Yes you can start most things Ron, but I remember this BSA V twin getting the better of you, it didn't want to spin over fast enough.... you had had a few whiskys by then

Luckily the lady owner had to show us how to do it, and she had a hell of a kick on her

email (option): horror@blueyonder.co.uk

Bloody Hell yes Horror. There was a knack to that thing, and not helped by no rear stand. Hot and bothered that day. Sometimes you just need those child bearing hips

But look at this lady. 96 and still riding the Chief she bought in 1941 Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Aha, think we found the man who destroyed all those stands!

No, it aint rocketscience, but lots of M20 stands are way too far over vertical and lots of owners don't realise the enormous increase of forces on the pivots by starting the bike on such a stand...

Together with a kickstart lever with a very large offset and relatively weak gearbox outershell it is best to realise that and not overstrain the starting procedure.

Even the great M20 has a few drawbacks and lots can be learned from noticing these.

Cheers, Michiel

So we are agreed, Keith.......go and get yourself a Matchless!