Hi all,
I have a '79 Bullet 350, I bought it in fall of 2011, not running. The PO had removed the timing cover, supposedly to clean inside, and messed up the timing. I bought the bike, knowing this, and proceeded to reset things as best I could. Between not having much time, and some mechanical issues, I have not really been able to try starting it until lately.
When kicking it over, it feels like the kickstarter is slipping, although I hear compression coming out on the exhaust stroke. When installing the timing cover, I noticed a distinct difference in how the engine rotated when using the kickstarter, when the timing cover bolts were slightly loose, and when I tightened them (a quarter turn was enough to effect the change). I have left the bolts slightly loose (the cover is sealed against the block, but not terribly tight).
I thought the clutch may be too loose, but even with the cable disconnected, there is no difference. I know it has other issues (someone put an electronic ignition on it, and did not do a very clean install). Right now, I just want it to feel 'right' when kicking it over. My Dnepr sidecar rig has distinct feeling when kicking (compression/exhaust strokes), but the Bullet is 'smooth', if that makes sense.
Sorry for the long post, any help/insight is appreciated.
Forgot the mileage: it has around 1600 km on it.