Kick start lever hitting LH cover

[robint]

Dragging the cover off the bike (1978 Sport) after winter and checking it over all seemed well generally. Started first kick (Sachse ignition clearly still connected!) and ran and idled as well as normal. Noticed though that the LH cover is getting damaged by the kickstart (pic 1) - the lever has often stuck at the end of its travel under the Tarozzis (pic 2) and releases easily enough but I've only just noticed the damage. Presumably the lever should not reach the LH cover - before I take off the cover what have I done wrong historically in assembly or has something worn or is my left foot stronger than I thought???

[morini_tom]

My 350 has evidence of contact in the same place.

Doesn’t mean it’s correct though of course.

And you have a NLM swan neck kickstart. Lucky soul.

[3potjohn]

I think if it were not for my standard foot peg, by my eyes it would contact in about the same way. Does not look nice does it? I suppose the engagement point of the ratchet is set correctly.

[SupermotoDave]

I'm tempted to say that it looks like the bracket should be further onto the shaft. The usual thing in this case is that people will move the kickstart as outboard as they can to try and pinch a couple of mm to give them as much clearance on the brake lever as possible. This shows why that may not be a good idea?

[Ming]

Looks like you have the lever too far round on the shaft. Here's the one on my Strada at rest.

kick.jpg (376.03 KiB) Viewed 3136 times

[julianharty]

I've also got one of the NLM swanneck kickstarters and tarozzi on my 501 engined K1 framed bike. It has similar problems. I fitted a self adhesive piece of firm rubber where the kickstarter mechanism makes contact with the clutch casing at the end of the travel. Not perfect, however kickstarting the 501 takes more effort than a 350 and so the kickstart often reaches the extent of the travel and at least the pad has limited any additional damage.
I've attached a photo in case that helps you visualise what I've done. It's been there for several years (and the kickstart has been used for at least 10 years, perhaps closer to 20 in this engine+frame+tarozzi combination).

kickstarter-pad.jpg (466.42 KiB) Viewed 3123 times

A self-adhesive neoprene sheet costs a few pounds in about A6 size. Plenty of other options are available to make the pad.