Thanks to all

S

Salukispeed

New Member
Thanks to those that offered thoughts and ideas. My Sapphire 1970 CT 70-KO now runs better and no smoke with new piston and rings along with proper charging with the 15/15 head light and LED tail. Old Ct and Dratv for help and parts And the others.
Next question ??
Can the kick start ratchet/Friction spring be replaced without splitting the cases. Sometimes I have to lean it towards the Kick stand to engage. But not always. It never skips it just fails to engage at all at times.
 
Are you saying it fails to turn over when kicked ? Or the kickstart does not return at times ? Have you adjusted clutch Or been in that clutch side case yet .
Let’s see what you get back here before any adjustments but you may want to read up on cleaning spinner and clutch adjustment procedures . Type of oil mentioned as well.
 
Did you split the cases? If you did, you might not have installed the thrust washer on the kickshaft before buttoning up the case. Does the kickshaft move ''too much'' if you pull on it? You also may be describing a tired clutch. Dead feeling, and kind of groans not turning over the engine, at times.
''New found'' compression kinda does that to an old clutch!
 
Last edited:
I did not split the cases. and I do not know its history but am guessing they have not been split from the grime and non boogered screws holding the cases together. The clutch is a little soft and that does affect the kick effectiveness a bit at times when cold. and I understand that part. But this failure mode is the gears do not engage at all and it kicks thru as if nothing is inside. but if I lean it towards the kickstand a little or kick it on the stand it works perfectly fine most every time. Some times one can operate the kick lever by hand a time or two and it will engage or couple up. I suspect the friction spring that holds the kick shaft gear is miss positioned and not in the groove or damaged and not effective. . The shaft only moves in and out a little bit or hardly at all. The kick returns every time normally. . It has done this for the 30 years I have had it and I always make sure it is engaged before kicking It was mentioned that the serial numbers being so far apart it is not the original engine so no idea of its history. It is still a K0 but later But in all the bike works reasonably well and I put nearly 10 miles on it after the cylinder/piston freshen up yesterday.
Thanks again
 
Best wait for more knowledge base but sounding very clutch like and it’s a relatively easy fix -/probably time for a cleaning . Best wait for the best of the best to show up here .
 
Good, then it's not the thrust washer. You can just remove the clutch cover and change the friction spring and service or freshen the clutch while in there. Might as well. Order a new circlip that you will have to remove before getting to the spring.
 
Below is the diagram of the kickstarter assembly. Sometimes the kickstarter ratchet spring (part #2) breaks and the pinion gear will "float" on the shaft, and will come into contact with the transmission gear when leaning the bike to the left while running. You haven't heard any "ratcheting" type noises while riding the bike, have you?

Screenshot 2025-04-13 at 17-22-16 Honda Motorcycle 1970 OEM Parts Diagram for KICK STARTER Par...png
 
Thanks. Just to be sure? Are we talking about the same thing "Ratchet" and "Friction" spring #2 ? as this is my suspicion? I have not noticed any noise leaning left or turning left.
Next question
Who is the source for these kick start spring parts and complete clutch parts. It works fine but stupid to pop the cover off and not address normal stuff
The more I ride it the more I find. Likely will change rear wheel bearings ( bit of play ) and brake shoes, also fork plastic sleve/bushings
Just do some upkeep after many years. Is this also Dratv stuff
 
The diagram lists part #2 as the kickstarter ratchet spring, as shown above. It is attached to the pinion gear, which engages the trans to turn the engine over.
 
I suspected it was split them and was afraid of that. . Looks like it is in the works good enough for now pile
Thanks
Thoughts on a good source for new correct looking tires??? 50+ year oldies need to go.
 
Been looking for Duro HF203 tires and cant get them shipped here in the states. Any other good solutions?? From China or Canada either. Will look for others
solutions
Never mind. I picked up a set of Bridgestone Trail wings and tubes. More locally. A bit more money but will be in my hand
 
Last edited:
Back
Top