Try Terry Prince for advice
Hi,
The chap who used to own my Rapide (Brian Shaw in Australia) had the same problem and was advised not to kick the bike.
He had Terry Prince in Oz fit 12 volt ignition (Pazon system) and the french electric start.
There were certainly some engineering challenges in fitting the starter, you need to use an angle grinder to take off some of the kickstart quadrant and I have heard rumouored that some people have had problems with the shear pin - shearing several times.
Terry set up the Rapide I have beautifully, she starts easily on the button and so my recommendation would be to consider having the work done by someone who has done it before and knows what they are doing.
If you read the instructions that come with the starter they are frightening regarding the "mustn't do".
- Dont fit it until you have set up the carbs - backfire can shear the pin.
- Don't do anything that risks a backfire (such as flooding) - can shear the pin.
- Don't use less than a 12 AH battery - may cause the unit to fail.
- Can't hold the clutch in (when in gear) and roll backwards - and if you manage to, like down a hill for instance, you risk shearing the pin.
I've read in old MPH's of a couple of chaps having them fitted by riding across to France and making a holiday of it - good idea to have the guy who designed it do the job I reckon.
Having said all of that, mine is a joy to use and is so impressive, especially to people who know Vincents but don't know what the little red button is for - watch them be speechless when you say cheerio, and press a button and she fires.
Not cheap - but will keep you riding.
The other modifications that Brian did (he is in his 70's) that I can, having riddent the bike now, recommend (although I'm in my forties) are touring bars - I'm quite tall - and a series D centre stand - the handle is very helpful and whilst I initially thought I would have it removed, it turns out to be a big job (exhaust off) and I quite like the ease and convenience so I think I may well keep it.
The other alternative would be to invite an attractive young companion to ride pillion at all times fo rthe purpose of starting the machine for you. Can't think of a shop where you can get one of those though.
Hope that helps - drop me a line if I can be of more assistance.
Regards
Stuart