I need to fix my forward leaning kicker on my 1981 shovelhead and things is pointing towards the "tab on the kicker gear" and/or "stop plate boss"

Seem unable to find anyone selling the "stop plate boss" other than going for a complete kit (hate being forced into buying a stack of other non essential stuff)

Anyway, If it turns out to be the tab on the kicker gear, then I have the option to go down the "Baker" path but with the hefty price tag (especially with the low oz $ I wonder if it's worth it or not ?

Any thoughts - Baker seem to have a very good rep, but... The heavy duty kick kit I installed some 30 years ago have lasted this long (no idea what brand, but doubt its a Baker product)

Should I spend $500 on a limited Baker kick kit or go for the whole Asian *most likey shit quality kit for less $ ?

used to look like this (dead staight)...

I think the fact that you have had your bike for centuries, and have just got the fantastic paint etc, you should just cough up and go quality. Your going to keep the bike for a long time yet, and if the quality of the Asian is crap, you are essentially paying twice. I've learnt the hard way over time,trying to save a few $$ and getting second hand or reconditioned stuff,it just never ever works properly. Just buy the best you can and enjoy it.

I would see about fixing/welding the current bits to get them back into specs

Any good indy engineering mob will be able to make/repair the part . Give them a try...........

Gostwolf, i had a kick start only Shovel , bit older than yours, no starter motor, i had a 98 inch s&s kit , it used to lean forward a bit but when i kicked it it would move back, then i would get it on the compression n kick it, did not seem to matter, only trouble i had was i broke the kicker sharft, but a mate made some super tough sharfts about 25 years back stood up no problem. are you kick start only or do you have an electric starter u can use too?

when i think about it i can't see that being a problem as just a stop when you don't have any load on the kicker. but pull it apart inspect , just can't see it letting you down. don't buy the cheap kit as the shart they used did not last me a week when i once used a new one. & i'm not a heavy weight. my shovel still going strong mate owns it but he put late style starter & Rivera 6 speed.

 

If you can still use it, do and get the better quality when you have the moola mate.

What about the kits sold at Tejas thump cycles?
http://www.tejasthumpcycles.com/transmissions/Kick-Start.htm

Ghostrider, i'm thinking if everythine else ok & just the leaning forward kicker, it is eather the post that comes out the kicker gear or that steel plate i think has four bolts holding it and that part that stops the kicker is bent over meets that post on kicker gear, if it is the steel plate i don't think it would be hard to duplicate one. but if you can take kicker off inspect see if you can see why it is leaning forward like wear or something bent, but if looks like the plate try get someone at a metal fabrication or welder or someone to fix yours or make one that moves kicker how you want. but if i remember right. a mate broke the spring that returns the kicker, if the kicker goes back too far the gears clash while your riding he had to tye his forward to stop gears clashing. but i love kick start! now i'm missing it!!