chilly conditions, a kick start is difficult to start the engine.
The only drawback to electric start systems is the price. They are more practical, dependable, and simple to operate. The pedal-type start is still utilized for motorcycles with fewer electronic components. Riders who like a more conventional motorcycle experience may find kick start systems to be appealing because they are more mechanically straightforward. Even though the pedal-type start method requires some effort, if you don't get the hang of it, the starter lever's quick rebound could cause foot pain. Both now and in the future, the electric start method will be widely used. After all, there are increasingly more motorcycles with electrical configurations. Despite the battery's high usage, electric starts are still more common since they are simpler and more convenient. The decision between an electric start and a kick start ultimately comes down to the rider's tastes and the kind of motorbike they are operating.
Why the Kickstart was installed on Cison Chopper
Dennis: It's a matter of choice as to how we construct our products. It has to do with the present. It's a lifestyle issue. However, I believe that in the past, riding a bike represented a distinct way of life, and that at the time, cars were also demonized. However, metal and rock & roll are ways of life. disco was a way of life. and that is now gone. All of these behaviors are present among us now. So it wasn't easy, but it was hard, really hard, and this is the best thing I've ever seen in my life come out of China, which is why I chose to install the Kickstart on my V-Twin motorcycle construction. It is extremely overkill, yet in a strange way it helped me with my build.
