450 desmo starting

[bsanut]

Hello. First time poster.

I have a 450 Desmo engine that was pulled from a MK3 years ago and access to a Jupiter chassis. I intend to put them both together eventually but a thought occured to me. Every big single I've owned, and I've owned a lot, had a valve lifter. How does one start a big single without it? The desmo makes this impossible, no? Were people really expected to push through all that compression to TDC at starting time, every time?

Thanks, Joe

[Eldert]

Hi Joe
a valve lifter is not possible on a Desmo but the Motocross special the
450 RT has a cable operated compresssion release valve
so that would be a option

Eldert

[rnoel1969]

I happen to have an extra 450 RT motor with one. If your interested.

[sthomag]

I know this is late, but I hope it's helpful.

There's an easy trick to starting a big thumper. With the ignition off, turn the engine over gently until the piston reaches top dead center on the compression stroke. Then, starting at the top of the kickstarter stroke, kick it all the way through.

Using this method, you can start the bike standing beside it with little effort. No muss, no fuss.

Good luck!