GS 850 '82 kickstart

[gravityfrog@yahoo.com]

Has anyone converted one to kickstart. I think it'd be sweet. Lose a little weight too\\/

[bwringer]

The '82 has a very different shape to the clutch cover than the earlier models, so you couldn't just transplant the kick start bits from a '79 model. It should be possible to convert an '80-81 engine to kick starting with parts from a '79 model, but I haven't tried it.

Of course, anything is possible with a fully equipped machine shop, a degree in mechanical engineering, and an unlimited budget.

By all accounts, it's a pretty pitiful kick starter anyway. And the lever and all the associated gears, pawls, shafts, and springs weigh enough that you wouldn't save a whole lot of weight.

[Grandpa]

I agree with bwringer on everything he said.

You want an 850 with a kickstart? Then get a 1979 model. Otherwise, just ride your '82 850 and be happy.

No, I don't think it would be sweet at all. I used to have a 79 GS850, had it for two riding seasons. Kickstarting it was a pain. It's so much easier to push a little button on the right handlebar. :-D

[t3rmin]

Now you've done it. Grandpa's gonna kick yer butt! ;-)

[Grandpa]

Now you've done it. Grandpa's gonna kick yer butt! ;-)

You're right, t3rmin! :-D

[gravityfrog@yahoo.com]

thanks a lot guys, I didn't know all that!

[BSinCO13]

I've got a 79 model with the kick start and it's not very functional unless the bikes already warmed up. It's a cool feature to have but I've only used it three times since owning the bike. Good luck if you want to try converting it.

[bwringer]

The kick starter is mostly ornamental on the '79 model, really. The lever is very short, and it doesn't spin the engine very far.

I had a kickstart-only GS400 years ago, and it had a longer lever that actually spun the engine enough to do some good.