Is it possible to add a kick start to a 1980 ironhead?

[livingdeadmc]

Did a search and found nothing... I've got my next bike narrowed down to a 74 iron head with kick and an 80 iron head with no kick. Is it possible to add a kick start to the 80s iron heads?

[chief]

nope.. not possible..
unless you have an early 80, a '79 built in jan. 1980.. or a 79 titled in 1980..

or you get some serious work done to the cases.. '80 and '81 (early 81) have the generator still in front of the engine, newer IH's have the alternator behind the clutchhub, and right over there should the kickstarter ratchet go.

the 79 is the last IH that could have a kickstart added.
the cases were pre drilled and capped for the kicker shaft, the clutch hub has the holes for mounting the ratchet plate and the sprocket cover had the Master brake cylinder on top to accommodate the kickshaft.

check the left inner rear side of the primary cases on the 80... (get my point? just check the picture)
if it looks exactly like the picture (the cap behind/underneath the "slot" is the thing you should search for) it's an old 79 case used for the 80, and it has the holes needed for the kickshaft. all you have to do then is score a kick conversion set for a 79 (almost any year will do) and a 79 sprocket cover.

[ironlance]

yep totally possible chop that tranny off and put a shovel head tranny on the bitch... better yet make it a 6into4 baker...anything is possible with money or talent

[NHMike]

if you want a kick start, buy a bike with one.

I don't get the whole, adding a kick start to a bike without. It's almost an oxy-moron, "I want a newer bike, that runs good. But I want it to be a pain in the ass to start". It makes no sense.

[Beefdrippings]

if you want a kick start, buy a bike with one.

I don't get the whole, adding a kick start to a bike without. It's almost an oxy-moron, "I want a newer bike, that runs good. But I want it to be a pain in the ass to start". It makes no sense.

Not every bike for sale in your area is exactly the way you want it.It is chop cult isn't it?I see what you're saying,but some people like both,or one or the other and can only get their hands on certain bikes.

[livingdeadmc]

if you want a kick start, buy a bike with one.

I don't get the whole, adding a kick start to a bike without. It's almost an oxy-moron, "I want a newer bike, that runs good. But I want it to be a pain in the ass to start". It makes no sense.

I respect that....like I said the 74 I'm looking at is kick only but bone stock minus the six over forks and king queen seat. The 80 I'm looking is completely "custom" complete hardtail frame not a weld on, tank, fender, sissy bar, bars, forks, pipes...etc. The 80 even includes the complete original frame (not that I would need it but kinda cool). Since the end goal is to have a chop/bob the 80 would be most cost effective and only require my personal touches like paint and mids and what not....I was just curious if it was possible....if someone was like oh yea it's easy as shit it's $200s in parts and an hours time....it would helped my decision.

If I wanted a bike with a kick start I'd buy one....so that's what I'm doing, it just may be added after the fact.

[Beefdrippings]

Do you get the title with either?Even the '80 should have a title with the OG frame.

[NHMike]

I respect that....like I said the 74 I'm looking at is kick only but bone stock minus the six over forks and king queen seat. The 80 I'm looking is completely "custom" complete hardtail frame not a weld on, tank, fender, sissy bar, bars, forks, pipes...etc. The 80 even includes the complete original frame (not that I would need it but kinda cool). Since the end goal is to have a chop/bob the 80 would be most cost effective and only require my personal touches like paint and mids and what not....I was just curious if it was possible....if someone was like oh yea it's easy as shit it's $200s in parts and an hours time....it would helped my decision.

If I wanted a bike with a kick start I'd buy one....so that's what I'm doing, it just may be added after the fact.

Go with the '80, and fuck the kick start! Hahahaha

[livingdeadmc]

Do you get the title with either?Even the '80 should have a title with the OG frame.

Both bikes are titled....nhmike that's where I'm at right now def not a deal breaker but thought it would be a cool add on if possible it's the only thing the bike lacks....IMO

the 1980 IH

[NHMike]

Damn, that 80 is fucking nice!

[livingdeadmc]

Yea I thought so....price seems right too lol

[MegaDON666]

I think the kit is about $200, and that does not include machine work

[Beefdrippings]

Damn, that 80 is fucking nice!

Fuckin' rights.What is it,an inch off the ground??

[livingdeadmc]

Peep the pipes.....I'm in love lol

[lonestarluck]

Go with the '80, and fuck the kick start! Hahahaha

Ya fuck kick starting an Ironhead! I have to wear a knee brace because of that shit!! hahaha

I loved my IH for a long time though

[nvcowboy]

The pipes may be in the way of the kicker anyways, hard to tell in the pic. If having a kicker is important, make sure this bike will accept it or wait and get one with later. I think that would wear on you mentally over time (it would me). If it isn't important, buy the bike and ride it. If the cases accept the kicker, it is really easy to install, you can do it in a few hours no problem.

[livingdeadmc]

If I decide to go with the 80 I don't think I'm gonna worry about a kick start....if it's something I can do or have done for $600 or less I'll do it if not then it is what it is...it's to sick of a bike / deal to pass up lol

[hellbilly1932]

I'd check how that '80 is titled. If it has a full aftermarket frame then to be legal it would have to be a special construction I'd think, otherwise there was some shady shit done with the numbers and that could lead to a bad traffic stop for you in the future.

[livingdeadmc]

I'd check how that '80 is titled. If it has a full aftermarket frame then to be legal it would have to be a special construction I'd think, otherwise there was some shady shit done with the numbers and that could lead to a bad traffic stop for you in the future.

Just talked to the dude...it's in a paucho frame. The bike is titled off the original frame which is included in the sale. I would assume there shouldn't be an issue as long as I keep the og frame around...I think lol

[LivingCanvas]

Buncha vagina's in here complaining about kickstarting...

If your bike doesn't start in 1-2 kicks, you should be working on it to find out why