[Dallastheologian]

So I was wondering what the process looked like to start the electric start motors with the kick start. I don't really ever need to because I have the electric start, but if there were ever an occasion where I needed to I would like to be able to do so without hurting my baby. Can someone help me out and walk me through the proper steps of kick-starting my B5? Thanks

[t120rbullet]

This is how my G5 kickstarts.
Turn key on.
Wait till fuel pump stops.
Fold kickstart peddle out.
Hold hands up in air so your not tempted to twist anything.
Kick down.

No art form necessary. Kinda benign.
CJ

[Arizoni]

That's the secret on my G5 too although I don't hold my hands up in the air. 

Don't use the lever on the handle bars.
 Don't turn the throttle.
Swing out the kick start lever.
 Give a good strong downward kick all the way to the bottom of the stroke. PUTT, PUTT, PUTT, PUTT........
Fold up the lever so it's out of the way. 

[t120rbullet]

That's the secret on my G5 too although I don't hold my hands up in the air. 

I don't really hold my hands in the air either.
But if your trying to show someone how to do it and they got a twist-grip in their hands they gonna twist it and it ain't gonna start.
CJ

[Desi Bike]

...and keep some of the bikes weight on the other side of the bike so as to not tip it over if you are not on the stands.

[P. Schraub]

I have a G5 Deluxe. When I'm at Alices' in Woodside, California, I love to kick start my bike, just to upstage all the Harley guys with their electric starters, and show them how it used to be in the " old days "! Besides, it's cool show off for the chicks, even though I'm old enough to be their father !

[Arizoni]

Yup.
I've had several Harley riders grumble about the fact that my RE has a kick starter and their $16,000+ Harleys don't. 

Does my little black heart a world of good.

[GlennF]

My B5 seems to like the enrich/choke lever when cold.

Procedure is:
- ignition off
- kick through till I get to the stiff point on the kick start
- push just  past the hard point, this is now TDC
- ignition on
- wait for light to go out
- sidestand up
- full enrich lever
- firm swift full kick

Generally I just kick straddling the bike with both the stands up, however if its being difficult I put it on the centre stand and kick it over standing beside the bike. The best way to practice your first few starts is probably bike on the centre stand and stand beside the bike.

[barenekd]

Since I have an old feeble squatty body that won't bring the leg up high enough to get it on the kickstarter when I stand beside it, I put the G5 on the center stand, and get on it. First, I turn the key on, and while the pump is doing it's thing, make sure all the other switches are in the running position, side stand up, kill switch on, (like I've never forgotten to do that).  Stand astride it, shove the kick starter down until it hits the hard spot, the kick it. Usually one, sometimes two kick will do it. However, if it's cool, after the first pop, I will give it a little short of throttle as it will quit after four putts. Then I have to shut off the switch and and reprime it to try again.
I use the electric starter on the occasion it quits in traffic or I'm just too lazy too put it on the center stand.
It's great to have a choice.
Bare

[boggy]

I also do it on the center stand.  You don't have to find TDC on the EFI's?

On my AVL, if I don't give a nice positive kick ALL the way through, that lever will come cracking back with some force.  When I'm finding TDC, like barenekd, I push down until it gets tough.  However, I push the lever just through the hard part, bring it back up, and kick.

Once kick usually unless I forgot to turn the key on.  WHICH happens.

My lever is a little tough to do off the center stand. I've done it, but it's tough for me.

[john hut]

Starts no problem with kickstart,two kicks cold on my G5 Deluxe,one kick warm,
I had to use the kickstart for about two months when the starter solenoid packed up
and I had to wait for a replacement.Found it best on center stand and no throttle......
       John Hut