Extra length kick start lever for 850?

The RGM folding kick start based on the T160 kick start is the longest.

The Norvil PR had a longer straight kick-starter, but I do not think they are in production any more.

The 850 Mk3 lever is a little longer. I wouldn't claim that it makes an 850 Commando 'easy' to start though. It's a big engine to spin over fast enough, especially for a lighter rider.

... although I have to admit my (optimistic) 100 Kg helps!

With my 850 I found the best technique was to ease it over compression a couple of time with the ignition off (after flooding slightly, air lever closed) to get the juices flowing then get on to compression and "bounce" the engine over that compression which usually gave enough momentum to spin it past the next one when it would start. Totally different to the big single method of course.

At considerably less than 100kg there is no bouncing over TDC possible ;) , so treating it like a big single works for me. Find compression and then rest your weight on the lever and let the compression leak away. Then when it finally finds TDC, release lever and let it come back up to a comfortable height and give the big kick.

.. that's more or less what I was saying. You have to get it over compression somehow, and the crank has to be moving fast enough for it to actually fire and not kick back.

I always found it better to start from astride with the bike on its wheels rather than from the side on the centre stand although you do need to be ready to catch it on the left foot before the whole lt falls over.....

I bought my Mrs a T100C that was actually very easy to kick start but only being used to electric starts, she couldn`t manage it and only rode it once. I rode it quite a bit afterwards....Ahrr, the joy of the present for your other half which is really for yourelf :-)   If he`s serious about this girlfriend, he`ll fit an electric start.