Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I have a 1980 YZ465 that I race in the Evo class and it is so hard to kick over. One day on E-bay I saw the same bike with a Compression release on it. I e-mailed the guy and asked him who made it and how it worked and he never mailed me back the A-hole. Anyway I was wondering if anyone new how to rig one up on mine. I would greatly appreciate it greatly. Thanks Bill

Please answer by e-mail if posiible mailto:ktm46@sbcglobal.net

I have one on my Suzuki 400 that just screws in the extra spark plug hole. I'm not familiar with the Yamaha but if it has a two plug head, that is the way to go.

I've also heard of a design one of the european<???> manufacturers used. They mount the compression release on the side of the cylinder so it only works for ~the first 3/4 of the piston travel up. If you feel like spending a lot of money I will see if I can find the original reference.

My YZ only has one spark plug hole but thanks.

My '80 YZ465 kicks over just fine, starts fine too.....hot and cold.

You need to give it a proper swing, putting your weight behind the swing.
prodding it like a 125 will never get you going.

Checking and cleaning your carb could help, paying attention to the pilot curcuit.