Kick Start not returning to position.

Peter Waller · 2026-01-28T14:17:13-0700

I have just rebuilt my gearbox on my 1974 850 Commando because it was jumping out of first but I did not find a problem. There was excessive play in the shaft the kick start is attached to so I shimmed this as recommended with a rear isolastic shim. I fitted a new kickstart spring as well. Anyway the gearbox is back on the bike and primary all built up so I went to kick it over and it is hard to kick over and the kickstart does not return to position unless I pull it up....any ideas please? All was good until I took the gearbox apart so it cant be bushes or anything and I did not change any bearings. Has shimming it made this happen? I can select all the gears all though difficult as I have not started the engine. Thx for any help in advance.

concours · 2026-01-28T14:45:55-0700

Peter Waller said:
I have just rebuilt my gearbox on my 1974 850 Commando because it was jumping out of first but I did not find a problem. There was excessive play in the shaft the kick start is attached to so I shimmed this as recommended with a rear isolastic shim. I fitted a new kickstart spring as well. Anyway the gearbox is back on the bike and primary all built up so I went to kick it over and it is hard to kick over and the kickstart does not return to position unless I pull it up....any ideas please? All was good until I took the gearbox apart so it cant be bushes or anything and I did not change any bearings. Has shimming it made this happen? I can select all the gears all though difficult as I have not started the engine. Thx for any help in advance.

That shim needs to have the ID opened up a bit, otherwise it falls on the radius of that kickstart shaft. No doubt would cause a symptom like you're reporting.

marshg246 · 2026-01-28T16:59:39-0700

Peter Waller said:
I have just rebuilt my gearbox on my 1974 850 Commando because it was jumping out of first but I did not find a problem. There was excessive play in the shaft the kick start is attached to so I shimmed this as recommended with a rear isolastic shim. I fitted a new kickstart spring as well. Anyway the gearbox is back on the bike and primary all built up so I went to kick it over and it is hard to kick over and the kickstart does not return to position unless I pull it up....any ideas please? All was good until I took the gearbox apart so it cant be bushes or anything and I did not change any bearings. Has shimming it made this happen? I can select all the gears all though difficult as I have not started the engine. Thx for any help in advance.

Shimming, if right cannot cause that. There must still be some endplay. If you haven't already, read this: https://www.nwno.org/resources/OldBrittsWebsite/gearbox_a.html

Kick Start not returning to position.

Peter Waller

concours

marshg246

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