I have an 89 LT500R I`ve rebuilt from ground up. Sometimes when I start it it will kick back? If I`m wearing tennis shoes it actualy hurts my foot. Is this normal? It always starts. When I bought it, it dident run, the flywheel rivits were shreaded. It looked like it may have hit the ignition pickup. If this isnt normal which way would I move the timing to correct it(advanced or retarded). I know the manual says its not adjustable but if you remove the flywheel you can adjust it. Any help on what your LT500R does would be apreciated.

 

This sounds normal, my LT250R does the same thing. It just depends on where the piston is at in its stroke, when you begin to kick. The kickback is caused by the bike firing and starting before you get finished with the kicking motion. Mine has always done it as well as others I know, some more than others, but nothing to worry about. The stock timing is for a stock motor also though. So if you did any port work or mods to it, you may want to play with the timing a little. But, you don't have any probs with the kickback. Later.

 

My Lt500 does the same thing when starting. it will build up and let a a short back fire it is common on this bikes. Also never try to start your bike with sneakers or you will learn the hard way when u take some skin off on your shin
OUCHHHH!!!!

 

im guessing theres no compression relese valve...