what position should the mag retard lever be in when starting the bike?

['45 WD CO]

what position should the mag retard lever be in when starting the bike?  Thanks.  Bill

[ace.cafe]

I can't say for certain about magnetos, but generally the ignition wants to be retarded for kicking over, and then advanced when you begin to ride.

['45 WD CO]

Thanks ace.  Do you know which direction on the lever retards the ignition?

[mrunderhill1975a]

I don't know for sure on your bike, however,if you look closely at the lever mechanism, you should be able to see how the lever pushes the mechanism.  The retard would be in the direction that causes the mechanism to move in the same direction as the magneto rotates.

[mgm]

Okay, I gotta ask a stupid question. Does an 06 iron barrel have a magneto...or a retard lever?

[Chuck D]

Okay, I gotta ask a stupid question. Does an 06 iron barrel have a magneto...or a retard lever?

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,15852.0.html

[barenekd]

An 06 should have an automatic advance built into the points plate.
They do not have magnetos. Mags pretty much went away in the 50s, with a few bikes hanging on into the 60s. Along with the mags, manual retard levers went away went with them. So did holed pistons.
Bare

[ace.cafe]

An 06 should have an automatic advance built into the points plate.
They do not have magnetos. Mags pretty much went away in the 50s, with a few bikes hanging on into the 60s. Along with the mags, manual retard levers went away went with them. So did holed pistons.
Bare

He's asking because he has a 1945 Royal Enfield WD-CO

[72westie]

I think it would be less confusing if there wasn't 4 threads asking questions about the same bike. 

[ERC]

If it's still mounted on the left handlebar you pull the lever counterclockwise towards you. The choke lever which should be on the right handlebar pull that towards you which when viewed from above goes clockwise to choke it. That's if it's set up original if not it's anybodies guess.  ERC

['45 WD CO]

Thanks ERC.  Yes, all the controls are still where they originally were.  Just replaced the battery, and obviously have a problem with the horn switch, because I can't turn it off!

[SRL790]

Bill,

Where you need to set the lever will depend somewhat on where your ignition timing is set at.  On mine I generally start with just less than full advance and most times it starts.  If it kicks back on you retard it more by pulling the lever toward you.  Experience (and your ankle) will tell you where the best position is.  Retard it too much and it won't fire.

Important!  Not sure what your experience is with kick starting engines but always place the ball of your foot on the kickstart not the convenient right angle made by the the sole and the heel of your boot.  This way if it kicks back your ankle should have enough flex to absorb the shock.  Even a lowly 350 can kick back with suprising violence.

Andy

['45 WD CO]

Thanks Andy!  Very helpful!  Fortunately, my 06 Iron Barrel has electric start problems, so I've been kick-starting it for years now.  I like the tip about the ball of your foot.  Cheers,  Bill