:huh:I heard a story this week concerning a 4RT that snapped the internal stop off the kickstart mechanism, resulting in a trashed engine.The story went on to say that the local mechanic suggested a mod to Montesa and was dealt with very sharply.

Has anyone got any more on this?

I've heard that if you take your foot off the kickstart lever at the end of its stroke, at the footrest, and allow the lever to fly back it can damage the casings

I've heard that if you take your foot off the kickstart lever at the end of its stroke, at the footrest, and allow the lever to fly back it can damage the casings

Previous replies are correct, early 4RT,s did require the upgrade of the stop bolt.

As for taking foot off the kickstart at the end of the stroke, I guess all of the lessons learn't by us "old timers" have been lost.

On all of the big four stroke singles, either road or competition, it was one of the first lessons learnt to follow through with the kickstart and hold it down until the motor fired up properly.

A kick back apart from destroying internal parts could just about break your knee cap under the handlebars.

Many of the old bikes had a cam that disengaged the kickstart mechanism at its full travel to reduce the chance of the lever being hurled back if the motor spat back.

Ask any one who owned a BSA Goldie or a Velo Thruxton.

So I reckon always good practice, particularly on a fourstroke,to push through the stroke and steadily return the kickstart when the motor fires up.