digest number 569 nonklr

[JJNeet1@aol.com]

One of the reasons I haven't traded or sold my old 1982 Suzuki SP500 to get a newer dual-sport is that my bike was built back when these bikes(other than the older Yamaha DT125 2 stroke) did not have electric start. My old timer almost always(except when I have been bragging about it's easy starting) starts first kick, hot or cold. I wouldn't mind having electric start, but I'd like a kick start as a backup. My bike will start and run with the battery totally dead. Also my SP500 is quite smooth for a thumper, having dual chain-driven counterbalancers. I have owned 15 motorcycles so far, and all but one had a kickstarter. I was very glad my 1976 Honda CB750-4 had a kickstarter when my battery went dead about 700 miles from home. Also, one on the list mentioned other options to a kickstarter: tow strap, jump start, compression start. But what if you are alone? Try compression starting a 650 dual-sport in the dirt by yourself. Pushing one of these on pavement is one thing, pushing one alone in dirt or mud is quite another. Who's going to jump you or tow you if your alone? I'm not saying the KLR650 isn't an outstanding machine- I'd love to have one-but wish we could convince the motorcycle makers to get back to having kickstarters at least as an option. If it's important to you, you should write a letter or email to the big four. A bike just like the big KLR needs the kickstarter more than most, as it's a machine people will choose to ride to really remote areas. Jon Neet Bonney Lake, Wa. 1982 Suzuki SP500 1990 Kawasaki EX500(no kick starter)