79 Ironhead Kicker?

[DrDamn]

So the plan is a kick only ironhead chop with rear drum brake. The kickstart conversion kit they sell for the 79 has the holes and everything for the rear master which I wont need. Is there any reason a kit for an earlier year wouldn't work?

[Tattooo]

So the plan is a kick only ironhead chop with rear drum brake. The kickstart conversion kit they sell for the 79 has the holes and everything for the rear master which I wont need. Is there any reason a kit for an earlier year wouldn't work?

79 is an odd ball year. I'm sure someone can give you some good advice.... Best of luck........

[farmall]

I'd be comparing the kits for both component by component. We can't see what you're looking at.

If the only difference between the kits is the sprocket cover and the bolt holes match up it should be good to go but I've not installed one on a '79.

I'd keep all the electric starter parts you remove and set them safely aside while not doing any mods that prevent reinstallation. If you grew up kicking vintage bikes you know why.

[JBinNC]

The biggest problem with any of the aftermarket XL kicker parts is that the ratchet parts are so poorly made, and tend to "kick through" which will hyperextend your knee and leave you with a painful limp. Limping time is directly related to your age. I have developed a set-up to back cut those kicker parts, but it is time consuming (expensive).

Jim

[farmall]

I have developed a set-up to back cut those kicker parts, but it is time consuming (expensive).

Slick idea. Sounds like it involves a milling machine and an indexer plus mandrels for both parts. That would take much time and many passes (at least one per tooth) so I see why it's money since it's sure as fuck not a job for a hand grinder. Pics very welcome should you care to post. (I love machinist porn!)

[DrDamn]

https://www2.vtwinmfg.com/kick-and-electric-kick-starter-conversion-kit-4.html

This is the kit for the 79. Seems like the only difference is the cover, and that smaller shaft which I don't see in the other kits. Anyone know what that shaft is?

[JBinNC]

https://www2.vtwinmfg.com/kick-and-e...ion-kit-4.html

This is the kit for the 79. Seems like the only difference is the cover, and that smaller shaft which I don't see in the other kits. Anyone know what that shaft is?

Small shaft is a big twin electric start jackshaft. It should not be in the pic, it's a mistake.

Jim

[JBinNC]

Slick idea. Sounds like it involves a milling machine and an indexer plus mandrels for both parts. That would take much time and many passes (at least one per tooth) so I see why it's money since it's sure as fuck not a job for a hand grinder. Pics very welcome should you care to post. (I love machinist porn!)

Done on a surface grinder with a cup wheel actually. The parts are too hard for a reliable milling operation.

Jim

[DrDamn]

Small shaft is a big twin electric start jackshaft. It should not be in the pic, it's a mistake.

Jim

Interesting, thanks for the insight. Im gonna order the kit for the 78 and hope for the best. Don't see why it wouldn't work. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.