Sorry to have to disagree with Tom's starting technique. I speak as a man at least as vertically challenged as Tom ( small and imperfectly formed, thats me). Once the trick of just holding the valve lifter up, taking a firm down wards prod and letting go of the valve lifter part way down the stroke is learned life is easier all the way round. It is easier on you and the kick start mechanism. No more fiddling around trying to find where top dead center is on one of the cylinders. Just get on with it and if it does not start within a few kicks then something is wrong. Watch several people at a Vincent gathering to see how peoples techniques vary and then decide which one is for you.