Early 1940's Push Start

[DustyGold]

So if someone has an early 40's "push start" bike in a hilly part of the country, will the bike start by letting it roll backwards? Seems like I read once that early bikes would die at a stop light or stop sign. Then one, would have to push the bike a little to get the engine running until the next stop. Is that right?

[kartjockey]

I hope to let you know!   LoL.   Working on a 1940 direct drive now.  Seems a person would decompress the engine then push off thus starting the engine and taking off.  You are correct about the engine shutting off each time if the bike is completely stopped. But if it is rolling even a little bit when the compression release is closed the engine will fire again.

[DustyGold]

Well I remember once back in the 80's I had a 68 Camaro with a 4 speed. The car died on the side of a pretty steep mountain road. I vaguely recall letting the car roll backwards in order to jump start the thing. I live in a hilly area. So I got to wondering if I could use the same technique with a Simplex.

[pd]

But , your Simplex does not have reverse .

Pete .