kickstart conversion

[raider]

I have done some searching here and it seems like it has been brought up but I cant find any real info on whether or not I can change my 82 gs550 over from electric start to a kickstart. I am building a bobber and I really would like to do the kickstart. anyone have any helpful hints?

[tkent02]

I have done some searching here and it seems like it has been brought up but I cant find any real info on whether or not I can change my 82 gs550 over from electric start to a kickstart. I am building a bobber and I really would like to do the kickstart. anyone have any helpful hints?

Swap engines with an older bike?

[Zooks]

You can do anything if you have the money. Wether or not it's worth it is the real question.

I don't recall anyone on here ever doing it.

[crag antler]

If it was me, I would look to see on doing a kickstart while leaving the starter. I don't know about the GS motors but kickstarting a big thumper is a bear

[tkent02]

I don't know about the GS motors but kickstarting a big thumper is a bear

GS550 is a four cylinder sewing machine, easy easy easy to kickstart.

[Tarbash 27]

just get a kickstart lever, gear, shaft and side cover from a pre 77-79 gs550 and put it in.

[tkent02]

just get a kickstart lever, gear, shaft and side cover from a pre 77-79 gs550 and put it in.

Does the engine case have a place for it?

[crapwacker]

Can he put a 78 750 motor in that thing? If so I know where he can get one...

[Nessism]

A kick starter can NOT be installed in an engine that didn't have one origionally (unless you are a master machinist that is and you know how to weld).

The only reasonable course of action would be to install a pre 1980 550 engine and the later head so your stock carbs will fit.

Only a hard core, hard headed GS diehard would go though that much pain just to install a kick start.

Go for it!

[Steve]

Up through the '81 models, the crankcase still had the bulge on the back where the kickstarter would go. The clutch cover also had that bulge on the back side. Starting with the '82 models, the crankcase and clutch covers were different. I don't know how much effort would be necessary to add all the parts to an '80 or '81, but you can't do it with the '82 crankcase.

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