Honda CL400 (XR400 Engine) Kickstarting - Is There A ‘Knack’ To It?

[Simmo]

Hi, bought a Honda CL400 earlier in the year, which is the same engine as a XR400 and kick start only.
Is there a certain way of kicking it over as it’s ‘bit’ me and put a bit of a gouge in my leg!
I’ve checked the valves and they’re all in tolerance and the automatic decompressor is working.
I think I’ve lost my confidence a bit with it.
Great bike apart from this!
I believe you can buy an electric start ‘kit’ for them but it’s expensive.

 

[timeandtide]

If you think that’s bad, try a 500 Velo!

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Yes, it's a piece of piss

If you're still struggling? I'll give you £500 for it and risk being done

 

[Neil W]

There was an electric starter conversion available for the xr400 using parts from the Honda quad range , not sure if they are still available

This is what you need

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

There was an electric starter conversion available for the xr400 using parts from the Honda quad range , not sure if they are still available

I remember this mod too, but never once spotted an XR400 out on the lanes with one fitted

 

[Jon P]

I had an XR400 from new back in 2001 (how can that be 22 years ago!!!!). Mine was also a bit tricky to start. I believe what had happened was that when the dealer PDId it, got it running and warm they then turned the tick over down a bit too much. It was my understanding that these motors are meant to tick over a bit higher than a regular road bike engine. Anyway, I increased the tick over speed and never had a problem again.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

I had one , its still in Cambodia . It used to idle fast and that made it easier to start . They can be hard to start hot , and I used to dread it stalling in 46 degree heat !! . Carb has to be clean as hell and set up perfectly . great motors otherwise but yes an electric start will improve your relationship with the bike

 

[BikerGoalie]

Hi, bought a Honda CL400 earlier in the year, which is the same engine as a XR400 and kick start only.
Is there a certain way of kicking it over as it’s ‘bit’ me and put a bit of a gouge in my leg!
I’ve checked the valves and they’re all in tolerance and the automatic decompressor is working.
I think I’ve lost my confidence a bit with it.
Great bike apart from this!
I believe you can buy an electric start ‘kit’ for them but it’s expensive.

Hi Simmo I have one, generally starts on the 1st or second kick. Choke on, a few prep kicks to prime it then give it a good downward kick. Do you still have the bike? How are you getting on with it? I'm trying to get a new rear sprocket for mine. Have you replaced the rear sprocket yet? Where did you get a suitable new rear sprocket? Any help appreciated.

 

[Simmo]

Hi Simmo I have one, generally starts on the 1st or second kick. Choke on, a few prep kicks to prime it then give it a good downward kick. Do you still have the bike? How are you getting on with it? I'm trying to get a new rear sprocket for mine. Have you replaced the rear sprocket yet? Where did you get a suitable new rear sprocket? Any help appreciated.

Hi BG, I’ve just replied in your other post, regarding the rear sprocket. When it’s cold I have no issues at all with it, it starts easily. It’s only a pain when it’s hot ie after filling with fuel. I’ve checked the tappets, stripped & rebuilt the carb, fitted a new spark plug, air filter.
It runs lovely and is in immaculate condition.
I’ve actually bought a CB400SS with electric start so I may sell the CL400, even though it is so much better looking! Cheers Paul

 

[BikerGoalie]

Hi BG, I’ve just replied in your other post, regarding the rear sprocket. When it’s cold I have no issues at all with it, it starts easily. It’s only a pain when it’s hot ie after filling with fuel. I’ve checked the tappets, stripped & rebuilt the carb, fitted a new spark plug, air filter.
It runs lovely and is in immaculate condition.
I’ve actually bought a CB400SS with electric start so I may sell the CL400, even though it is so much better looking! Cheers Paul

Thanks Paul, I had a look at webike Japan and they have rear sprockets for the cb400ss so I ordered one, hopefully it will be OK. I was able to get the front sprocket and use it with a 520 chain. Yes I love the looks of the twin high exhausts always get asked about the bike when I am out and about.