Oil Change questions

[exeric]

So, about that Knee replacement...

I had my left knee replaced at the beginning of May this year. First 2 weeks; gruesome. Today (4-1/2 months later) I've been mowing the lawn, replaced soffit, and facia on the house, painted the back of the house, and generally making a nuisance of myself. If your knee is slowing you down; get it done, and do the P.T. You'll be glad you did.

[Jim]

I had my left knee replaced at the beginning of May this year. First 2 weeks; gruesome. Today (4-1/2 months later) I've been mowing the lawn, replaced soffit, and facia on the house, painted the back of the house, and generally making a nuisance of myself. If your knee is slowing you down; get it done, and do the P.T. You'll be glad you did.

Thanks, but that wasn't my problem. BUT... when/if the time comes for me, I'll remember what you said!

[Skirted]

I had my left knee replaced at the beginning of May this year. First 2 weeks; gruesome. Today (4-1/2 months later) I've been mowing the lawn, replaced soffit, and facia on the house, painted the back of the house, and generally making a nuisance of myself. If your knee is slowing you down; get it done, and do the P.T. You'll be glad you did.

While we are on the rabbit trail knee subject .....Wonderful to hear all is good Eric with the knee and it wasn't your kicker knee. I am blessed with good knees but always wondered can (or should) someone with a knee replacement kick start old bikes? Or does the knee replacement come with an optional electric start kit?

[exeric]

My knee surgeon's name is Dr. Dingle (really) and in a city with a median age of (what seems like)104, Sarasota has an impressive population of very good, and wealthy surgeons. As Dr. Dingle said, the knee is as structurally good as ever and I feel that; however, the success is largely based on getting the muscles in both legs, and back in good shape by doing the therapy. Easy to backslide and get lazy. Most people are so glad to be mobile again that they do the hard work and grunt through the pain. I'm still going to give my knee a few more months of healing before assaulting a kicker, Jason

[PaulCDF]

"'m still going to give my knee a few more months of healing before assaulting a kicker"

Glad your knee is on the mend Erix. Don't know what you are kicking to life but maybe try: Instead of "kicking" it over use your weight to advantage and "push" it over. Coming down with your weight more in line with your leg straighter rather than bent kneed. Of course my ultimate backup plan if I can no longer kick over my Chief is to finish my 741 (A 12 year old girl could hand start that thing).

[exeric]

My right leg is fine and up to the task of starting. My due diligence is based on years of motorcycle, and bicycle riding which will always include panic stops, and using your legs as outriggers when things get squirrely. Getting my leg muscles stronger will build more stability and more (false) confidence. When I get on something with 2 wheels I go through a Jekyll, and Hyde thing where I get this thrill, and rush of me, machine, and ME and that is probably not all that safe, but it is wonderful. I believe everyone here experiences the same thing which is why we are here. . . Still alive. . . and wanting to ride motorcycles until a wife, children, or the law makes us stop.

[ChiefTwoKicks]

I had my right knee replaced about 15yrs ago, after 4 previous surgeries. The surgery was the old fashion way, like boning a turkey leg. Doctors are now using a new type of surgery where the patient is back on your feet in days, instead of weeks or months. Here's what I do to start my Indians... I use my left leg, facing the right side of the bike, with my right hand on the bars, left hand on the edge of the seat. Left foot on the kick pedal, with the toe pointing toward the rear of the bike. I feel like I have more control. Trying to start the bike with my left foot facing forward seems awkward to me, and if something should go wrong, (God forbid), I wouldn't have a good handle on the bike.

Also, when the bike does start, (on "two kicks", of course !) I keep my left foot on the starter arm, and raise it slowly. That way the kicker arm doesn't com flying up and hit my shin unexpectedly.
And if the bike lights up when the piston is at the top of the stroke, it won't bite me, either. We've all had that happen, and it isn't good. My right leg is just fine, but using my left foot assures better control and alot less chance of risking pain or injury.

Of course, there's a small learning curve, so my method is a bit awkward at first... a little practice and you're good to go. C2K

[PaulCDF]

"When I get on something with 2 wheels I go through a Jekyll, and Hyde thing "

I think I know how you feel. all the distracted drivers I ALWAYS assume the worst
I wear a Hit Air-Bag jacket.

Wall Squats are a great leg exercise