Kick Start Arm Moving On Its Own

[Vince Lupo]

Hello -- I'm wondering if this situation requires a complete teardown or not. While riding my SuperHawk (usually in 2nd gear) the kick start arm will sometimes move on its own. It's done it about 4 times within the past month, and yesterday was a little more dramatic in that the kick start arm went all the way down and then came all the way back up. The transmission didn't make any odd noises, nor was the ride itself affected. It was just really odd to be riding at about 15-20mph and to look down to see the kick start operating all on its own. I spoke briefly to Bill Silver and he mentioned that the roller bearings have probably worn through and are starting to grab the kick start shaft. In order to replace this roller bearing, do you have to split the cases? If you're going to do that should you just go ahead a rebuild the transmission while you're there? What happens if I do nothing and just let this phenomenon happen every so often -- will the transmission be ruined??? Has anyone else out there had this happen to them??? Thanks!

[joeweir1]

You will have to split it open,and going over the whole thing is always a good idea when your doing that kind of job,but you may not need anything else.

[leonvjames]

Yes you will have to split the cases to check. The roller bearings will have worn and also the bronze bush on the other end of the shaft. I have sucessfuly had the shaft built up and reground, fitted new rollers and bush to repair it. If you don't it will happen in the three bottom gears, and the kickstart lever will go down then come back up with the foot rod part turned through 90 degrees and wack you something terrrible on the front of your leg. It hurts.
Leon, long time owner.