Can I remove the kick start shaft?

Hey Folks, I mostly just lurk around these parts, but a ton a searching the forum and laying down the google-fu hasnt provided me with an answer.

I have a '78 KZ650-B2 with kick start as well as electric...but I want to get rid of the kick. The Raask rearsets result in an interference with the lever, so I cant use it anyway.
I've located a post-kickstart engine cover, but Im not sure if I can completely remove the shaft without splitting the case. Unfortunately I havent had any reason to crack into the lower portion of the engine, and the parts diagrams arent making it very obvious.

Can anyone lend some expertise on this one?

Usually on an engine that you split the crank cases horizontally, such as 73 on Z1 series you would have to split the crankcases to remove the kick-start shaft, then you would have to rubber bung up the hole left.
I know this because I once assembled the two halves of a 74 Z1A, only to find I had inadvertently left the kick-start shaft out. There wqs no way I could get it back. unless i split the crankcases again!
I'm not 100% sure with your '78 650B2.
RegardZ.

You can't remove the kick shaft without splitting the cases, it's physically impossible - as you can see in the pic below (my 650 engine), there's no way to get the shaft and ratchet out past the shift forks/shift drum and transmission with the cases assembled.

If you're really determined to get rid of the kick and don't want to split the cases, your only option is to cut the end off the shaft and leave the remains behind the non-kick cover - not an ideal solution, but it´ll work.

Edit: Btw, if you do cut the shaft make sure you have enough shaft left to install the kick lever return spring and sleeve as that is what keeps the kick start ratchet disengaged.

Thank you! That's a perfect shot showing why, too.

I guess now I'll have to decide if I want a neat looking CSR cover and lop off the end of the shaft, or purchase/machine a simple cap for the end of the shaft sticking out.

EDIT:

OnkelB wrote: Edit: Btw, if you do cut the shaft make sure you have enough shaft left to install the kick lever return spring and sleeve as that is what keeps the kick start ratchet disengaged.

Thanks for the ninja edit, I'll be sure to heed your advice if I chop the shaft.

You´re welcome, no problem.

If it's only the lever that´s in the way and not the shaft I would go with the cap solution as it's easily reversible - can't remember where but I have seen kick shaft caps for sale and they actually looked pretty good installed.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration

OnkelB wrote: You´re welcome, no problem.

If it's only the lever that´s in the way and not the shaft I would go with the cap solution as it's easily reversible - can't remember where but I have seen kick shaft caps for sale and they actually looked pretty good installed.

Here's a picture of the ones I've seen. Ed



Here's a different type that might work depending on the diameter of the shaft.

Thanks Ed. Think I've seen some with an aluminum cover too, may have been on the old Klasmo site.

Dang Ed, you're fast - that last one is very similar to what I was thinking of.

Ooh good stuff! Im liking the aluminum one quite a bit.
The only reason I'd consider lopping a couple inches off the end of it is because I'd love to slap on a CSR cover, just a little something different ya know?