May I permanently remove starter clutch KZ440?

While my KZ440 engine is apart for a rebuild, I am swapping it over to kick-only starting. I see no reason to keep the extra weight of the starter clutch on the crank. Will there be any issues from removing it?

I can't believe you don't have an answer about this yet.I would think as long as spinning the crankshaft is it's only function, and you should be able to determined that while you have the engine apart, I would just eliminate it. May be this will prompt a better answer.
Jerry

Removing the electric starter is a crazy idea. You would be better off removing the kick starter and all the needless apparatus. The kick starter is mainly just an emergency starting method anyway. I'd be concerned with wear on the parts since the duty cycle is not intended to be used for every start.

Removing electric starter = modding run amuck
Form follows function, not the other way around.

I thought the starter clutch was on the alternator, same as the KZ400's. It appears to be in the diagrams. That means it can be removed/installed without disassembling the engine. Only the alternator cover needs to come off. Shouldn't be a big deal then to re-install it.

Many KZ400's came kickstart-only, so it should not be a problem at all.

The small inline fours are a different story. Starter clutch is a PITA project on those.

Dang Loud your right alot easier than the mid sized 4s......... I always thought about removing the whole kick start assembly but not the other way around ..... have had the kick start lever off forever since I put it on a diet and I was too stupid to figure out your not suppose to pull the clutch in when you use it.....

I even thought about taking the electric off and using a remote starter and bumping when warm to save weight but quickly gave up on that idea.

I'd be more concerned if the crank had a oil galley in it where the bearing is and possible loss of oil pressure.
Steve

I could be wrong, but I think the starter clutch on the 400/440 is just splashed with oil. I don't think there is a pressure feed there. (I can't find an oil pressure diagram for the 440 on google.) The alternator is run partially in oil, or is at least exposed to oil, like on the 900/1000/1100's.

Do the 900/1000/1100 have pressure feed to the starter clutches?

I think the only reason those bikes have oil on the alternators is because of the starter clutches.
(The 400-4/500/550/650/700/750-4 bikes have dry alternators that are sealed away from crank oil.)

There is a oil galley in the crank pin where the needle bearing sits on the Z1/Kz's.
Steve

Do you mean on the main crank bearing?
But is there one on the crank outside of the cases? That is where the starter clutch is located.

Why the hell would you want to remove it.You are gonna save F A weight.

Taking off the rotor makes a noticeable difference in acceleration. Not having a alternator is just stupid IMO unless you're on the track.
Steve

Starter clutch can be removed from the flywheel.
3 big Allen bolts. Crank is tapered with a left hand retaining bolt.
You will need a puller, which is a special bolt.
There is not much to be gained by removing the starter drive.
Pull the starter and drive chain and call it good.


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